Global tea party to mark Sri Lanka’s tea industry

PETALING JAYA: Sip it or take a swig, it’s time for Ceylon tea.

A global tea party to mark the birth of Sri Lanka’s tea industry 150 years ago will be held next Thursday throughout the world.

Malaysia will also mark the occasion with an event in Kuala Lumpur.

“The tea party will be held at 67 venues around the world next Thursday at exactly 5pm in their respective time zone over a 24-hour period,” said Tea Trade Association of Malaysia executive secretary Wong Yee Chen.

In Kuala Lumpur, at least 100 tea traders and merchants, as well as other guests were invited to the Global Ceylon Tea Party.

“Those associated with tea, particularly Ceylon tea, will gather to drink the tea and enjoy teatime biscuits,” he said.

He said the association, which has good ties with the Sri Lanka High Commission, was appointed to help co-organise the event.

“Ceylon tea is world famous. Although there are several varieties and brands, it is more well known as black tea.”

“Black tea is considered high grade and is usually used to make teh tarik,” Wong said.

He said the event was also aimed at boosting appreciation for Ceylon tea and to publicise developments in the industry.

The tea party will be held at My Star Tea City, Sun Complex, on Jalan Bukit Bintang as there are tea merchants in the area, he said.

Sri Lanka is the world’s fourth-largest producer of tea with production contributing RM6.5bil to its economy in 2013.