Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya has emphasized that the government remains committed to improving the quality of life for the plantation community, stating that in the 2026 Sri Lankan budget, a proposal was made to increase the daily wage for plantation workers from Rs. 1,350 to Rs. 1,750. 

PM Amarasuriya said that this includes an increase in the base daily wage to Rs. 1,550, along with a government-proposed daily attendance incentive of Rs. 200, scheduled to take effect from January 2026. 

“This marks the beginning of our efforts to ensure fair compensation and improved living standards for those who sustain the industry. At the same time, the government is committed to advancing the tea sector itself. Our vision is to make the industry more sustainable, competitive, and inclusive,” she said.

The Prime Minister further said that recently, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake handed over 2,000 housing deeds to members of the plantation community who had long been denied the right to hold property, providing them with greater security and stability.

Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya made these remarks while addressing the inauguration ceremony of the National Tea Symposium (InTSym100) held in Colombo today. 

The Tea Research Institute of Sri Lanka (TRISL) celebrates a century of scientific service to the nation this year, marking 100 years since its establishment in 1925. The Institute commemorates this milestone with the International Tea Symposium 2025, held today and tomorrow at the Cinnamon Grand, Colombo, under the theme “Perfect Sip: Bridging Innovations, Sustainability and Lifestyles.”

This landmark event brings together scientists, researchers, policymakers, and industry leaders from across the globe to share knowledge, explore innovations, and chart the future of the tea industry through collaborative research and development.

A new tea variety, TRI 5000, was presented to the Prime Minister during the ceremony.

Addressing the event, the Prime Minister further stated: “Tea remains a central part of Sri Lanka’s economy, contributing nearly 10% of agricultural exports and supporting the livelihoods of close to two million people. Beyond its economic role, tea is deeply connected to our land, culture, and communities. It sustains families across the sector from smallholders and plantation workers to manufacturers, packers, and exporters.

“Approximately 90% of Sri Lanka’s tea production is exported to more than 140 countries. Since its introduction, tea has represented Sri Lanka on the global stage, with Ceylon Tea recognized internationally for quality and authenticity. As a government, we aim to further expand this progress and have set a target of 400 million kilograms of made tea and US$2.5 billion in export earnings by 2030,” she said.

PM Amarasuriya noted that at the same time, the human dimension of the tea industry must be acknowledged. 

“Women have long played a central role, from plucking to research and administration. More than 60% of the labour force in the sector comprises women. During the COVID-19 pandemic, they continued to work, generating income for the state while others were under lockdown. Their contributions deserve recognition. They have faced significant hardships, from snake bites to injuries sustained while plucking tea leaves. Many still lack proper housing and access to childcare facilities, which adds to their challenges. These women must be provided with access to education, training, safe working conditions, fair wages, and equitable opportunities for advancement,” she added. (Newswire)

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Issues that have emerged within Sri Lanka’s tea industry were reviewed during a discussion between the Secretary to the President, Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, and officials from institutions related to the tea industry.

The meeting, held at the Presidential Secretariat yesterday (17), also paid special attention to improving the quality of tea leaves and the productivity of tea cultivation and exploring new international market opportunities.

The challenges faced by tea manufacturers were also discussed, and Dr. Kumanayake instructed officials to provide constructive solutions to these issues.

The importance of implementing various programmes for the capacity development of small tea estate owners was also discussed. During this, the necessity of drawing manufacturers’ attention to replanting tea was also deliberated.

Discussions also covered the future programme to be implemented by the Ministry of Plantation and Community Infrastructure regarding tea cultivation, including the establishment of a formal data system and the need for its proper follow-up.

Furthermore, the Tea Traders’ Association urged the government to strictly enforce the law against factories that compromise quality during tea production.

The establishment of a platform to improve coordination among tea manufacturers, exporters, small tea estate owners and government officials was also discussed. 

The President’s Secretary stated that further steps would be taken after discussions with the relevant ministry. This is expected to allow for a detailed investigation of emerging issues in the tea industry and to provide swift and efficient solutions.

Further, the Tea Smallholder Factory owners expressed their appreciation to the government for inviting small tea estate owners to this discussion. (Newswire)

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