At the invitation of the Government of the People's Republic of China, the Hon. Samantha Vidyarathna, Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure of Sri Lanka, is currently leading a delegation to the China's Main Venue Event of International Tea Day 2026, held under the theme "Silk Road Tea Aroma, Intelligence for Shared Prosperity."
The Minister accompanied by Consul General Lashinka Dammullage met with H.E. Xu Xianhui, Vice Chairman and Member of the Party Leadership Group of the People's Government of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, together with visiting delegates from Myanmar, Kenya, and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). The meeting focused on advancing multilateral cooperation in the tea industry.
Addressing the event, Minister Vidyarathna:
- Highlighted Sri Lanka's rich tea heritage and its global significance;
- Expressed deep appreciation for China's global leadership in promoting international tea cooperation;
- Reaffirmed Sri Lanka's unwavering commitment to sustainable plantation practices;
- Welcomed expanded green technology collaboration through the Belt and Road Joint Laboratory;
- Called for stronger trade and investment ties with Guangxi and other Chinese partners.
The Minister emphasized that Sri Lanka remains dedicated to working closely with all stakeholders to foster a resilient, inclusive, and prosperous global tea sector under the shared vision of the Silk Road.
