The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Qatar launched its year‑long golden jubilee celebrations of diplomatic ties with a Ceylon Tea Tasting Evening at the prestigious Katara Cultural Village, blending culture, diplomacy, and heritage. 

The event, attended by ambassadors, senior officials, and business leaders, also marked the 159th anniversary of Sri Lanka’s world‑renowned tea industry, underscoring tea’s role as both an export of excellence and a symbol of friendship across nations. 

According to the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Doha, the evening was graced by General Manager of Katara Cultural Village, Khalid Al Sulaiti, as Chief Guest. The choice of Katara Cultural Village as the venue was a testament to the deep cultural ties between Sri Lanka and Qatar providing a fitting and prestigious backdrop for an evening of warmth, diplomacy and the finest teas.

The distinguished gathering brought together ambassadors, diplomats, senior government officials, members of the international business community, and media representatives to celebrate two landmark milestones: the 159th Anniversary of the Ceylon Tea Industry and the 50th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations between the State of Qatar and the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka.

Addressing the gathering, Ambassador of Sri Lanka in Qatar, Sithara Khan stated that since its origins in 1867, Ceylon Tea has built a distinguished reputation for quality, authenticity and excellence, emphasizing that its story extends far beyond that of a simple export commodity. She described it as a narrative of people, communities and livelihoods, rooted in sustainability, environmental stewardship and the preservation of a cultural heritage passed down through generations.

Ambassador Sithara Khan, also underscored the symbolic significance of launching the year-long Golden Jubilee celebrations with Ceylon Tea, a product that embodies hospitality, friendship and connection. She said, “It is therefore particularly fitting that we commence these year-long celebrations of this golden jubilee year with Ceylon Tea,” adding that tea has long served as a catalyst for dialogue and understanding across cultures worldwide.

The Ambassador of Sri Lanka drew a meaningful parallel between tea and diplomacy, just as a shared cup of tea creates moments of conversation and friendship, the relationship between Sri Lanka and Qatar has been one of mutual respect, cooperation and enduring partnership across five decades. She added that around the world, tea has brought people together across cultures and backgrounds and in many ways, symbolises the very spirit of Sri Lanka–Qatar relations.

In her speech the Ambassador extended her sincere appreciation to the Qatar–Sri Lanka Business Council and Katara Cultural Village for their invaluable partnership in making the evening possible.

A highlight of the evening was showcasing the seven regional Ceylon Teas.

The event drew approximately 150 guests, all of whom were eager to explore the rich diversity of Ceylon Tea. Invitees were treated to a carefully curated selection of Ceylon Tea variations, from Basilur Lounge offering a sensory journey through Sri Lanka’s world-renowned tea heritage. The evening also featured artisanal accompaniments provided by Symphony Artisanal Bakery, the collaborating partners of the event.

The Ceylon Tea Tasting Evening marks the beginning of a series of events planned throughout 2026 – 2027 to celebrate 50 years of Qatar–Sri Lanka diplomatic relations. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka’s tea exports to the UAE continued to grow in 2025, reaching 18.32 million kilograms compared to 17.73 million kilograms in 2024, registering an increase of 3.3 per cent, a senior official said.

Dr Arusha Cooray, Sri Lanka’s ambassador to UAE, expects tea exports from Sri Lanka to both the UAE and the GCC region will continue to grow in the coming years on the back of strong demand for Sri Lankan tea and its reputation for quality and authenticity.

Data showed that Iraq was the largest destination for Sri Lankan tea exports in 2025, accounting for 15.31 per cent of total exports, followed by Russia at 8.39 per cent and Türkiye at 8.27 per cent.

The comments were made during a celebration organized by the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Abu Dhabi to mark International Tea Day at Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM).

Speaking at an event held in Abu Dhabi, Ambassador Dr Arusha Cooray highlighted the legacy of Sri Lankan tea, its contribution to the country’s economy and the international recognition the industry has earned over the years.

