- Expert judges from the Tea Research Institute evaluated competitors on yield and quality.
- Rs. 500,000 cash prize and SINGER flatscreen TV for Overall Winner
- Event held amid strong community support and a festive atmosphere
In a resounding tribute to the skillful hands behind every cup of Pure Ceylon Tea, Hayleys Plantations hosted the 3rd edition of its Best Tea Harvester Competition, an event hotly anticipated by plantation communities connected to Kelani Valley Plantations PLC (KVPL), Talawakelle Tea Estates PLC (TTE PLC) and Horana Plantations PLC (HPL).
Hayleys Group Chairman & Chief Executive, Mohan Pandithage graced this special occasion along with Hayleys PLC Executive Director Sarath Ganegoda, Hayleys Plantations Managing Director Dr. Roshan Rajadurai and several other dignitaries.
The competition transformed the Somerset Estate and Dimbula Cricket Club Grounds, into a vibrant hub of festivity, where families, co-workers and local community supporters gathered to cheer on the women whose expertise drives Sri Lanka’s tea industry. Over 40 women pluckers who won the estates’ level competitions earned the opportunity to compete in the grand finale which consisted of 15 minutes of harvesting and 5 minutes of sorting.
More than a contest of speed and volume, the event showcased the precision and care essential to producing tea of unparalleled quality. Expert judges from the Tea Research Institute evaluated the harvesters on yield, finesse, and quality of harvest. Red Cross and health officials were also onsite during the entire contest in order to ensure the safety of all participants and spectators.
“Through the hands of our cherished tea harvesters, Pure Ceylon Tea continues to be loved around the world. The Best Tea Harvester Competition is a celebration of their hard work, showing the commitment that keeps Ceylon Tea a global symbol of quality. This industry is a key part of our country’s economy, helping thousands of families and strengthening Sri Lanka’s position on the world stage.
“To all the participants, finalists, and winners – you are the pride of this industry. Your efforts are integral to our shared success, and we committed to supporting, uplifting, and investing in each of you so that everyone has the opportunity to learn, and grow through safe, secure, dignified work.” Hayleys Chairman and Chief Executive, Mohan Pandithage.
Overall champion, Anthony Iresha Rajaletchumi of Great Western Estate (TTE PLC) said “I am so happy and truly grateful for this recognition. I want to thank my family, friends, and everyone at the estate including our Manager who supported and encouraged and helped me prepare for today’s competition.”
Rajaletchumi harvested 6.2 kg in just 15 minutes, earning her a cash prize of Rs. 500,000 (in addition to a Rs. 150,000 estate-level cash prize for securing the Gold Award under TTE PLC). She was also awarded a flatscreen TV, sponsored by Singer Sri Lanka. Along with her overall triumph, Rajaletchumi also (). The Silver Award went to Dharmalingam Poomany (Mattakelle Estate), while Veeriah Vanitha (Logie Estate) took Bronze.
Indrakanthy (Ingestre Estate) claimed the Gold Award for KVPL, followed by Subramaniam Komathy (Battalgalla Estate) – Silver, and M. Mariyal (Fordyce Estate) – Bronze. Meanwhile, HPL recognised Sugumaran Rajaletchumy (Bambarakelly Estate) with Gold, K. Kavitha (Alton Estate) with Silver, and P. Chandraleka (Fairlawn Estate) with Bronze.
All Gold, Silver, and Bronze winners across the three companies received cash prizes and portable speakers sponsored by Singer Sri Lanka.
According to Hayleys Plantations Managing Director, Dr. Roshan Rajadurai, the contest reaffirms Hayleys Plantations’ commitment to recognising, uplifting, and honouring its workforce as a central pillar in its wider effort to lead the transformation of Sri Lanka’s tea industry.
“This event is a testament to the spirit of camaraderie, partnership and appreciation that defines Hayleys Plantations. By listening to our workforce and celebrating their dedication, we’re reinforcing the values of community, empowerment, and continuous improvement. As employers, it’s our duty to establish systems in which merit and performance is fairly and reliably rewarded. These efforts are essential to our vision of leading Sri Lanka’s tea industry into globally celebrated leaders in ethical, sustainable, and high-quality production,” Dr. Rajadurai said.
Hayleys Plantations, comprising of Sri Lanka’s most certified and awarded plantations companies, continues to demonstrate leadership in its investments towards comprehensive workforce development, training programmes, healthcare initiatives, and community engagement projects.
Hayleys Plantations is part of Sri Lanka’s largest and most diversified conglomerate, the Hayleys Group, and accounts for approximately 4.6% of Sri Lanka’s total tea production. The RPCs are the first in the industry to sign the UNGC 10 Principles in Human Rights, Labour Standards, Environment, and Anti-corruption and pledge to the UN CEO Water Mandate.
