GOVT. MUST PROTECT CEYLON TEA, SAY FACTORY OWNERS

Individuals responsible for the ongoing racket are not planters or factory owners but an organised group of racketeers

Former President of the Central Province Tea Factory Owners Society and the proprietor of the Kurunduwatta Tea Factory Robert Halley said that he hoped that the present Government would help restore the glory of Ceylon Tea during the British Period and lost due to the malpractices of racketeers in recent times.

Addressing a ceremony to distribute schoolbooks and among the children of Tea Small Holders supplying tea to the Kurunduwatta Tea Factory, he pointed out that the racketeers adulterated tea by mixing chemicals and sugar regardless of its damage to the repute of Ceylon Tea brand being the best tea in the world.

“It is said that the country’s tea industry has lost its past glory due to the malpractices of the unscrupulous individuals motivated by making a fast buck,” he said.

“The situation would worsen and the Sri Lankan Tea industry will face ruin unless

It is said that the country’s tea industry has lost its past glory due to the malpractices of the unscrupulous individuals motivated by making a fast buck

the government worked out an effective mechanism to prevent the ongoing racket.

“The Police have seized large stocks of refuse tea in transit to Colombo. The individuals responsible for the ongoing racket are not planters or factory owners but an organised group of racketeers. I hope that the present Government would take stern action against them to protect Sri Lanka’s tea industry from the present predicament,” he said.

The ceremony had been organised by the staff of the Kurunduwatta Tea Factory. More than 400 school children received books and school requisites.

The Chief Incumbent of the Kurunduwatta Buddhist Centre and Member of the Working Committee of the Sri Lanka Ramanna Chapter Ven. Mawatupola Anuruddha Thera, Chief Incumbent of Gemunupura Jayanthi Vihara in Udahenthenna Ven. Eriyagolle Dhammalankara Thera and Ven. Gannoruwe Vineetha Thera addressed the gathering.

OIC Kurunduwatta Police Chandika Sri Kantha and several tea smallholders were also present.