☕ CTTA’s 132nd AGM Outlines New Growth Strategy for Ceylon Tea

The Colombo Tea Traders’ Association (CTTA) held its 132nd AGM, reaffirming its commitment to boosting global competitiveness and sustainable growth for Sri Lanka’s tea industry. • Strategic Focus & Value Addition: - Primary focus set on expanding value-added exports, premium branding, and product diversification to maximize returns per kilogram. - CTTA emphasized driving higher export earnings to support livelihoods for producers and tea smallholders. • Macroeconomic & Sector Context: - IMF Resident Representative Dr. Martha Tesfaye Woldemichael noted the tea sector's vital role in national economic recovery following the 2022 crisis. - Highlighted national economic gains: reduced inflation, doubled tax revenues, strengthened foreign reserves, and lower public debt. - Key external risks identified include geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and global shipping route disruptions. • Leadership & Governance (2026/27): - Lushantha de Silva unanimously re-elected as CTTA Chairman for a second term. - Mansoor Akbarally appointed Vice Chairman (Buyers) and Senaka Alawattegama appointed Vice Chairman (Sellers). - Honorary memberships conferred on Paani Dias, Lalith Obeyesekere, and Sanjaya Herath for outstanding service.