– The Embassy of Sri Lanka in the Netherlands, together with the Sri Lanka Tea Board, celebrated International Tea Day 2026 with a “Global Ceylon Tea Evening” held at the Embassy premises in The Hague on 21 May.The event highlighted the global legacy, sustainability, and premium quality of Pure Ceylon Tea under this year’s International Tea Day theme, “Sustaining tea, supporting communities.”The celebration featured pre-recorded messages from Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna and Sri Lanka Tea Board Chairman R.K. Obeyesekere.

Welcoming guests, Sri Lankan Ambassador to the Netherlands Rekha Gunasekera emphasized the cultural, social and economic significance of Ceylon Tea, describing it as one of the finest teas in the world due to its unique flavour, fragrance and freshness. The Ambassador noted that Ceylon Tea is recognized as the world’s first Ozone Friendly Tea under the Montreal Protocol Treaty and the first Ethical Tea Brand recognized by the United Nations Global Compact. She also revealed that Ceylon Tea exports to the Netherlands exceeded US$ 21 million last year.Guests were given an overview of Sri Lanka’s tea heritage, including its seven tea-growing regions, tea grades, and the globally recognized Lion Logo. Presentations also focused on sustainable and artisanal tea production practices.

A special tea exhibition and tasting session in the Embassy garden allowed tea traders, sommeliers, hospitality professionals, journalists, academics and tea enthusiasts to sample teas from all seven tea-growing regions of Sri Lanka, along with artisanal varieties and specialty grades.Participants explored the distinct colours, aromas and flavours of teas produced across different regions and learned about the role of soil, climate and craftsmanship in shaping the character of Ceylon Tea.

The evening also featured Ceylon tea mocktails prepared by MONIN Brand Ambassador Erik Ballema, introducing innovative ways to enjoy tea. Guests were served premium Ceylon Tea alongside traditional Sri Lankan snacks including fish buns, vegetable roti, kokis and treacle and coconut pancakes.

According to the Embassy, the event served as a platform to promote premium Pure Ceylon Tea while strengthening appreciation for Sri Lanka’s rich tea heritage, quality standards and sustainable tea industry in the Netherlands.