Empire Teas to celebrate 25 years with global business partners in Sri Lanka

Managing Director Lushantha de Silva and Director Operations Sajeev de Silva

This August, Empire Teas, one of Sri Lanka’s most respected tea exporters, celebrates 25 years of passion, partnerships and purpose. 

From humble roots to a globally trusted name in Ceylon Tea, the journey has been steeped in dedication, vision and deep respect for the craft. 

To mark this milestone, Empire is welcoming business partners from across the world for a heartfelt celebration in Sri Lanka. From August 7 to 9, guests will enjoy a curated tea journey from behind-the-scenes tours to lush plantations and a grand Gala Dinner to honour the friendships that have powered the company’s success.

From modest beginnings to becoming one of Sri Lanka’s top five tea exporters, Empire Teas now delivers over 14 million kilos of premium Ceylon Tea to more than 70 countries annually. Behind this growth is a story of vision and heart, led by the founder, a third-generation tea master, Lushantha de Silva and a team dedicated to doing things the right way, always.

“This isn’t just our celebration,” said Lushantha. 

“It’s a thank you to our business partners who believed in us, walked with us and helped us grow.” 

Empire’s footprint extends far beyond Sri Lanka, with operations in Kenya and teams across China, Spain and the Netherlands. Its signature brands, Hyson, Thurson, Akina and Tea Avenue, carry the story of Ceylon Tea to the world, while hundreds of private-label partners trust Empire to uphold their brand’s promise. 

What makes Empire truly special, though, is not just the tea. It’s the trust it’s built, the values it’s stayed true to and the future it’s shaping.

“We may have started small but we’ve grown with soul. And this is just the beginning,” reflected Lushantha.

Thus, Empire continues to grow with soul, anchored in values, inspired by legacy and driven by a bold vision for the future.