Sri Lanka Tea Board |

Welcome toSri Lanka Tea Board

Welcome to the official website of the Sri Lanka Tea Board - the apex regulatory and administrative body of the Sri Lankan Tea Industry.

The Sri Lanka Tea Board comprises representatives from both private and government bodies involved in the industry, including cultivators and manufacturers, traders, exporters and plantation employees. We act as the catalyst of growth for Ceylon Tea, the country’s principal and most popular export, by facilitating trade and business, propagation and creating awareness, encouraging research and innovation, and by supporting the creation of a forward thinking and progressive national policy framework.

Tea production grew up by 6% Regal

During the 01st Quarter 2025 Tea Production recorded 62 Mn Kgs, While it was 58 Mn Kgs during the same period in 2024

Auction Sale income recorded 74 Billion during the 01st Quarter Regal

In local auction Rs 74 Billion were recorded during the 01st Quarter, while it was 83 billion during the same period last year.

US$ earnings by the Exports recorded 5% growth Regal

Exports revenue recorded 371 US$ million during the 01st Quarter of 2025. While it was 355 US$ Million during the same period last year.

News & highlights

Participation of Ceylon Tea at the China Liaoning International Fair for Investment and Trade 2025

Participation of Ceylon Tea at the China Liaoning International Fair for Investment and Trade 2025 (25–28 September 2025 | Liaoning Province, China) The Tea Promotion Unit of the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Beijing (SLEMB-TPU) successfully represented Sri Lanka and the Ceylon Tea industry at the China Liaoning International Fair for Investment and Trade 2025,

(19–21 September 2025 | Changsha City, Hunan Province, China) The Tea Promotion Unit of the Sri Lanka Embassy in Beijing (SLEMB-TPU) successfully facilitated the participation of Chinese agents representing leading Ceylon Tea exporters at the 10th China International Food & Catering Expo 2025. Participating companies included: 1. Akbar Brothers (Pvt) Ltd 2. Venture Teas (Pvt)

The 4th Global Geographical Indication (GI) Product Expo 2025 was successfully held in Beijing, China, from 19th to 21st September 2025. The Tea Promotion Unit of the Sri Lanka Embassy in Beijing (SLEMB-TPU) organized the Ceylon Tea Pavilion at the event, with the participation of the following Ceylon Tea agents in China 1. Lions Management

The Tea Promotion Unit of the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Beijing (SLEMB-TPU) successfully participated in the Global Cultural Tourism Conference 2025, held on 12th September in Beijing, which brought together more than 25 countries, senior government representatives, global tourism stakeholders, and cultural industry leaders. While the forum’s primary theme was cultural tourism, the Embassy

Ceylon Specialty Estate Tea of the Year Competition 2025 was conducted by Sri Lanka Tea Board (SLTB) together with the Ceylon Tea Traders’ Association (CTTA) to coincide with Sri Lanka’s Participation at World Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan. Main purpose of the project is to popularize and encourage the concept of marketing the main tea

The Tea Promotion Unit of the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Beijing (TPU-SLEMB) represented Sri Lanka at the 2025 International Consumption Conference held on 11 September 2025 in Beijing, parallel to CIFTIS. The forum, which gathered international and Chinese business communities, provided an excellent platform to showcase the strengths of Ceylon Tea, gain valuable insights

The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Beijing (SLEMB) participated in the China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) – Colorful World trade exhibition held from 10th to 14th September 2025 in Beijing, China. This annual event is recognized as one of Beijing’s largest platforms for international business engagement, focusing primarily on the B2C segment covering food, services, technology,

Organizing Ceylon Tea Pavilion at the 18th Cross Straits Agricultural Product Fair 2025 September 7–9, 2025 | Quanzhou City, Fujian Province, China The Tea Promotion Unit of the Sri Lanka Embassy (SLEMB-TPU) successfully organized and facilitated Sri Lanka’s participation at the 18th Cross Straits Agricultural Product Fair 2025, held from 07th to 09th September 2025

The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Bangkok successfully concluded a key trade and tourism promotional event titled “Ceylon Tea – Finest Evening”, held on 01st September 2025, at Hyatt Regency Hotel, Bangkok. This flagship initiative was organized with the objective of promoting Sri Lanka’s globally acclaimed national tea brand, Ceylon Tea, while also fostering stronger

“SIAL Shenzhen 2025” trade exhibition was held from 01-03 September 2025 in Shenzhen City, Guangdong Province-China. Sri Lanka Tea Board together with the Tea Promotion Unit of the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Beijing organized the event with following Sri Lankan tea exporting companies under SLTB’s 50% trade fair subsidy scheme. Enrich Tea & Food

