Richard Pieris Group owns most Rainforest Alliance-certified tea estates

Richard Pieris Group becomes the only organisation in Sri Lanka that has obtained the highest number of estates certified under Rainforest Alliance.

Richard Pieris Group of Companiesowned Maskeliya Plantations PLC and Namunulkula PLC (UVA Range) tea estates, namely Strathspey, Glenugie, Mocha, Brunswick, Glentilt, Brownlow, Moussakellie, Hapugastenne, Laxapana, Moray, St. Clair, Talawakelle, Troup and Ferham, including five smallholder estates, were recertified for the period of June 12, 2018 to June 11, 2021.

The estates, Ampittiakande, Poonagala, Craig and Leangawella, which are situated in the Bandarawela Region, were certified newly during the same period under Rainforest Alliance. Two tea estates managed by Namunukula Plantations PLC (UVA Range), namely Hindagala and Kinellan estates, too were certified under Rainforest Alliance during the same period.

Maskeliya Plantations PLC and Namunukula Plantations PLC (UVA Range) Chief Executive Officer Manoj Pathiraja was very much keen, interested and encouraging this certification work and with his advice, guidance, assistance and direction, the company was able to achieve this goal in getting the Rainforest Alliance certification for 25 estates, including five smallholders under one certificate.

Also both Chief Executive Officer and Director Operations were very much keen and interested about all accreditations such as Rainforest Alliance, Fairtrade Labelling Organisation (FLO), ISO 22000:2005, Ethical Tea Partnership (ETP) Ceylon Tea Quality Certificate (CQC), National Quality awards, UTZ, etc.

All the estate names mentioned above practice Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) as well as environmentally and eco-friendly practices in promoting environmental sustainability. A lot of worker social welfare is done and it’s committed to looking after the environment in the region, where the plantations are situated. The unwavering commitment by its employees and underpinned by internationally acknowledged certifications and accreditations: Ethical Tea Partnership, ISO 22000:2005, Food Safety, Local Environmental Authority License, Rainforest Alliance, Taiki Akimoto 5S’, Hazard Analysis (HACCP), four estates, namely Strathspey, Laxapana, Brunswick and Craig, were certified under Fairtrade Labelling Organisation (FLO), Ceylon Tea Quality Certificate (CQC), Cleaner Productions Productivity, National Safety and one estate namely Strathspey had been certified under UTZ recently. These estates have a large population living and the company is committed to look after their well-being, including the surrounding villages and schools within the estate.

This is the only organisation in Sri Lanka that has obtained the highest number of estates certified at once under one Rainforest Alliance certification for 25 estates, including five Bought Leaf Suppliers Certificates, for their upgraded and well-equipped processing facilities managed by well-trained, wellexperienced, multi-skilled and highly motivated teams. This company has a great responsibility in fostering in green practices also. Rainforest Alliance had been certified for 6,097.15 hectares for a production of 9,357,057 kilos black tea per annum.

Maskeliya Plantations PLC, Namunukula Plantations PLC, (UVA Range) produces world best teas from their Garden marks, which is very unique. It has its own characteristics in the tea cup.