The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Moscow commemorated the United Nations International Tea Day 2026 under the global theme “Sustaining Tea, Supporting Communities” at the Embassy premises.

Delivering the keynote address, the Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the Russian Federation, Shobini Gunasekera, highlighted the significance of 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 globally. She underscored the importance of supporting smallholder farmers, ensuring fair wages, promoting the participation of women and youth in the tea industry, and addressing the challenges posed by climate change. The Ambassador also highlighted the long history of the Ceylon Tea industry and the unique tea varieties cultivated across Sri Lanka’s different agro-climatic regions.

A special feature of the event was a series of live demonstrations on tea-drinking cultures conducted by tea experts. Anna Boykova of Rubin Tea Trading Company in St. Petersburg presented the unique characteristics of Sri Lanka’s seven regional teas, demonstrating variations in flavour, colour, aroma, and texture. She also shared insights from her Tea Museum in St. Petersburg and elaborated on the heritage and culture of Ceylon Tea.

The Chairman of the Association of Tea Sommeliers, David Karamyan, 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 culinary traditions. Sri Lankan tea expert Jagath Chandrawansha highlighted the artistry of artisanal tea production.

The celebration concluded with a 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 engaged directly with tea experts, importers, and brand representatives while experiencing the heritage 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 the Russian Federation, hotel and restaurant representatives, Ceylon Tea brand representatives, tea buyers, importers, tea sommeliers, and members of the business community.

The event was organized by the Embassy with the support of the Sri Lanka Tea Board and sponsorships from Basilur, Hyleys, and Dilmah.

Russia remains the second largest market for Ceylon Tea, and the event provided further exposure for Ceylon Tea among hotels, restaurants, caterers, food bloggers, and other segments of the Russian market beyond traditional buyers.

Embassy of Sri Lanka

Moscow
 

29 May 2026