Published on 2nd January, 2024

Sri Lanka used to be the leading coffee-producing nation in the colonial era.

Everyone loved coffee and it became a fundamental part of their culture until a disease struck and destroyed all the coffee plantations and the entire coffee industry collapsed.

They looked for solutions and researched and came up with an alternative - tea. It's safe to say they quit coffee.

History

Sri Lanka, formerly known as Ceylon, is renowned for its production of high-quality tea.

The country has long and fascinating history with tea, dating back to the 19th Century.

The first tea plantations were established in the central highlands of the country, which had the perfect climate and soil for growing tea.

James Taylor, a Scottish farmer is considered the pioneer of tea in Sri Lanka. He had expertise in the art of tea making and this influenced the growth of tea in the country.

Taylor had a fully equipped tea factory by 1872 and was exporting Sri Lanka tea to London by 1875.

At a London auction, the wonderful tea drew the attention of the entire globe.

Sir Thomas Lipton signed a business deal with James Taylor, and the tea industry in Sri Lanka quickly grew and by the end of the 19th Century, Sri Lanka was one of largest producer of tea in the world.

Impact of Tea in Sri Lanka

The tea industry has had a significant impact on the economy and culture of Sri Lanka. It employs over one million people, making it the largest employer in the country.

The industry has also played a crucial role in the development of infrastructure in the central highlands, including the construction of roads and railways.

It is estimated that more than 4% percent of the island is just tea plants. 

Tea Tasting

One of the best ways to experience the rich history of tea is through tea tasting.

There are several tea plantations that offer guided tours and tea tasting experiences.

These tours provide visitors with opportunities to learn  about the tea making process, from plucking the leaves to the final product.

Visitors can also taste different types of tea, including black, green and white tea and learn about the unique characteristics of tea.

White tea is the most expensive tea in Sri Lanka because it is unprocessed. It is as natural as it gets.

Future of Tea in Sri Lanka

The tea industry in Sri Lanka continues to thrive, with new technologies and techniques being introduced to improve the quality and efficiency of tea production.

With its rich history and dedication to producing high-quality tea, Sri Lanka's tea industry is sure to continue to flourish years to come.

Knowing that tea saved their economy from collapsing. Sri Lanka's have tremendous respect for tea.

Today, it has become an integral part of Sri Lankan culture, with tea being served at social and religious events.