Tea Industry suffering due to acts of racketeers - Factory owners

By Suranga Rajanayaka   

Former President of the Tea Factory Owner’s Association and Proprietor of Kurunduwatta Tea Factory in Nawalapitiya, Robert Harley said the tea industry in Sri Lanka had suffered a serious setback due to unscrupulous activities of racketeers.   

Addressing a ceremony to donate school requisites to children he pointed out that it was a matter of serious concern that the reputation of Ceylon tea had declined and that the industry which had been the main exchange earner of the country had collapsed. 

 
“Import of tea adulterated with flavors and chemicals has resulted in the loss of reputation as best tea in the world. This has been going on unchecked since long. Racketeers who blended pure tea with tea refuse had attempted to export them in several instances. .

   
He said the livelihood of millions of workers would be in danger unless steps were taken to protect the tea industry from racketeers.   
Books and school requisites were distributed among children in Ganga Ihala Korala in Gampola and it was funded by Kurunduwatta tea factory.