Participation of Ceylon Tea agents in China at the 07st China-Arab States Expo 2025 Promotion of Ceylon Tea – August 28–31, 2025 | Yinchuan City, Ningxia Province, China The Tea Promotion Unit of the Sri Lanka Embassy (SLEMB-TPU), successfully organized and facilitated Sri Lanka’s participation at the 07st China-Arab States Expo trade exhibition held from

The Sri Lanka Tea Board hosted an orientation program on August 26, 2025, for newly appointed Heads of Missions, focusing on Ceylon artisanal and handcrafted teas. The event featured presentations and tastings by members of the Ceylon Artisanal Tea Association (CATA) and the Estate Owners Association (Galle-Kalutara). They showcased their unique, handcrafted teas, providing the diplomats with a direct

Kapthur Saviya “The whole country will make fertilizer” To feed the hearts of the people of the North and South, to raise the country’s economy, to fertilize the coconut harvest in the fertilizer land and fill it with prosperity. September 02 at Azakudi Irippu city Karpagatharu resource “The country is the best The tree

Sri Lanka Tea Board participation of 16th edition of Hong Kong International Tea Fair 2025 at Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center, Hong Kong. The Hong Kong International Tea Fair, renowned as Asia’s premier marketplace for the tea industry, facilitates connections among supplies of tea and related products and buyers from across the globe. This

The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Beijing successfully organized the Sri Lanka Pavilion at the 03rd Supply Chain Expo 2025, held from 16th to 20th July 2025 in Beijing, China. This prestigious event was organized by the Beijing government, with a significant focus on fostering international trade. The event drew substantial attention from both governmental

Participation of Sri Lanka at the 31st China Lanzhou Investment and Trade Fair 2025 Promotion of Ceylon Tea – July 6–10, 2025 | Lanzhou City, Gansu Province The Tea Promotion Unit of the Sri Lanka Embassy (SLEMB-TPU), successfully organized and facilitated Sri Lanka’s participation at the 31st China Lanzhou Investment and Trade Fair held from

Sri Lanka Tea Board organized Ceylon Tea Pavilion with the support of the Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka for the United Nations in New York, USA at the Summer Fancy Food Show Trade Exhibition from 29th June to 01st July 2025 with the objective of promoting Ceylon Tea and its specialty in the US market.

Ceylon Iced Tea is making waves in Tokyo this summer! On 3rd and 4th July , 2025, the Sri Lanka Tea Board and the Japan Tea Association (JTA) are hosting a vibrant promotional campaign at Tokyo Kotsu Kaikan Station in Chiyoda-ku. This joint initiative aims to introduce Japanese tea lovers to the refreshing taste of

The South Asia Expo 2025 was held from 19th to 24th June in Kunming City, Yunnan Province, China. Organized by the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Beijing in partnership with the Department of Commerce of Sri Lanka, the event was supported by the Yunnan Provincial Government. Sri Lanka was honored as the “Theme Country” for

The participation of Hedleys Tea (Pvt) Ltd agent in the Xi’an Silk Road International Tourism Expo 2025 was facilitated by the Sri Lanka Embassy in Beijing – Tea Promotion Unit. The consecutive participation of Hedleys Tea (Pvt) Ltd in two events in Xi’an underscores the brand’s sustained commitment to market presence and consumer engagement in

“SIAL Shanghai 2025” trade exhibition was held from 19-21 May 2025 in Shanghai-China. Sri Lanka Tea Board together with the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Beijing organized the event with Sri Lankan tea exporting companies under SLTB’s 50% trade fair subsidy scheme. Expoteas Ceylon (Pvt.) Ltd. Tea Tang (Pvt) Ltd Alfa Valley Instant Tea Factory

International Tea Day Celebrations 2025 With the collaboration of Airport & Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) (Pvt) Ltd, the Sri Lanka Tea Board organized a Special Event to Celebrate the International Tea Day on 21st May 2025 at the Bandaranayake International Airport. Empire Teas and English Tea Shop served Specially Brewed Ceylon Iced and Hot Teas to

The Fresh Tea Festival, (Neum Tea Mangallaya) is a major cultural event in the Sri Lankan tea industry. The annual festival was held on 13th May 2025 for the eighth time with the participation of all stakeholders involved in the tea sector, centered around the religious places covering all tea growing districts The main festival

Celebration of International Tea Day 2025 Brewing a Greener Future: Sri Lanka’s Sustainable Journey in the Tea Industry As the world celebrates International Tea Day, Sri Lanka raises a cup to its enduring commitment to sustainable tea cultivation, innovation, and ethical practices. International Tea Day is a United Nations observance celebrated annually on May 21

International Tea Day Celebration in Geneva – 21st May 2025, 13.00 p.m.

