‘Tea industry limps towards normalcy’

The upcountry tea industry that suffered a setback in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic is said to be gradually reviving, an official of the Bogawantalawa Tea Estate said.

Hatton Zone Director Operations of the Bogawantalawa Plantation Company and Superintendent of Norwood Estate- Ferros Majeeth said manufacture of tea continued during the curfew under the guidance of political leadership and on the instructions of the health authorities, the police and the security forces.

He pointed out that government and the plantation companies joined hands in this endevoour to save the country’s tea industry which was one of the main sources of foreign exchange.

“Protecting the employees from any possible danger to their health is the main challenge facing us.however,we continue work in factories.today there is an increasing demand in world market for the Sri Lankan tea,” he said.

It was advantageous for Sri Lanka since several other countries had suspended tea exports, while the health authorities prevented the spread of Coronavirus in the hill country, he further said.