Sri Lanka Consulate General in Dubai and Northern Emirates celebrates International Tea Day

Sri Lankan Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates Professor Arusha Cooray (left) with dipomatic community

The Consulate General of Sri Lanka to Dubai and the Northern Emirates recently celebrated ‘International Tea Day 2026,’ an event dedicated to the heritage and excellence of tea as designated by the UN General Assembly Resolution 74/241 and led by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) to promote sustainable tea production and consumption.

The event, held at the Consulate General premises on 21 May, was organised in close coordination with the Sri Lanka Tea Board to promote Ceylon Tea, cultivated mainly in the central highlands of Sri Lanka and well known for its unique flavour, quality, and diversity.

The event highlighted Sri Lanka’s rich heritage as one of the world’s leading tea producers and tea’s role in fighting poverty and hunger while supporting rural livelihoods. 

During the event, Sri Lanka’s tea production was showcased by providing a better understanding on a wide range of teas, including black, green, white, and flavoured teas that support sustainable livelihoods for thousands of local farmers.

The celebration showcased the diversity and excellence of Ceylon Tea, renowned globally for its distinct flavour, aroma, and quality. Guests enjoyed tea tasting sessions featuring premium Ceylon Tea varieties, with a special focus on Ceylon Tea from seven regions of Sri Lanka, along with demonstrations on traditional tea preparation and brewing techniques. Representing the leading tea exporters from the country, Dilmah, Akbar Brothers, Eswaran and Basilur Tea attended the event, conducting tea tasting sessions, displays, and tea counters at the event.

In his remarks, Consul General of Sri Lanka to Dubai and Northern Emirates Alexi Gunasekera emphasised the significance of tea as not only a major export commodity but also a symbol of Sri Lanka’s culture and heritage. 

“Ceylon Tea is a source of national pride and a bridge connecting Sri Lanka with the world. International Tea Day provides an opportunity to celebrate this heritage and promote sustainable tea production that benefits our communities,” he said.

The event also highlighted the efforts of Sri Lanka in promoting sustainable and ethical tea production, supporting local farmers, and maintaining high-quality standards that have made Ceylon Tea a household name globally. 

Main segments of the event included tea tasting sessions, presentations from Dilmah Tea and Akbar Brothers, a ceremonial tea cake cutting, raffle draw, and experience sharing of the invitees.

The event was attended by a cross-section of a targeted audience comprised of diplomats including Consuls General from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Belarus, Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, the Netherlands, Nepal, Pakistan, Peru, Russia, Singapore, Türkiye, the US, diplomats from India, Japan, Kuwait, representatives from the Chambers/Business Councils in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), business leaders, representatives from the Media Academy of the UAE, tea traders, tea enthusiasts, leading food importers/distributors, the SriLankan Airlines Country Manager and senior representatives, Emirates, Air Canada, Qatar Airways, Air Arabia, Fly Dubai, and FitsAir, media personnel including Khaleej Times, Gulf News, and The National, media influencers, and members of the Sri Lankan Professionals Association in the UAE.

Attendees were able to experience the journey of Ceylon Tea from the lush highlands of Sri Lanka to the cup, gaining insights into its cultivation, harvesting, and global significance.

Thambapanni restaurants in the UAE joined the event as the catering partner, providing an opportunity for the invitees to taste authentic Sri Lanka dishes.

A raffle draw was arranged at the end of the event with support from Cinnamon Hotels, Jetwing Hotels, Siddhalepa Ayurveda Health Resort, Air Arabia, Dilmah Tea, Akbar Brothers, Eswaran, and Basilur Ceylon Premium Tea with a view to promote Sri Lanka as a tourist destination among this targeted audience on the sidelines of the Ceylon Tea promotion. 

The Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Dubai continues to strengthen cultural and trade ties between Sri Lanka and the UAE through such initiatives, fostering appreciation for Sri Lanka’s tea industry and culinary heritage.