SL reaffirms commitment to sustainability at International Tea Day conference in China

Minister Samantha Vidyaratne 

• Plantations and Community Infrastructure Minister Samantha Vidyaratne says future of tea industry must be built on economic growth, social responsibility, environmental sustainability and empowerment of tea-growing communities
• Highlights Ceylon Tea continues to represent quality, trust, and reliability globally over 150 years
• Describes tea as a form of “soft diplomacy” capable of building stronger ties between nations

Plantations and Community Infrastructure Minister Samantha Vidyaratne yesterday reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s commitment to building a sustainable and community-focused tea industry, while calling for stronger international cooperation to safeguard the future of global tea production.

Addressing the International Tea Day Conference in Nanning, Guangxi, Vidyaratne said the future of the tea industry must be built not only on economic growth, but also on social responsibility, environmental sustainability and the empowerment of tea-growing communities.

The conference, held under the theme “Safeguarding the Sustainability of the Tea Industry, Empowering Communities,” brought together representatives from major tea-producing countries and international organisations.

He stressed that tea extends beyond being a commercial commodity and remains deeply connected to culture, tradition, and international relations.

“Tea is not just a drink. It is a symbol of culture, friendship, hospitality, and human communication that has connected civilisations for centuries,” he said.

Highlighting the significance of tea to Sri Lanka’s economy and national identity, Vidyaratne said Ceylon Tea continues to represent quality, trust, and reliability globally more than 150 years after the industry was established.

“For over 150 years, Ceylon Tea has carried the name of Sri Lanka around the world, exemplifying quality, reliability and trust,” he said.

The Minister noted that the tea industry remains a critical source of livelihoods for millions of people linked to the sector, including plantation workers, smallholder farmers, producers, exporters, traders, and entrepreneurs across the value chain.

Despite ongoing global economic and environmental pressures, Sri Lanka remains committed to producing premium teas while prioritising ethical production practices and community welfare, he added.

“Today, despite many global economic and environmental challenges, Sri Lanka continues to be committed to producing high-quality premium teas while ensuring the well-being of tea-growing communities, ethical production and sustainability,” Vidyaratne said.

The Minister stressed that the sustainability of the global tea industry is inseparable from the welfare and resilience of the communities supporting it.

“This year’s timely theme reminds us that the future of the tea industry must be built not only on economic growth, but also on social responsibility and environmental management. The sustainability of the tea industry directly depends on the sustainability of the communities behind it,” he said.

Vidyaratne outlined several measures being implemented by the Government to strengthen plantation communities, including welfare initiatives, housing, infrastructure, education, healthcare, and livelihood development programs.

He also highlighted efforts to modernise the sector through innovation, value addition, climate resilience and sustainable agricultural practices.

“In Sri Lanka, the Government continues to empower the people of the plantation sector through various social welfare, infrastructure, housing, education, healthcare and livelihood development programs,” he said.

The Minister also underscored the importance of international collaboration in strengthening the future of the tea industry and praised the longstanding relationship between Sri Lanka and China.

“Sri Lanka also recognises the importance of international cooperation to strengthen the future of the global tea industry,” he said, adding that China’s contribution to global tea culture and civilisation has been truly remarkable.

Vidyaratne also described tea as a form of “soft diplomacy” capable of building stronger ties between nations.

“Tea can be described as a form of soft diplomacy that brings people together across borders,” he said.

“We believe that it can act as a bridge between nations, promoting cultural understanding, interpersonal communication, and economic partnership.”

Calling for collective action, the Minister urged global stakeholders to protect the heritage of tea while ensuring fair and sustainable value chains for future generations.

“Let us renew our collective commitment to preserving the heritage of tea, empowering tea-growing communities, ensuring fair and sustainable value chains, and encouraging future generations to carry forward this proud tradition,” he said.

Vidyaratne reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s willingness to work with other nations toward building a sustainable and prosperous future for the global tea sector.

The Minister also participated in a tea trade exhibition held alongside the conference in Nanning.

The event was attended by tea industry representatives from Cambodia, Kenya, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam, along with officials from the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations and senior representatives of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Government.