Ceylon Tea heritage celebrated at International Tea Day 2026 in UN Geneva

Ambassador Sumith Dassanayak, WTO Ambassador R.G.S. Wijesekara

Geneva Director Dominique Burgeon, UNECE Executive Secretary Tatiana Molcean

The Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka to the United Nations and to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) in Geneva, in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) Liaison Office in Geneva jointly hosted an event to celebrate the International Tea Day 2026 at the United Nations in Geneva under the global theme, “Sustaining Tea, Supporting Communities” on 29 May 2026.

The International Tea Day is observed annually on 21 May by the United Nations system around the world, and it recognises the contribution of tea to poverty reduction, sustainable development, food security and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.

United Nations Under-Secretary General and the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) Executive Secretary Tatiana Molcean graced the occasion representing the Director General of the United Nations Office in Geneva.

The High-Level Segment commenced with opening remarks by FAO Liaison Office in Geneva Director Dominique Burgeon, who underscored the importance of sustainable agricultural value chains and the contribution of tea to food security, employment and rural development.

Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to the United Nations in Geneva Sumith Dassanayake highlighted Sri Lanka’s long-standing tea heritage and the global reputation of Ceylon Tea as a symbol of quality, authenticity and excellence. The Permanent Representative further emphasised that in recognition of the contribution made by the plantation employees in Sri Lanka, the Malayalam community, special allocations were made under this year’s budget by the Government of Sri Lanka to improve living standards of the community. Also, the wages for plantation employees have been increased by the present Government substantially. 

Joining the high-level segment, Under-Secretary-General Tatiana Molcean underscored the significant contribution of the tea industry in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals.

Joining online, FAO Markets and Trade Division Senior Economist El Mamoun Amrouk made a presentation on “How Tea Supports Communities: International Tea Markets, Prospects and Emerging Issues.” His presentation provided an overview of current developments in the global tea sector and the opportunities and challenges facing tea-producing countries.

The program also featured a presentation by International Tea Committee, London Executive Director James Suranga Perera on “Balancing Supply, Demand and Sustainability: The Role of Data in Supporting Tea Communities.” He highlighted the importance of market intelligence, data and sustainability-oriented strategies in ensuring the long-term viability of tea-producing communities worldwide.

Delivering closing remarks, Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) Ambassador R.G.S. Wijesekara invited attendees to continue dialogue over a cup of Ceylon Tea, highlighting how shared traditions can create space for understanding in Geneva, where many important conversations often begin around formal tables but deepen through simple human connection, such as sharing a cup of tea.

A special promotional video titled “Ceylon Tea - Only from Sri Lanka” showcased Sri Lanka’s unique tea-growing heritage, diverse agro-climatic regions and the internationally recognised quality standards that distinguish authentic Ceylon Tea.

The formal program was followed by a Ceylon Tea tasting session, conducted by James Suranga Perera, Professional Tea Taster and UK Tea Specialist, offering participants an opportunity to experience the distinctive flavours of authentic Ceylon Tea in particular in 7 regional tea. The event concluded with a networking session and informal discussions among participants while tasting Ceylon tea with Sri Lankan sweets.

The event provided Sri Lanka with a valuable opportunity to promote Ceylon Tea not only as a globally trusted product, but also as a national brand rooted in quality, sustainability and community livelihoods.

By bringing together 150 participants representing the UN, diplomatic missions, international organisations and tea experts in Geneva, the celebration helped reinforce the international visibility of Sri Lanka’s tea sector and its continuing relevance to sustainable trade, rural development and global consumer confidence.