Prez calls for immediate diversification of SL’s tea offering to embrace global trends

President Ranil Wickremesinghe this week highlighted the need for Sri Lanka to immediately explore avenues to diversify its range of tea products to align with the emerging global trends. 

Calling for renewed thinking to ensure the sustenance and growth of the local tea sector, Wickremesinghe urged the industry stakeholders to step up efforts in transforming the industry for the better.
“Had it not been for Mr. Lipton’s arrival in Ceylon, our current state would not exist. Hence, we must urgently explore avenues to introduce new products to the market through system enhancements. You can rest assured of our full support in this endeavour,” Wickremesinghe told the 129th Annual General Meeting of the Colombo Tea Traders’ Association, held on Tuesday.

He asserted now is the opportune moment to contemplate fresh management practices in comparison to those employed by small and medium-scale growers. The forthcoming programme should be a masterpiece, seamlessly integrating the latest digital technologies such as artificial intelligence and biotechnology, he stressed.
“We should delve into the possibility of utilising subjects such as artificial intelligence and biotechnology. This innovative endeavour should be spearheaded by the private sector. After all, the ultimate authority resides within your market,” Wickremesinghe noted.
Looking ahead over the next 20-30 years, he suggested that the industry should analyse and address the challenges that have emerged within the sector.

Further, Wickremesinghe drew attention to the threats emerging from climate change and asserted the need to safeguard the tea industry, which can be achieved by shielding the island nation’s tropical climate from the impacts of climate change.   He also brought to light a recent report that underscored the concerning deterioration of viable water sources in Sri Lanka attributed to shifting climate patterns. 

Given that a substantial portion of Sri Lanka’s water resources is centred in the central hills, these repercussions directly impact the tea industry, Wickremesinghe highlighted.