Lanka Tea Walk...

International Tea Day, observed annually on 21 May following a United Nations declaration, highlights the cultural heritage, economic importance, health benefits and social value of tea worldwide. The 2026 global theme, “Sustaining Tea, Supporting Communities”, emphasizes the need to strengthen tea-growing communities and promote sustainable production systems.

In line with this initiative, the Sri Lanka Tea Board organized the “Lanka Tea Walk 2026” today to celebrate the contribution of the tea industry to Sri Lanka’s economy, culture, livelihoods and national identity. The event also aimed to recognize stakeholders across the tea value chain, raise public awareness on the sector’s role in rural development and the national economy, and promote the heritage and global reputation of pure Ceylon Tea.

The symbolic walk was led by Deputy Minister of Plantations and Infrastructure Sundaralingam Pradeep, together with tea estate workers, smallholders, exporters, tea brokers, factory owners and representatives of government institutions. The procession commenced from the Sri Lanka Tea Board premises and concluded at Galle Face Green in Colombo. Pix by Kithsiri De Mel