The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Cairo, in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization Regional Office for the Near East and North Africa in Cairo, celebrated International Tea Day on 23 June 2026. The event served as a vibrant platform to showcase Sri Lanka’s rich tea culture and heritage, bringing together more than 200 participants, including diplomats, government officials, representatives of international organizations, business leaders, tea industry stakeholders, and members of the media.
The International Tea Day ceremony was inaugurated by Assistant Director-General of the Regional Office of Food and Agriculture Organization in Cairo, Dr. AbulHakim Elwaer, along with the Ambassadors of India, Malaysia, and Sri Lanka, as well as diplomats from several other countries, particularly tea-consuming nations.
Sri Lanka’s participation featured a range of engaging activities highlighting the heritage and versatility of Ceylon Tea. The renowned Seven Regions Ceylon Tea were presented through a dramatic and interactive demonstration, while a Ceylon tea tasting session offered visitors a unique opportunity to experience the distinctive flavours and characteristics of teas produced in the country’s diverse tea-growing regions. Ceylon Artisanal Tea was prominently showcased and promoted as a premium niche product, attracting considerable interest for its distinctive flavours, aromas, craftsmanship, and rich traditions, complemented by its appealing presentation.
The audience was actively engaged through an interactive quiz session conducted on stage, covering various aspects of tea, including tea varieties, tea culture and traditions, the global tea industry, and the significance of tea in societies around the world. The session highlighted notable achievements of Ceylon Tea, including its recognition as the world’s first Ozone-Friendly Tea and the invaluable contribution of Sri Lanka’s smallholder farmers to the tea industry.
Adding a vibrant cultural dimension to the event, a group of Sri Lankan students from the Sri Lankan community in Cairo performed a captivating dance depicting the tea-plucking process. Their outstanding performance brought colour and energy to the celebration and received warm appreciation from the audience.
Addressing the gathering, Ambassador Sisira Senavirathne underscored the significance of International Tea Day, noting that it tells the story of millions of people through their land, labour, and dedication, while demonstrating tea’s unique ability to connect people and cultures around the world. The Ambassador highlighted the renowned “Ceylon Seven Regions Tea,” explaining that each tea-growing region produces distinctive specialty teas characterized by unique flavours, aromas, colours, and appearances shaped by differences in elevation, climate, soil, and geographical conditions.
Elaborating on Ceylon Artisanal Tea, the Ambassador emphasized its philosophy of prioritizing quality over quantity, noting that Ceylon artisanal tea strives to achieve the highest standards of excellence by reflecting the diversity of cultivation methods, tea varieties, processing techniques, craftsmanship, soil composition, climate, and altitude. Produced in small batches with meticulous care and traditional expertise, Ceylon artisanal tea embodies craftsmanship, heritage, and sustainability while preserving unique regional characteristics. It also provides greater value to tea growers and responds to the increasing global demand for premium, authentic, and distinctive tea experiences.
The International Tea Day celebration in Cairo concluded with an interactive Ceylon tea serving, allowing participants to experience the unique flavours and distinctive characteristics of Ceylon Tea while enjoying a selection of traditional Sri Lankan delicacies and engaging in networking opportunities. As a token of appreciation, participants received gifts of Ceylon Artisanal Tea, Ceylon Seven Regions Tea, and Al Salaam Ceylon Tea, generously provided by Soudanco Company, one of the leading importers of Ceylon Tea in Egypt.
Embassy of Sri Lanka
Cairo
06 July 2026
