Sri Lanka takes helm of Asia Tea Alliance, Colombo to host 2025 Summit

Sri Lanka is set to significantly elevate its regional standing in the global tea industry by assuming the Chairmanship of the Asia Tea Alliance (ATA) for the 2026-2027 term.

- BY SANATH NANAYAKKARE

This strategic milestone was announced on Nov. 17, at a press conference at the Tea Small Holdings Development Authority (TSHDA).

Nimal Udugampola, Chairman of the TSHDA, will take on the role of ATA Chair, marking the first time in the Alliance's history that a leader from a smallholder-institution will hold the position. This move not only amplifies smallholder representation across Asia's tea value chains but also positions Sri Lanka to help shape standards, policy dialogue, trade priorities, and market access regionally.

The announcement coincides with Colombo hosting the 6th ATA Annual Meeting and the Asia International Tea Summit 2025 on November 27, 2025, at Moonwalk by Citrus, Lotus Tower. The summit, which will be convened by Dr. Shatadru Chattopadhayay, Managing Director of Solidaridad Asia, will be held under the theme: “Tea Reimagined: Regenerative, Resilient and Carbon Free.”.

Minister of Plantations and Community Infrastructure, Samantha Vidyarathna, MP, will attend as the chief guest.