Global Ceylon Tea Evening - Celebration of International Tea Day 2026 in The Hague, the Netherlands
On the occasion of International Tea Day 2026, the Embassy of Sri Lanka in the Netherlands, in
collaboration with the Sri Lanka Tea Board, celebrated the timeless legacy of Pure Ceylon Tea on 21 May
2026 at the Embassy premises in The Hague.
The celebration featured a pre-recorded video message from K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna, Minister of
Plantation and Community Infrastructure and R.K. Obeyesekere, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Tea Board.
While welcoming the guests, Ambassador Rekha Gunasekera emphasized this year’s International Tea
Day theme, “Sustaining tea, supporting communities’’ and the cultural, social, and economic significance
of tea. Known to be the finest in the world, the unique flavour, fragrance and freshness of Ceylon Tea
sets it apart from the rest. Ceylon Tea is the first Ozone Friendly Tea in the world recognized under the
Montreal Protocol Treaty and does not use Methyl-Bromide during packaging and shipping. Ceylon Tea is
also the first Ethical Tea Brand of the World recognized by the United Nations Global Compact. The
Ambassador also stated that Ceylon Tea exports to the Netherlands has increased and that last year it
accounted for over US$ 21 million.
Guests were also provided a comprehensive overview of Ceylon Tea, beginning with it’s history and
heritage; the seven tea-growing regions; the globally recognised Lion Logo, and different Tea Grades.
The presentation made by S. Dissanayake, Director Marketing of Empire Tea also focused on
#FarmedWithCare, #FromSoiltoSpirit, and #BeforeTheBrew. This was followed by a lively video from the
Ceylon Artisanal Tea Association (CATA), which brought the story of tea closer to its roots, sharing
insights into specialty tea production, artisanal craftsmanship, and sustainable practices. Further insights
into expanding opportunities for premium and artisanal teas in the Dutch market were shared by Richard
Schukkink, Owner of International Tea & Coffee Academy, the Netherlands.
A special highlight of the evening was the exhibition and tea tasting opportunity arranged in the Embassy
garden. Tea traders, sommeliers, hospitality professionals, government officials, journalists, culinary
authors, tea academics and enthusiasts came together for a unique tasting journey featuring teas from all
seven tea-growing regions of Sri Lanka, artisanal teas, and a showcase of tea grades. Participants were
impressed by the distinct colours, aromas, and flavours of tea from different regions and learned how
soil, climate, the expertise of tea pluckers, and production methods contribute to creating such
distinguished teas. Adding a refreshing touch to the evening, Ceylon tea mocktails prepared by MONIN
Brand Ambassador Erik Ballema introduced creative new ways to enjoy tea. Guests enjoyed the different
types of pure and premium Ceylon Tea with Sri Lankan snacks of fish buns, vegetable roti, kokis and
treacle & coconut pancakes.
Throughout the evening, the Embassy offered guests a unique cultural and sensory journey through the
story of Ceylon Tea, bringing the warmth and traditions of Sri Lanka closer to the people of the
Netherlands. The event also served as a valuable platform to promote premium Pure Ceylon Tea and
strengthen appreciation for Sri Lanka’s rich tea heritage, quality standards, and sustainable tea industry.
Embassy of Sri Lanka
The Hague
22 May 2026
