President RW urges innovative collaboration to propel Ceylon tea industry

•  Extends invitation to devise finest solutions to succeed in making globally recognised, pure Ceylon Tea
•  Asserts collaboration is key, particularly with China and India
•  Says merely producing tea insufficient, insists on innovations and tea-related products
•  Assures fullest Govt. support to boost tea industry with new products
•  Emphasises protecting tea industry calls for shielding SL’s tropical weather from impacts of climate change

President Ranil Wickremesinghe

President Ranil Wickreme-singhe emphasised the importance of revolutionising the tea industry via a meticulously crafted initiative integrating contemporary digital techniques.  

Delivering the keynote address at the 129th Annual General Meeting of the Colombo Tea Traders Association (CTTA) on Tuesday, he underscored that the tea industry holds substantial potential to significantly contribute to the economy, whilst stressing the need to identify challenges within the sector and adopt innovative solutions to facilitate its transformation. 

“As we look towards the future, it is crucial that we strategise. The tea industry holds immense potential to significantly contribute to the economy. Looking ahead over the next 20-30 years, we must analyse and address the challenges to emerge within the sector. I extend an invitation to all of you to persist in devising the finest solutions, ultimately achieving the objective of establishing Sri Lankan tea as a globally recognised, pure tea,” President Wickremesinghe said.

Stating that in the times ahead, the industry can anticipate an influx of Chinese tea into the market, presenting favourable prospects, he said India, too, is poised to make its presence felt in the tea market. Therefore, meaningful discussions with China and India are pivotal.

“Collaboration is key, we don’t have a journey alone. It is crucial to meticulously study the market patterns of both Eastern and Western countries. Tea consumption in these regions often involves the addition of milk or biscuits. However, merely producing tea for these preferences isn’t enough. In today’s world, green tea has gained immense popularity. We must explore novel innovations and tea-related products,” he added. 

He pointed out that the British brought their managerial and financial expertise gained from the Industrial Revolution to India and Sri Lanka, subsequently introducing it to the plantation sector. “This underscores that we have a contemporary plantation management system. Now is the opportune moment to contemplate fresh management practices in comparison to those employed by small and medium-scale growers. The forthcoming program should be a masterpiece, seamlessly integrating the latest digital technologies,” he said. 

Wickremesinghe said the tea industry should delve into the possibility of utilising subjects such as artificial intelligence and biotechnology. “The private sector must spearhead this innovative approach. After all, the ultimate authority resides within your market. Had it not been for Mr. Lipton’s arrival in Ceylon, our current state would not exist. Hence, we must urgently explore avenues to introduce new products to the market through system enhancements,” he added. 

The President also assured the Government’s full support to the tea industry in this endeavour. “This is our contribution towards the tea industry’s future growth. We are actively engaged in resolving the issues that arise alongside it,” he said.

Noting that the looming challenge of global climate change poses significant threats to the future, he said safeguarding the tea industry necessitates shielding the country’s tropical climate from the impacts of climate change. 

“We have actively put forth proposals on this front in international forums. The implications of this situation can be viewed as a repercussion of extensive industrialisation in the northern hemisphere. We must address this matter collectively. Our adaptation to climate change is paramount. It’s essential to acknowledge the precariousness of our water resources, a matter of grave concern,” he pointed out. 

Citing a recent report, President Wickremesinghe highlighted the alarming degradation of usable water sources in Sri Lanka due to the changing climate. “Given that a significant portion of our water sources is concentrated in the central hills, the implications directly affect the tea industry. It is prudent for us to project where our market will stand in the next 50 to 60 years,” he added. 

The President elaborated that the Government’s efforts are focused on implementing programs aimed at faster economic revival to ensure stability. “It is crucial to recognise that sustaining this economic stability for an extended period beyond a decade will be challenging if we continue to experience a trade imbalance in our economy,” he said, adding that the country often finds itself compelled to secure foreign loans. 

He further highlighted that due to budget deficits, there emerges a necessity to print additional currency to cover these deficits. President Wickremesinghe stressed that the country stands at a pivotal juncture where critical decisions are necessary on whether to revert to old systems or embrace a more structured economic approach that propels the country forward into a new era. 

“Remarkably, even amidst times of conflict, our economy demonstrated resilience. For instance, garment factories were established during wartime, showcasing our ability to navigate challenges,” he added. 

However, he said sustaining an economy is predominantly influenced by Government control in aspects of ownership and regulation has become challenging. 

“It is essential to consider alternatives, such as deregulation and privatisation to steer us towards a promising path. The tea industry stands as a testament to private enterprise, not reliant on Government backing. It is a sector driven by individuals who utilised private capital, leading to both successes and failures. The historical backdrop also includes instances where land ownership and cultivation became contentious,” Wickremesinghe explained. 

Reflecting on his childhood, the President recalled the homes used to feature expansive kitchens. However, modern homes are now equipped with compact kitchens. “Within the next 20 to 30 years, residences without kitchens may feature one or two food processing machines. Gunnar Myrdal, a renowned Swedish economic expert, analysed Sri Lanka in his book ‘Asian Drama’ from the 1960s. It is imperative to acknowledge these forthcoming challenges and formulate suitable strategies. We must face these challenges head-on and progress with appropriate solutions,” he added.

Considering the forecasts for global population growth by 2050, he said India’s population is projected to rise by an additional 400 million. Similarly, the populations of Kenya, Malawi, and the Middle East are also on the upswing. 

“Correspondingly, their per capita incomes are ascending. However, Sri Lanka’s population is not experiencing the same growth trajectory. Therefore, our focus should be on how to enhance our product. China has been adopting systematic population control measures. Hence, engaging with China becomes essential,” he added. 

Plantation Industries Minister Dr. Ramesh Pathirana, Senior Advisor to the President on National Security and Chief of Staff to the President Sagala Ratnayake, Plantation Ministry Secretary Janaka Dharmakirthi, Sri Lanka Tea Board Chairman Niraj De Mel, Board of Investment and Port City Chairman and President’s Adviser Dinesh Weerakkody, CTTA President Sanjaya Herath, CTTA Vice President Lushantha De Silva, CTTA former Presidents Jayantha Karunaratne and Anselm Perea were also present at the occasion.