Aitken Spence Hotels marks 150 years of Ceylon tea

Seen here Chef Martin Yan of ‘Yan Can Cook’ fame speaking to the gathering about his love for Ceylon tea as Director of Aitken Spence PLC and Chairperson of Aitken Spence Hotel Managements (Pvt) Ltd Stasshani Jayawardena looks on. 
Pic By Nisal Baduge 

By Supun Dias
Aitken Spence Hotels marked 150 years of Ceylon tea since it was introduced by James Taylor to replace coffee and as of today it is among the top five export generators for Sri Lanka.

The event was held at the Aitken Spence Head Office down Vauxhall Street and concept for the event was very unique as it had been set up for the guests to experience a rail ride from Fort to NanuOya, arriving at a beautiful walkway through tea plantations leading to the entrance of Heritance 
Tea Factory. 

Signature brews specially made to be blended with curated tea infused concoctions and delightful sweet and savory nibbles with a twist to truly Sri Lankan flavours were created by Aitken Spence Hotels’ talented and award winning culinary. 

It was also an opportunity for the Aitken Spence Group to appreciate and thank its valued stakeholders  their constant support given over the years. Director of Aitken Spence PLC and Chairperson of Aitken Spence Hotel Managements (Pvt) Ltd Stasshani Jayawardena said that marking 150 years of Ceylon tea is very important for a leading hospitality brand which always focuses on carrying the virtues of Sri Lankan culture.

 “While tea is part and parcel of Sri Lanka and its identity in the world, it has influenced our business as well. If you take our Heritance Tea Factory; a unique property that is converted from a 19th Century tea factory constructed in the days of a British Raj and we are very proud of having such a property as it gives us an impetus to share in this national celebration of its legendary journey in tea,” Jayawardena said.

The event saw the participation of notable individuals from the industry, as well as reputed figures representing the public and private sector as well as foreign dignitaries. 
Aitken Spence Hotels believes that celebrating and recognizing the Ceylon tea brand is essential to take forward the Sri Lankan culture blended with the unique Sri Lankan hospitality.