Tea import, re-export banned

Import or re-export of tea has been banned in Sri Lanka by the Government. Plantations and Export Agriculture Minister Dr.Ramesh Pathirana said this decision has been take to encourage tea cultivators in the country.

The Minister said that he took this decision following a discussion with tea factory owners and Ministry officials on how concessions can be granted to tea cultivators to continue tea cultivations, at the Ministry yesterday. “The tea industry faced a severe setback after some elements reportedly adulterated dust tea with tea to be exported countries,” he said.

Pathirana said that new rules and regulations will be introduced soon to curb this menace.