FHG Guangzhou 2025” trade exhibition was held from 10-12 May 2025 in Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province, China. Sri Lanka Tea Board together with the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Beijing organized the event with Sri Lankan tea exporting companies under SLTB’s 50% trade fair subsidy scheme. Venture Teas (Pvt.) Ltd. Ceylon Fresh Teas (Pvt) Ltd

The SLEMB-TPU in China successfully represented the Ceylon Tea industry at the 2nd Belt and Road International Cooperation Forum held on Saturday, 26 April 2025, in Beijing. The event convened influential members of China’s business community, BRI partner countries, and international trade and development stakeholders. A significant highlight of the participation was the dedicated display

On April 24, 2025, the Tea Promotion Unit of the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Beijing participated in the Spring Tea Tasting Ceremony organized by the Jia Shi Mu Tea Art Gallery in Beijing, China. The event brought together leading experts from the Chinese tea industry along with representatives from well-known Chinese tea enterprises. As

The participation of Hedleys Tea (Pvt) Ltd agent in the Xi’an Silk Road International Tourism Expo 2025 was facilitated by the Sri Lanka Embassy in Beijing – Tea Promotion Unit. As Xi’an serves as a key cultural and logistical hub in western China, the event provided a high-profile platform to showcase premium Ceylon Tea to

Ceylon Tea Symbol of quality

The Logo is owned by the Sri Lanka Tea Board and globally trademarked. The Lion Logo on your pack of tea is a guarantee for 100% Pure Ceylon Tea packed in Sri Lanka. To ensure what you buy is Ceylon Tea, look for the Lion Logo.

Application & Guideline For the Use of Lion Logo: View more details on how to apply for the Lion Logo View More View More

Facts and Figures

Some important Facts and Figures for all those in the Tea industry

Tea Statistics

Tea statistics are derived at the tea auction run by Tea Brokers.

Tea Downloads

Find out Sri Lanka Tea Board Latest Downloads

Publications

Sri Lanka Tea Board Recent Publications

Registration

Quick access to official registration forms of the SLTB

View All

Tea Commissioner Division

Tea Exports Division

Tea Promotion Division

Laboratory Division

Tea Tasting Division

Subsidy Scheme Tea Commissioner's Division

Our Divisions

Tea Commissioner’s Division

The Tea Commissioner’s Division of the Sri Lanka Tea Board plays a pivotal role in regulating the core functions that relate to the cultivation, manufacturing and quality development of tea.

Registrations, renewals and monitoring of tea manufacturers and factories

The Promotion Division of the Sri Lanka Tea Board is responsible for defining, promoting and protecting the image of Ceylon Tea across the world.

Undertakes a wide variety of activities including advertising, promotion and public relations

Represents Sri Lanka and Ceylon Tea at international trade fairs and other important industry events

The Tea Export Division of the Sri Lanka Tea Board provides a multitude of important functions with the power vested upon the SLTB by the Tea (Tax and Control of Exports) Act no. 16 of 1959

24/7 operations and joint investigation on Tea consignments at Sri Lanka Customs Exports Facilitation Center (EFC)

Issuing of G.M.P certification for exports to Iran

The Analytical Laboratory facilitates the testing and certification requirements of the Sri Lankan Tea industry on the quality assurance of Ceylon Tea.

Carrying out tests in accordance with accepted ISO International standards

Advising, monitoring, inspecting and guiding to achieve and maintain the highest standards of quality in Ceylon Tea.

The Tea Tasting Division is responsible for assessing the quality of Ceylon Tea prior to the auction and export.

Its panel of independent Tea Tasters undertake the evaluating, comparison and the assessment of teas imported into Sri Lanka.

Registration of the Lion Logo which is a symbol of quality.

The IT and Statistical Division acts as the single, convenient point of access to comprehensive, reliable and up-to-date information relevant to anyone involved or interested in the Tea industry in Sri Lanka.

Gathering grower, manufacturer and market information through a wide network of sources

Exchanging information with the International Tea Committee

The Administration Division is responsible for the formulation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of all Human Resources Management, Human Resources Development activities and general Administration functions of the Board.

The Finance Division is responsible for the overall financial control and management of the Sri Lanka Tea Board. Other major activities of the Finance Division is the preparation of financial policies for the Board, preparation of annual budgets, annual financial statements, monthly accounts and periodic reports, inventory maintenance and annual verification and submission of annual accounts to the Auditor General.

