The International Tea Day which falls on 21 May was marked for the first time in Geneva at a special event co-hosted by the Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Liaison Office, under the theme “Tea for Better Lives.” The event took place at the United Nations Office at Geneva (UNOG) and brought together diplomats, UN officials, and members of the Sri Lankan community to celebrate tea’s cultural, economic, and social significance.
Director General of the UNOG Tatiana Valovaya attended as the Chief Guest of the event which also included a panel of speakers joining online from Rome and Colombo. The event was supported by the Sri Lanka Tea Board.
Delivering the opening remarks, Director of the FAO Liaison Office in Geneva Dominique Burgeon elaborated the origins of the international tea day and underlined the significance of the day in recognizing the cultural, economic, and social value of tea across the world.
Director General Valovaya highlighted that tea is more than just a drink, but a fascinating part of multilateralism as many important discussions take place over a cup of tea.
Ambassador Himalee Arunatilaka, Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to the UN in Geneva, recounted the historical legacy of Ceylon Tea, dating back to 1852 with the arrival of British planter James Taylor. She also highlighted the Sri Lanka Tea Board’s 2025 theme: “A Sip of Heritage – A Taste of Ceylon” and centenary of the Sri Lanka Tea Research Institute (TRI) while paying tribute to the TRI for providing research excellence to the industry bridging innovation, sustainability and lifestyles since 1925.
Ambassador R. G. S. Wijesekara, Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to the World Trade Organization (WTO) highlighted the importance of global cooperation to sustain tea’s future, highlighting its vital role in livelihoods, development, and resilience amid climate and trade challenges.
El Mamoun Amrouk, Senior Economist in the Markets and Trade Division at FAO, joining online from Rome, shared insights on how tea supports livelihoods, preserves culture, and contributes to global health.
Former Chairman of the Planters’ Association of Ceylon and CEO and Executive Director of Talawakelle Tea Estates PLC, Senaka Alawattegama talked about Sri Lanka’s success story in transforming lives by empowering rural communities and women, climate resilience practices, sustainability and eco-friendly approach of Sri Lanka’s tea industry.
Veteran Tea Taster and Managing Director and CEO of Asia Siyaka Commodities PLC, Anil Cooke treated the audience to a virtual, yet inspiring tea tasting session, explaining the uniqueness attached to the teas grown in different regions of the country.
The participants were thereafter invited to a curated tasting of teas from Sri Lanka’s seven agro-climatic regions, paired with Sri Lankan delicacies.
The Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka in Geneva
21 May 2025