Ceylon Tea is recognized as one of the finest tasting teas in the world Thanks to her well balanced tasting profile with ideal strength, body, flavour and taste for a perfect cuppa. Tea was the 4th largest contributor to Sri Lankan economy before pandemic. Tourism was the 3rd, but currently Tourism and the people who depended on it have been affected by COVID 19 pandemic situation. There are so many criticisms on bringing down tourists to Sri Lanka during pandemic. By the meantime, As Daily FT had reported, after long discussions, negotiations, debates and deliberations with different stakeholders, when the first two tourist flights landed Sri Lankan soil after having shutdown for nearly a year due to the COVID 19 outbreak worldwide. 

Authorities @ The Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport had to make a great effort to welcome these tourists in compliance with operational formalities at the airport with special emphasis on COVID-related health formalities. By the mean time, Sri Lanka Tea Board Staff also made arrangements to welcome Ukrainian tourists with a cup of Ceylon Tea including traditional sweets such as bibikkam, kalu dodol and savouries along with the Ceylon Tea. The Ceylon Dimbulla tea was freshly brewed and served to Ukrainian guests by Sri Lankan Catering. During the event, the visitors were briefed on the history of Ceylon Tea, seven regional tea varieties, the special taste and health benefits of tea.

Unlike China and Japan, Sri Lanka does not have a tea ceremony of her own. Hence, the Sri Lanka Tea Board launched this concept in 2013, namely, a unique Ceylon tea ‘ceremony’ for Ceylon Tea with customs in brewing and serving tea among distinguished visitors.

The Ceylon Tea ceremony concept was based on the Sri Lankan hospitality within a setting of a king of Sri Lanka welcoming his noble audience of visitors and summoning the ladies of the court to proceed with serving the guests the finest Ceylon Tea and refreshments. The tea is served by damsels dressed in traditional ancient attire of a royal palace.

By showing respect to the beverage, the Ceylon Tea was ceremonially brought and served in a ‘pan kendiya’ accompanied with ‘manel’ (Blue water Lily) flowers and incense sticks which were all synonymous with Sri Lankan traditions.

Let’s forget the ethical and political side of this & Appreciate Sri Lanka Tea Board’s effort of promoting “Pure Ceylon Tea”

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References

1. Daily FT: http://www.ft.lk/news/Warm-and-refreshing-Ceylon-Tea-welcome-for-tourists-from-Ukraine/
2. Sri Lanka Tea Board: http://www.srilankateaboard.lk/index.php/component/k2/item/226-ceylon-tea-welcomed-tourist-flight-from-ukraine-to-mattala-rajapaksa-international-airport-on-28th-29th-december-2020