Tea industry stands strong as CTTA confirms swift return to normal operations

• Notes tea-growing areas in Uva and Central Province experienced some impact; affirms no loss of manufacturing capacity 
• States with majority of plantations and smallholder lands in South of the island, harvesting, manufacturing and transportation activities are continuing as usual
• Informs Tea Auction previously set for first week of the month has been rescheduled to last week of December
• Affirms commitment to supply ‘Ceylon Tea’ globally and remain optimistic about future

The tea industry has once again demonstrated its resilience with the Colombo Tea Traders’ Association (CTTA) assuring that Cyclone Ditwah caused only limited disruptions, no manufacturing losses and that harvesting, transport and Colombo Tea Auction activities are steadily returning to normal.

“The Cyclone Ditwah, which recently affected Sri Lanka, presents yet another challenge for the tea industry. However, it is by no means insurmountable. The well-established and highly coordinated industry network is fully geared to confront these issues head-on. While some tea-growing areas in the Uva and the Central Province experienced some impact, there has been no loss of manufacturing capacity,” the Association noted in a statement yesterday.

It added that the damage was largely confined to specific roads, resulting in temporary disruptions to transportation. Some of the key routes connecting plantations to the city have now been reopened, and transport services are resuming normal operations. 

“The harvesting operations are gradually returning to normal, with access roads been reopened and temporary access roads been constructed to facilitate transport of green leaf and produce. The majority of plantations and smallholder lands in the South of the Island along with the main road network have been spared from cyclone damage. As a result, harvesting, manufacturing and transportation activities are continuing as usual,” it noted. 

CTTA stated that the trading activities at the Colombo Tea Auctions continue to be held albeit with a revised calendar. The Tea Auction previously set for the first week of December has been rescheduled to the last week of December. This adjustment ensures uninterrupted financial flows to the Producers, including Smallholders, maintaining the momentum of the industry. 

“The rise of the Kelani River and the resulting floods affected a limited number of exporters’ offices and warehouses. The floods have now receded and on an initial assessment it has been observed that some of the machinery such as tea bagging machines are damaged. The industry is working tirelessly to restore the damaged machinery and are fully equipped to serve the overseas clients without interruptions and assure timely delivery as usual,” it added. 

Sri Lanka tea production from January to October is over 220.9 million kilograms (220,972,295 kilos) recording an increase of 3,318,755 kilos compared to same period of last year. The production in 2025 also surpasses the production of 2023 in a similar period. 

“Sri Lankan tea industry has consistently demonstrated its resilience in the face of adversities and are confident that with the collective efforts of all in the value chain, shall navigate these challenging times. The Colombo Tea Traders’ Association shall continue to work with the officials of the Government to speedily resolve any issues in a collaborative approach. Together we are all united in our commitment to supply ‘Ceylon Tea’ globally and remain optimistic about the future,” the statement added. 

CTTA is the private sector apex body of the tea industry. The Committee of the association encompasses a broad spectrum of industry stakeholders that includes representatives from The Planters’ Association of Ceylon, Sri Lanka Tea Factory Owners’ Association, Colombo Brokers Association, Tea Exporters’ Association, Sri Lanka Federation of Tea Smallholdings Development Societies and Tea Small Holding Development Authority. 

The tea industry has, time and again, demonstrated its remarkable capacity to overcome adversity, with all stakeholders uniting collectively to address and resolve challenges.

In the recent past, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the industry ensured continuity by successfully digitalising the tea auction process, transitioning from the traditional outcry system to a fully virtual platform, thereby maintaining uninterrupted weekly auctions. Similarly, during the period of severe economic crisis, despite numerous constraints, production, sales, and exports continued without disturbance.