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

Global Tea Culture Tourism Promotion Routes, Hangzhou-China

Sri Lanka proudly participated in the 5th Tea Town Tourism Development Conference held in Hangzhou, organized by the Tea Industry Committee of China Association for the Promotion of International Agricultural Cooperation, joining leading tea-producing nations to promote global tea tourism. Under the “2026 Global Tea Region Tour Initiative,” Sri Lanka showcased the Uva Highlands, highlighting

“The Sri Lanka Tea Board (SLTB) hosted a delegation of European Tea Growers as a part of an eight-day knowledge exchange programme on 23rd of March 2026 at SLTB premises. The visit provided an engaging and comprehensive exploration of Ceylon Tea, featuring an insightful presentation by the Tea Promotions Division, a curated tea tasting session

The Sri Lanka Tea Board successfully organized the National Ceylon Tea Pavilion at FOODEX Japan 2026, held from 10th to 13th March 2026 at Tokyo Big Sight, reinforcing Sri Lanka’s strong global presence in the premium tea sector. Recognized as the largest food and beverage trade exhibition in the Asia-Pacific region, FOODEX Japan 2026 brought

The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Beijing showcased Ceylon Tea at the 2026 Lunar New Year International Cultural Year held in Beijing from 17–23 February 2026. The event provided a valuable platform to introduce Sri Lanka’s rich tea culture to Chinese consumers through tea tasting sessions, product displays, and direct engagement with visitors. Participating Sri

Under the Cultural Diplomacy Programme of the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Beijing, Ceylon Tea was prominently promoted during the Chinese Lunar New Year 2026 celebrations attended by Chinese Government officials, the diplomatic corps, business leaders, and media representatives. As a core national brand of Sri Lanka, Ceylon Tea was showcased through a dedicated tasting

Ceylon Tea was prominently showcased at Sri Lanka’s 78th Independence Day Diplomatic Reception held on 05 February 2026 in Beijing, attended by diplomats, senior Chinese officials, and business leaders. The event was organized by the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Beijing A special Ceylon Tea tasting session featured teas from Sri Lanka’s seven agro-climatic regions,

The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Beijing, in collaboration with Capital Airlines, successfully promoted Ceylon Tea during the inaugural Beijing–Colombo flight departure on 31 January 2026 at Beijing Daxing International Airport. The initiative included passenger tea giveaways, onboard service of Ceylon Tea for Business and Economy Class, a dedicated airport promotional counter, and coordinated media

Tour operators and business leaders experienced authentic Ceylon Tea through curated tastings highlighting Sri Lanka’s agro-climatic diversity. Tea sampling, paired with Sri Lankan biscuits, reinforced the premium positioning of Ceylon Tea. Promotional videos showcased Sri Lanka’s tea heritage, sustainability practices, and tourism appeal. The event received strong media coverage, enhancing the visibility of Ceylon Tea

Ceylon Tea took center stage at the launch of Capital Airlines’ Beijing–Colombo route held at the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Beijing on 08 January 2026. Guests were welcomed with authentic Ceylon Tea, reinforcing Sri Lanka’s premium tea heritage and national brand. The event linked tourism promotion with tea diplomacy, highlighting Ceylon Tea as an

The Tea Promotion Unit of the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Beijing organized to promote Ceylon Tea at the 6th Tea House Industry Conference 2025, an annual NGO-organized event held in Beijing on 28 December 2025, which brought together tea house operators and key industry stakeholders from across China. This free-of-cost promotional opportunity, enabled the

For 50 years, the Sri Lanka Tea Board has stood as the proud custodian of the world’s finest tea. The story of the Sri Lanka Tea Board is the story of Sri Lanka itself—resilient, fragrant, and world-class. For 50 years, we have worked behind the scenes to ensure that every sip of Ceylon Tea carries

Ceylon Tea showcased Sri Lanka’s premium tea heritage at the 2025 Asia (Beijing) International Food Expo held from 12–14 December 2025 in Beijing, reaching a wide Chinese audience. The presence featured leading Sri Lankan tea brands Lions Tea, Ceylon Tips, and Hidden Hills Artisanal Tea, promoting both the national Ceylon Tea identity and distinctive private brands. The no-cost promotional

Employees of the Sri Lanka Tea Board joined hand with the INTER COMPANY EMPLOYEES UNION to distribute dry food rations among victims of landslide and floods in Nuwaraeliya and Badulla district. Further to dry ration distribution, members helped repair canal dams in Hanguranketha area organized by villagers. The program was held from 13-14 December, 2025 with