Purpose of the Internal Audit division is to enable the internal audit functions effectively and efficiently to allocate its Financial, Administration and Human Resources to meet the expectations of the key stakeholders such as Government of Sri Lanka, Tea Factory Owners, Tea Estate Owners, Tea Traders, tea sector workers, and Publics in Sri Lanka.

Ozone FriendlyPure Ceylon Tea

All tea grown in Sri Lanka is now one hundred percent ozone-friendly. So the next time you reach for a cup of Ceylon Tea, remember that you're also protecting an environmental resource critically important to all life on Earth.

Application For the Use of Ozone Friendly Logo: View more details on how to apply for the Logo View More

Stake Holder organizations

Stake Holder organizations an affiliated to Sri Lanka Tea Board

The Sri Lanka Tea Board Closely working with several Stake Holder Organizations to ensure the sustained development and growth of the Tea industry.

Colombo Tea Traders Association

An Association commenced in 1894 represented by sellers and buyers together with brokers and largely responsible for the conducting of the weekly tea auction a function seconded to them by the Sri Lanka Tea Board since 1975. CTTA is an affiliated member of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce.

Planters Association of Ceylon

The oldest plantation body representing the interests of the plantation sector and today it is the main industry acting as the voice of the Regional Plantation Companies.

Colombo Brokers Association

An Association comprising of the 8 brokers licensed by the Sri Lanka Tea Board under the licensing of the Produce Brokers Act No 9 of 1979

Tea Exporters Association

An Association set up in 1999 to represent the interests of the tea exporters. It has been registered with Registrar of Companies under Companies Act No. 7 of 2007 as an association.

Sri Lanka Tea Factory Owners Association

Set up in 1990 to represent a larger number of the Private Tea Factory Owners who are mainly responsible for the manufacturing of green leaf supplied by the smallholders and larger growers.

Check out some of the most important documents related to Tea

Vacancy

View and download Application for the Vacancies

View Files

HSCode List

View the full list of applicable HSCODEs

Download File

Fees & Charges

Find up-to-date information on applicable fees and charges

Download File

Tea-growing Regions of Sri Lanka

Kandy

Kandy teas tend to produce a relatively bright infusion with a coppery tone. Though lighter in the cup, they present a good deal of strength and body.

Nuwara Eliya

Probably the best-known of Sri Lanka’s tea-growing districts Nuwara Eliya’s high elevation combined with low temperature, produces teas of exquisite bouquet. The infusion in the cup is the lightest (palest) of all the types of Ceylon Tea, with a golden hue and a delicately fragrant flavour.

Uda Pussellawa

Due to the close proximity of Uda Pussellawa to Nuwara Eliya, its tea is often compared to that of its neighbour. But it is darker in the cup, with a pinkish hue, of greater strength, and exquisitely tangy.

Uva

The remote Uva district is exposed to the winds of both northeast and southwest monsoons, believed to endow the tea produced here with a special, unmistakable character and exotically aromatic flavour. The mellow, smooth taste of Uva Tea, once experienced, is easily distinguished.

Dimbula

Dimbula teas are defined as “high grown” and produces a variety of microclimates, which produce differences in flavour – sometimes jasmine mixed with cypress. All, however, share the Dimbula character: a tea that produces a fine golden-orange hue in the cup, and which is refreshingly mellow.

Sabaragamuwa

Sabaragamuwa is Sri Lanka’s biggest tea-growing region or district, the teas of which are low-grown . The liquor is dark yellow-brown with a reddish tint while the aroma has a hint of sweet caramel, not quite as strong: yet exceptionally stylish.

Ruhuna

The teas of the Ruhuna district are defined as “low-grown” and the strong full-flavoured black tea is a distinctively unique Ruhuna specialty popular especially in Middle Eastern countries.

Welcome toSri Lanka Tea Board

News & highlights

Ceylon Tea Symbol of quality

Facts and Figures

Some important Facts and Figures for all those in the Tea industry

Tea Statistics

Tea Downloads

Publications

Registration

Quick access to official registration forms of the SLTB

Our Divisions

Tea Commissioner’s Division

Tea Promotion Division

Tea Export Division

Analytical Laboratory

Tea Tasting Division

IT and Statistical Division

Administration Division

Finance Division

Internal Audit

Ozone FriendlyPure Ceylon Tea

Related Institutions

Closely Asscociated Institutions with the Sri Lanka Tea Board

Ministryof Plantation

Tea Research Institute of Sri Lanka

Tea Small Holdings Development Authority

CEYLON TEAMUSEUM