Delivering the keynote address, Ambassador Shobini Gunasekera highlighted the significance of the United Nations International Tea Day in recognizing tea not only as one of the world’s most consumed beverages, but also as a vital source of livelihood for millions of people globally. Further, she underscored the importance of supporting smallholder farmers, ensuring fair wages, promoting women and youth participation in the tea industry, and addressing the challenges posed by climate change in sustaining tea-growing communities. In addition, it was highlighted the long history of the Ceylon tea industry and recognized the tea verities grown in different agro-climatic regions.
A special feature of the celebration was the series of live demonstrations of different cultures of tea drinking conducted by tea experts. During this session, Ms. Anna Boykova, of Rubin Tea Trading Company in St. Petersburg presented the unique characteristics of Sri Lanka’s seven regional teas, demonstrating the variations in flavour, colour, aroma, and texture. Further, she shared insights from her Tea Museum in St. Petersburg and elaborated on the heritage and culture of Ceylon Tea.
Mr. David Karamyan, Chairman of the Association of Tea Sommeliers, conducted an interactive session on pairing Ceylon Tea with traditional Russian sweets and cuisine. Drawing from over sixteen years of experience with Ceylon Tea, he demonstrated how different tea varieties complement Russian sweets and culinary traditions. Dr. Jagath Chandrawansha, a Sri Lankan tea expert highlighted the artistry of artisanal tea production.
The celebration concluded with an extensive tasting session featuring Sri Lankan and Russian cuisine paired with a diverse range of Ceylon Tea varieties, including tea cocktails, iced teas, spiced teas, artisanal teas, and regional specialty teas. Guests also had the opportunity to engage directly with tea experts, importers, and brand representatives while experiencing the rich heritage, flavour, and versatility of authentic Ceylon Tea.
The event brought together Ambassadors, senior diplomats from tea-producing and tea-consuming countries, senior officials of the Government of Russia, leading hotel and restaurant owners in Moscow, Ceylon Tea brand representatives, tea buyers, importers, tea sommeliers, and members of the business community.
The event was arranged by the Embassy with the able support of the Sri Lanka Tea Board and sponsorships extended by Basilur, Hyleys and Dilmah.
Russia is the second largest market for Ceylon Tea and this celebration gave exposure of ‘Ceylon Tea’ to segments of the Russian market including Hotels, Restaurants, Caterers and food bloggers etc apart from the traditional buyers.
