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Sri Lanka’s Ceylon Tea industry is at a critical juncture. Although global demand for premium, ethically sourced tea is rising, Sri Lanka continues to lose influence as faster-moving competitors invest aggressively in branding, sustainability, and new product categories.Industry experts warn that the country risks missing a historic market opportunity unless political leadership and state institutions begin delivering urgent reforms.

Speaking at the Asian International Tea Summit in Colombo, Hayleys Group Managing Director and former Planters’ Association Chairperson Roshan Rajadurai said the only way for Sri Lanka to differentiate itself is to embrace regenerative agriculture, a growing global standard.

He highlighted that Sri Lanka’s tea industry is currently “over-certified” with requirements imposed by buyers that do not translate into higher prices. However, he argued this burden could be turned into an advantage through strategic differentiation.

Rajadurai stressed that global consumers increasingly demand sustainability compliance, traceability, and low-impact production.

“We need to elevate the product as a Regenagri product and approach the market,” he said, referring to the international programme that certifies regenerative agricultural practices. He added that early successes over the past two years especially in agroforestry-based rare teas and specialty teas prove the model is commercially viable.

Official data echoes the urgency. Tea export earnings for October fell 0.21% year-on-year to USD 126.55 million, although cumulative earnings from January to October rose 8.72% to USD 1.289 billion, largely due to strong performance in tea packets, which accounted for 15.18% of export revenue.

Analysts warn these gains remain fragile given global competition and Sri Lanka’s weak marketing visibility.

The political dimension is equally concerning. The NPP government has yet to lay out a comprehensive strategy to modernise production, reposition Ceylon Tea, or exploit sustainability-focused market niches.

Senior industry stakeholders privately express doubts about the minister in charge, citing a lack of English communication ability, limited global exposure, and weak public relations critical deficiencies for a sector that depends on international promotion and trade negotiations. Their concerns are compounded by lethargic ministry bureaucracy and slow decision-making.

Experts argue that without strong political leadership capable of engaging global buyers and investors, Sri Lanka cannot leverage the very certifications and standards that Rajadurai says could distinguish Ceylon Tea as a premium regenerative product.

Sri Lanka has a narrow window to reposition Ceylon Tea not just as a drink, but as a Regenagri-certified, health-focused, sustainable luxury product.

 But unless the government empowers professionals, accelerates reforms, and fixes institutional weaknesses, the world’s most respected tea brand risks further decline in a market it once owned.

The Meteorology Department has issued a Red Alert for both land and surrounding sea areas as Cyclonic Storm “Ditwah” intensifies.

According to the department, the storm is currently positioned near latitude 8.3°N and longitude 81.0°E, approximately 40 km southwest of Trincomalee, and is expected to move north-northwest.

Heavy rainfall and strong winds triggered by the system are forecast to continue across the island. Intermittent showers and thundershowers will affect most regions.

Rainfall exceeding 200 mm is likely in parts of the Northern, North-Central, Central, North-Western, Sabaragamuwa, and Western provinces. Areas in Trincomalee, Badulla, Galle, and Matara districts may receive more than 150 mm, while other regions could see rainfall above 75 mm.

Winds of 60–70 km/h, with gusts reaching 80–90 km/h, are also expected over many parts of the island.

The public is urged to take necessary precautions to minimize the impact of heavy rains and strong winds.

Naval and fishing communities have been advised not to venture into sea areas around the island until further notice.

Authorities also request residents to stay alert for updated advisories and to contact local disaster management officials in case of emergencies.

A landslide has occurred in the Rambadagama area of Kotmale, impacting the central part of the village located between the Nuwara Eliya–Pudalu Oya roads. Residents say the landslide began on the night of November 27 and continued into the early hours of the following morning.

Initial reports suggest that several people have lost their lives, while others have been injured. With roads blocked and the terrain unstable, locals are struggling to reach those in need and transport the injured to medical facilities.

The situation has been made worse by a complete power outage and the loss of all telephone networks in the area, severely limiting communication and delaying assistance. Nearly 50 individuals are believed to be trapped, and family members are urgently calling for government intervention to begin rescue operations.

According to the Police Media Spokesperson’s Office, the landslide has been reported, but detailed information remains unavailable due to the communication breakdown. Disaster response teams have reportedly not yet reached the affected location.

