The International Tea Day, which falls on 21 May, was marked for the first time in Geneva at a special event co-hosted by the Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Liaison Office, under the theme “Tea for Better Lives.” The event took place at the United Nations Office at Geneva (UNOG) and brought together diplomats, UN officials, and members of the Sri Lankan community to celebrate tea’s cultural, economic, and social significance.
Director General of the UNOG Tatiana Valovaya attended as the Chief Guest. The event which also included a panel of speakers joining online from Rome and Colombo and was supported by the Sri Lanka Tea Board.
Delivering the opening remarks, Director of the FAO Liaison Office in Geneva Dominique Burgeon elaborated the origins of the International Tea Day and underlined its global significance in recognizing the cultural, economic, and social value of tea.
Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to the UN in Geneva Himalee Arunatilaka, recounted the historical legacy of Ceylon Tea, dating back to 1852 with the arrival of British planter James Taylor. She also highlighted the Sri Lanka Tea Board’s 2025 theme: “A Sip of Heritage – A Taste of Ceylon” and centenary of the Sri Lanka Tea Research Institute (TRI) while paying tribute to the TRI for providing research excellence to the industry bridging innovation, sustainability and lifestyles since 1925.
The Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to the World Trade Organization (WTO) R. G. S. Wijesekara highlighted the importance of global cooperation to sustain tea’s future, highlighting its vital role in livelihoods, development, and resilience amid climate and trade challenges.
The participants were thereafter invited to a curated tasting of teas from Sri Lanka’s seven agro-climatic regions, paired with Sri Lankan delicacies.
The Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka
Geneva
27 May 2025
