The Colombo Tea Traders' Association (CTTA), the apex private sector body representing Sri Lanka's tea trade, reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the global competitiveness of Ceylon Tea as it concluded its 132nd Annual General Meeting (AGM), unveiling a renewed vision centred on sustainable industry growth.

Held on 17 July at the Lumina Ballroom of Cinnamon Life Hotel, Colombo, the AGM brought together leading representatives of Sri Lanka's tea industry, government institutions, diplomatic missions, development partners, exporters, plantation companies, brokers, buyers, and the international business community to review the industry's progress and discuss strategies for safeguarding the future of one of the country's most valuable export sectors.

The event was graced by International Monetary Fund (IMF) Resident Representative in Sri Lanka Dr. Martha Tesfaye Woldemichael as Chief Guest, Sri Lanka Tea Board Chairman Raaj (R.K.) Obeysekere as Guest of Honour, while Ceylon Chamber of Commerce Secretary General and Chief Executive Officer Shiran Fernando delivered the Guest Address. Former CTTA Chairmen and Honorary Members, senior officials from the Ministry of Plantation Industries, the Sri Lanka Tea Board, the Tea Research Institute, the Tea Small Holdings Development Authority, members of the diplomatic community, and representatives of affiliated industry associations were also in attendance.

Proceedings commenced with the traditional lighting of the oil lamp, followed by the National Anthem and the formal commencement of the AGM. Members unanimously approved the minutes of the 131st Annual General Meeting together with the Annual Report and Audited Accounts for the 2025/26 financial year, reaffirming the Association's continued commitment to good governance, transparency, and accountability.

Delivering the Chairman's address, CTTA Chairman Lushantha de Silva reflected on the Association's distinguished 132-year legacy in promoting governance, transparency, and integrity within Sri Lanka's tea trade. He noted that the CTTA has played a pivotal role in administering the internationally renowned Colombo Tea Auction while representing the interests of buyers, sellers, brokers, exporters, producers, and other stakeholders across the tea value chain.

Highlighting the industry's future priorities, he stressed that Sri Lanka must increasingly focus on value addition, premium branding, innovation, and product diversification to maximise the value of every kilogram of tea produced. Strengthening branded Ceylon Tea, he said, would generate higher export earnings, improve the livelihoods of producers and smallholders, and further enhance Sri Lanka's reputation as the global benchmark for premium-quality tea.

Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Martha Tesfaye Woldemichael described Sri Lanka's tea industry as one of the country's strongest ambassadors on the global stage and acknowledged its significant contribution to national economic recovery. Reflecting on the country's progress since the economic crisis of 2022, she noted that inflation has declined substantially, tax revenue has more than doubled, foreign reserves have strengthened, public debt has fallen, and debt restructuring is nearing completion through sustained reforms, fiscal discipline, and accountability.

While acknowledging these achievements, she cautioned that external challenges, including geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and disruptions to international shipping routes, continue to create uncertainty for export-oriented industries. She reaffirmed the IMF's commitment to supporting Sri Lanka in achieving resilient, durable, and inclusive economic growth while safeguarding the hard-earned gains of recent reforms.

Guest Speaker Shiran Fernando observed that Sri Lanka is steadily regaining international confidence as both an investment destination and a trusted trading partner. He noted that growing interest from international delegations demonstrates renewed confidence in the country's stability and presents fresh opportunities to attract investment and expand exports. He emphasised that maintaining this momentum will require policy consistency, expansion into new export markets, stronger penetration of existing markets, labour market reforms, formalisation of the informal economy, and improved access to industrial land.

A key highlight of the AGM was the announcement of the CTTA leadership team and Board for the 2026/27 term. Lushantha de Silva was unanimously re-elected as Chairman for a second consecutive term, reaffirming the confidence placed in his leadership by the membership. Mansoor Akbarally was appointed Vice Chairman representing buyers, while Senaka Alawattegama was appointed Vice Chairman representing sellers.

The newly elected Committee comprises Buyers' Representatives from Akbar Brothers (Pvt) Ltd, Empire Teas (Pvt) Ltd, Euro Scan Exports (Pvt) Ltd, Eswaran Brothers Exports (Pvt) Ltd and Imperial Teas (Pvt) Ltd. Representing the sellers are Ceciliyan Associates (Pvt) Ltd, Kelani Valley Plantations PLC, Malwatte Valley Plantations PLC, Nilwala Tea Factory, and Pothotuwa Tea Company (Pvt) Ltd together with the Chairman of the Colombo Brokers' Association. The Immediate Past Chairman of the Colombo Brokers' Association will continue to serve as an Ex-Officio member, ensuring continuity and broad industry representation.

The Association also confirmed the appointment of KPMG as Auditors and Corporate Services (Pvt) Ltd as Company Secretary for the 2026/27 term.

Another highlight of the evening was the conferment of the Colombo Tea Traders' Association's Honorary Membership—the Association's highest distinction, on three eminent personalities in recognition of their outstanding contributions to Sri Lanka's tea industry. Mr. Paani Dias, Lalith Obeyesekere, and Sanjaya Herath were honoured for their decades of dedicated leadership, service, and commitment to advancing the Ceylon Tea trade and strengthening its international reputation.

As the CTTA embarks on its 133rd year, the Association reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with government, regulators, producers, exporters, brokers, buyers, and all industry stakeholders to safeguard the integrity of the Colombo Tea Auction, promote sustainable industry reforms, accelerate value-added exports, and strengthen the global standing of the iconic Ceylon Tea brand.

Mr. Senaka Alawattegama, Mr. Raj Obeysekere, Mr. Lushantha De Silva, Dr. Martha Tesfaye Woldemichael, Mr. Mansoor Akbarally

Mr. Mansoor Akbarally, Dr. Martha Tesfaye Woldemichael, Mr. Lushantha De Silva, Mr. Senaka Alawattegama