Police say several areas in Colombo have been affected by the severe weather conditions sweeping across the island, with flooding and fallen trees blocking multiple roads.

The disruptions have caused heavy traffic, and motorists are advised to use alternate routes until clearance operations are completed.

The affected locations include:

• Premasiri Khemadasa Mawatha and Keppetipola Mawatha, near Lionel Theatre

• National Hospital Gate 4

• Elvitigala Mawatha

• Queen’s Road Junction

• Kotahena Armor Barber Junction, near the temple

The Irrigation Department has announced a high-risk flood warning for low-lying areas surrounding the Maha Oya Basin over the next 24 hours. The alert comes after significant rainfall was recorded across the upper catchment during the past day.

Officials warn that the volume of water flowing downstream could trigger severe flooding, potentially exceeding levels experienced in recent years. Communities living in at-risk locations have been urged to evacuate to safer ground without delay as authorities continue to monitor rising water levels.

A stretch of the Colombo–Kandy main road between the 88 km and 89 km posts in Meepitiya, Kegalle, has been closed due to landslide risks.

The Disaster Management Centre (DMC) has urged motorists to take alternate routes and exercise caution.

The public has also been advised to avoid travelling on this section of the road unless absolutely necessary.

Railway authorities have announced the temporary suspension of train services on the Main Line this morning after several track sections, particularly in Daraluwa and Gampaha, were impacted by flooding. Officials say the decision was necessary to ensure passenger safety.

The disruption comes amid continuous heavy rainfall across many parts of the country, which has led to significant waterlogging and increased the risk of operational hazards along the line. Authorities are monitoring the situation and will restore services once the tracks are deemed safe.

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Ismail Muththu Mohamed has announced that he is stepping down from his position in Parliament.
He revealed his decision while making a statement in the House today (28).

Cyclone “Ditwah” is steadily shifting away from Sri Lanka and tracking toward the Bay of Bengal coast, with its path now directed at Tamil Nadu, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The storm is forecast to make landfall over north Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and parts of south Andhra Pradesh early on November 30.

The IMD warns that these regions are likely to experience heavy to extremely heavy rainfall on November 29 and 30. A red alert has been issued for districts such as Cuddalore, Mayiladuthurai, Villupuram, Chengalpattu, and Puducherry, where rainfall totals may exceed 21 cm.

In addition, strong winds reaching speeds of up to 90 km/h are expected to sweep across many areas of Tamil Nadu today, prompting authorities to urge residents to stay alert and follow safety advisories.

The Disaster Management Centre (DMC) reports that three bodies have been recovered following an earthslip in the Gangoda area of Kandy. Authorities also state that at least 17 people are currently unaccounted for.Emergency response teams are on-site carrying out search and rescue operations, while officials monitor the area for further risks. The DMC says updates will be provided as efforts continue to trace the missing individuals.

India Deploys INS Vikrant Helicopters to Aid Sri Lanka’s Cyclone “Ditwah” Relief Efforts; Sajith Premadasa Expresses Gratitude

India has stepped in to assist Sri Lanka as Cyclonic Storm “Ditwah” continues to generate destructive weather across the island, triggering widespread flooding, strong winds, and emergency rescue operations.

The Government of India has agreed to deploy helicopters from the aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, which is currently docked in Colombo, to support Sri Lankan authorities in ongoing rescue, relief, and evacuation missions. The helicopters are expected to enhance aerial surveillance, transport emergency supplies, and assist in reaching areas that have become inaccessible due to the severe weather.

The gesture of support comes at a critical time, with multiple regions across the island experiencing disruptions and rising safety concerns.

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa publicly thanked India for its timely assistance. In a message posted on X, he extended his appreciation to the Indian government and the crew of INS Vikrant, noting that regional cooperation plays a vital role during humanitarian crises.

Severe rainfall in the Monaragala district has caused the Colombo–Wellawaya main road in the Kumbukkana area to become flooded, according to the Disaster Management Centre. The flooding resulted from the Kumbukkan Oya overflowing its banks, leaving parts of the roadway impassable.During the incident, a bus carrying 23 passengers was caught in powerful currents and swept off course as it attempted to navigate the submerged stretch. Emergency teams responded swiftly, rescuing all passengers without delay. Efforts to retrieve the stranded bus from the floodwaters are continuing.