She also spoke about the unique characteristics of tea grown across Sri Lanka’s seven tea-producing regions, the evolution of tea production on the island and the country’s continued role as a major exporter to global markets.

The event brought together more than 75 participants, including senior UAE officials, ambassadors, tea importers, media representatives and industry stakeholders.

Dr Ahmed Mukhtar, FAO Representative to the UAE, attended as chief guest and highlighted the diversity of Ceylon tea, its sustainable cultivation practices and its competitive position in global markets.

Several leading Sri Lankan tea companies, including Dilmah, Akbar Tea, Ahmad Tea, Eswaran Brothers and Stassen Tea, showcased their products during the event.

Guests also participated in a tea-tasting session led by Mohamed Rikas, a certified tea master from Ahmad Tea, who introduced the distinctive flavor profiles of teas cultivated across Sri Lanka’s seven tea-growing regions.

Product samples provided by the Sri Lanka Tea Board and tea importers were displayed at the venue, while the event concluded with a networking session featuring traditional Sri Lankan canapés accompanied by Ceylon teas and tea-based mocktails.

The event highlighted the strong cultural and economic ties between Sri Lanka and the UAE while reinforcing the growing trade relationship between the two countries. (Khaleej Times)

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The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Türkiye, in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Tea Board and BETA Food Industry and Trade Inc., hosted an exclusive afternoon dedicated to Ceylon Tea at the Sri Lanka Residence to mark International Tea Day.

According to the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Ankara, the event brought together members of the diplomatic corps, government officials, Turkish media, leading tea traders, and importers for a cultural and culinary showcase of Sri Lanka’s most iconic export.

Welcoming guests, Ambassador Niluka Kadurugamuwa underscored the global significance of International Tea Day, declared by UNESCO, while highlighting tea’s deep economic, cultural, and historical importance to Sri Lanka. She emphasized that Ceylon Tea continues to enjoy worldwide prestige for its unmatched quality, rich aroma, refreshing taste, and diverse regional character.

The program featured a presentation on “Ceylon Tea” by specialist Hatice Uğur, screenings of promotional videos, and a live tasting session introducing participants to seven regional varieties and premium artisanal teas. Guests experienced firsthand the craftsmanship and authenticity that distinguish Ceylon Tea in the international market.

BETA Food Industry and Trade Inc., a longstanding partner in importing Ceylon Tea to Türkiye, co‑organized the event, reflecting the growing friendship and cooperation between the two nations in promoting the tea industry.

The elegant afternoon was enriched with authentic Sri Lankan refreshments, traditional delights, and Ceylon Tea hampers gifted to attendees. The celebration reaffirmed the Embassy’s commitment to promoting Ceylon Tea in Türkiye while strengthening trade relations and cultural exchanges between the two countries. (Newswire)

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The world‑famous beverage from Sri Lanka, Ceylon Tea, is set to enter a new era with the infusion of Biotechnology 4.0, marking a knowledge‑based export drive for the country’s botanical market.

A major milestone in this science‑led industrialization was reached this week when the Board of Investment (BOI) granted formal approval for a state‑of‑the‑art botanical extraction facility by Natex Extracts (Pvt) Limited.

The project, backed by foreign direct investment (FDI) of USD 1.5 million (over LKR 450 million), will be established in the Pallekele Export Processing Zone in Kandy. It will introduce advanced biotechnology to the heart of Sri Lanka’s tea‑growing region.

Technological leadership for the facility will be provided by Dr. Samuel Perm Mathi Maran, a renowned scientist specializing in phytopharmaceutical innovation, botanical drug research, and green biotechnology. (Newswire)

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The Cabinet has approved the continuation of a 50% trade exhibition subsidy scheme for Ceylon Tea exporters, aimed at helping them find new international buyers and promote the Ceylon Tea brand globally.

The Sri Lanka Tea Board has implemented the scheme since 2015 to support exporters in participating in international trade exhibitions. 

The proposal to maintain the program was presented by the Minister of Plantation and Infrastructure Facilities. (Newswire)

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