The Sri Lanka Tea Board today affirmed the industry’s exceptional resilience and swift return to operational stability following the severe disruptions caused by Cyclone Ditwa across the Central and Uva Provinces. While the storm inflicted considerable damage to infrastructure and tragically impacted our workforce, the collective response from growers, manufacturers, and exporters has ensured that

The Sri Lanka Tea Board successfully showcased Ceylon Tea at FHC China 2025, a leading professional B2B trade exhibition held from 12–14 November 2025 in Shanghai. Four Sri Lankan tea companies participated under the Sri Lanka Tea Board Pavilion, promoting the excellence of Ceylon Tea to the Chinese market: Hedley’s Teas (Pvt) Ltd Alfa Exports

The 8th China International Import Expo (CIIE) 2025 was held from 05–10 November in Shanghai-China, showcasing Sri Lanka’s key export strengths under a well-coordinated national pavilion led by the Export Development Board (EDB). The pavilion featured major sectors including Ceylon Tea, coconut and coconut-based products, Ceylon Gems, Sri Lankan handicrafts, and Ceylon Cinnamon, with the active

The Sri Lanka Enterprise Pavilion at the 8th China International Import Expo (CIIE) 2025 showcased the strength and diversity of Sri Lanka’s export sector. The Tea sector was prominently represented by Lions Management (Pvt) Ltd Ceylon Tips Branding (Pvt) Ltd Sinolan Teas (Pvt) Ltd offering a rich display of premium Ceylon Tea. These companies engaged

The Tea Promotion Unit of the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Beijing (TPU-SLEMB) facilitated the tea sector’s participation in the 32nd China Yangling Agricultural Hi-Tech Fair, held from 25–29 October 2025 in Yangling city, Shaanxi Province-China. The promotion of Ceylon Tea was highly successful, supported by a free 20 sqm exhibition space secured by the TPU-SLEMB. The event strengthened

The Sri Lanka Tea Board, in collaboration with the Tea Promotion Unit of the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Beijing (SLEMB-TPU), successfully represented Ceylon Tea at the 10th Asia-Pacific Tea Competition held in China this August 2025. Competing with over 5,000 tea samples from around the world, Sri Lanka proudly secured 48 awards: 3 Special Gold,

The Tea Promotion Unit of the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Beijing (SLEMB-TPU) successfully organized Sri Lanka’s participation at the Second Beijing International Week of Intangible Cultural Heritage, held from 17th to 21st October 2025 in Beijing-China. Represented by Imperial Tea Exports (Pvt) Ltd and Sinolan Teas (Pvt) Ltd through their Chinese agents, the event

“Xiamen International Tea Fair (Autumn Edition) 2025” trade exhibition was held from 16th – 20th October 2025 in Xiamen City, Fujian 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

We are pleased to provide an update on the highly successful Anuga 2025, the world’s leading trade fair for the food and beverage industry, held in Cologne, Germany, from October 4th to October 8th, 2025. Anuga 2025 achieved record-breaking attendance, hosting over 8,000 exhibitors from 110 countries and attracting more than 145,000 trade visitors from

The International Food Products and Processing Technologies Exhibition – WorldFood Istanbul is the most important international meeting point for the Turkish food industry and offers the opportunity to exhibit and discover the latest food innovations and tends in the sector. Sri Lanka as the leading tea exporter to Turkey , Sri Lanka Tea Board organized

The Sri Lanka Tea Board together with the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Riyadh organized a Ceylon tea pavilion at the 12th edition of Foodex Saudi – 2025 which was held from 21 to 24 September 2025 at the International Convention & Exhibition Center in Riyadh, KSA. M/s Saya International Tea and Food Exports (Pvt)

The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Beijing successfully hosted the Grand Opening Ceremony of the “Made in Sri Lanka – 8 Products – 8 Themes Expo 2025” on 27 September 2025, followed by a two-day exhibition held on 27 and 28 September 2025 at the Embassy premises. Among the eight product categories, Ceylon Tea took

From 27–28 September 2025, the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Beijing proudly organized the 8 Products – 8 Themes Expo, marking the first-ever “Made in Sri Lanka” themed exhibition in China. At the Grand Opening Ceremony on 27 September, VIP guests and high-level trade delegations experienced the finest Ceylon Tea through a specially curated tasting session,

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

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 and Community Infrastructure

Tea Research Institute of Sri Lanka

Tea Small Holdings Development Authority

CEYLON TEAMUSEUM