Sri Lanka Promotes Ceylon Tea at Glasgow Caledonian University

As part of Sri Lanka’s participation in International Food Exhibition-2024, a series of Ceylon Tea promotional programmes were conducted in Scotland, culminating in a highly successful PR event at Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU) on March 28th, 2024. The event, a Ceylon Tea Tasting session, saw participation from approximately 100 attendees, including graduate and postgraduate students specializing in beverages and culinary arts at the Faculty of Business Management, as well as esteemed PhD researchers and senior lecturers from the university’s departments of food, beverages, culinary, hospitality, and tourism.

Welcomed by Dr. Emmanuel Sirimal Silva, Head of Economics and Law at GCU, and with opening remarks from Professor Ehsan Mesbahi, Provost and Deputy-Vice Chancellor of GCU, the Sri Lankan delegation, led by High Commissioner Bogollagama, emphasized the historical ties between Sri Lanka and Scotland in the realm of Ceylon Tea. High Commissioner Bogollagama highlighted the significance of engaging with GCU to promote Ceylon Tea among students and academic staff, inviting the Faculty of Management and Business Studies to undertake research and participatory studies on Ceylon Tea and Sri Lankan culinary and tourism sectors. He further extended invitations for collaborative exchange programmes with Sri Lankan universities and explored investment opportunities in Sri Lanka’s education system.

Mr. Niraj de Mel, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Tea Board, delivered an informative presentation on the heritage of Ceylon Tea, emphasizing its historic connections with the UK and showcasing the purity and diverse varieties of Ceylon teas. The Director – Promotion of the Tea Board, Ms Pavithri Peiris, also provided additional insights through a presentation.

Attendees were treated to a sensory experience with Ceylon Tea tasting accompanied by traditional Sri Lankan sweets and cookies, and each guest received a Ceylon Tea pouch with informative literature. The event drew participation from various stakeholders including Ven. Dr. Dhammarakkitha Thero from the Glasgow Buddhist Temple, senior lecturers, counsellors in multi-faith studies, representatives from trade and business chambers, and members of the tea trade in Scotland, among others.

Following the tea session, High Commissioner Bogollagama held a productive meeting with the Board Directors of GCU, focusing on enhancing collaboration in educational programmes, particularly in Ceylon Tea education, and expanding the university’s network with Sri Lanka. A guided tour of GCU for the Sri Lankan delegation further cemented the ties between the two entities.

The Ceylon Tea promotional event at Glasgow Caledonian University served as a catalyst for deeper engagement and collaboration between Sri Lanka and Scotland, fostering educational, cultural, and economic exchanges that will pave the way for mutual growth and development

 

Sri Lanka High Commission
London