The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Ankara actively participated in two significant events in Türkiye to celebrate International Tea Day (21 May).
These celebrations offered the Embassy an opportunity to showcase Sri Lanka’s rich tea heritage and cultural traditions to international audiences. On 20 May 2025, the Embassy participated in a festivity in Istanbul, hosted by Beta Tea, which featured traditional Sri Lankan dance and a Ceylon tea heritage stall. The following day in Ankara, the Embassy took part in the event demonstrating Tea Culture in the Asia-Pacific by the spouses of Ambassadors from the Asia-Pacific Region.
Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Türkiye, Hasanthi Urugodawatte Dissanayake attended the event. In her address, she highlighted the richness and global recognition of Sri Lanka’s tea culture, noting that events like these enhance cross-cultural appreciation and friendship. She also emphasized Ceylon Tea’s unique qualities, pointing out that it is known as the world’s cleanest tea, produced through ethical and sustainable practices.
As a nation synonymous with tea, Sri Lanka perceives these International Tea Day engagements as an opportunity to practice “tea diplomacy” – using its world-renowned Ceylon tea as a medium of cultural exchange and goodwill.
The Embassy of Sri Lanka
Ankara
23 May 2025
