Sri Lankan tea, known for generations as ’Ceylon Tea’ carries behind it a heritage and a success story like no other.

The Prime Minister made these remarks while attending the International Tea Day, Tea for Harmony: Yaji 2025 China-Sri Lanka Cultural Gala event held 21st May at Marino Beach hotel in Colombo.

This event organized by China Cultural Centre in Sri Lanka, Department of Cultural and Tourism of XiZang Autonomous region - China, Ministry of culture and tourism -China and Embassy of China in Sri Lanka.

Addressing the event, the Prime Minister further stated,

“It is a great pleasure to address you at the Tea for Harmony: Yaji 2025 China–Sri Lanka Cultural Gala-especially today, as we celebrate International Tea Day. This day offers a unique opportunity to reflect on and honour the rich cultural heritage, health benefits, and economic importance of tea, a beverage that has united people and cultures across centuries.

The Sri Lanka- China relationship is centuries old, and has been historically strengthened by shared religious and cultural values.

Sri Lanka is known to the whole world for its tea due to its unique flavour, aroma and colour. Sri Lankan tea, known for generations as ’Ceylon Tea’ carries behind it a heritage and a success story like no other.

It is therefore in the interests of the Sri Lankan Tea brand to continue to work towards ensuring dignified work conditions and protection for all those involved in the production, especially the pluckers who have historically faced many problems. This is something we are a government are committed towards.

Today, Sri Lanka stands as the world’s third-largest tea exporter, accounting for approximately 15% of global tea exports. In the face of significant challenges, our tea industry recorded impressive achievements in 2024.

Moreover, Ceylon Tea is the major supplier to the Chinese market among all tea producing nations in the world. The Chinese market ranked as the top five destination of supplying Ceylon Tea.

In conclusion, I extend sincere appreciation to the Chinese Embassy in Colombo for organizing this wonderful celebration of tea and culture. Let us continue to cherish and promote the harmony that tea brings to our peoples and our nations.”

The event was attended by Venerable Kirinde Assaji Nayaka Thero, H.E. Qi Zhenhong, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Sri Lanka and chinese and Sri Lankans.