Ceylon Tea: From Highland Roots to Coastal Rituals at The Cliff Weligama

Celebrating Ceylon Tea – A Symbol of Sri Lankan Identity 

In Sri Lanka, tea is more than a beverage it’s a way of life. Revered globally as Ceylon tea, this iconic export is known for its exceptional purity, depth of flavor, and the unique terroirs of its lush growing regions. 

From the cool, misty hills of Nuwara Eliya to the vibrant, sun-soaked slopes of Uva and Dimbula, each region produces teas with distinctive characteristics. These landscapes, combined with generations of expertise and hand-harvesting practices, result in a brew that is complex, aromatic, and deeply Sri Lankan. 

Tea here is not just enjoyed, it’s shared, respected, and woven into the rhythm of everyday life. Whether steeped strong and sweet in rural homes or sipped slowly at luxury retreats, tea connects people across cultures, classes, and coastlines. 

International Tea Day – May 21 

Every year on May 21, the world marks International Tea Day, a celebration established by the United Nations to recognize the cultural, economic, and ecological importance of tea. It’s a day to honour the farmers, workers, and communities who sustain this global industry and to appreciate the role tea plays in health, heritage, and hospitality. 

For Sri Lanka, one of the world’s top tea-producing nations, International Tea Day is especially significant.

It shines a spotlight on the millions of livelihoods sustained by tea cultivation, especially in Sri Lanka’s rural heartlands, where generations have worked with care and expertise. It also underscores the urgency of sustainable agriculture and ethical sourcing, advocating for practices that honour both people and planet. As a crop deeply connected to nature, tea contributes to biodiversity conservation and the growth of organic farming across the island. Most importantly, International Tea Day calls for the preservation of traditional, time-honoured techniques from hand-plucking to small-batch processing that are increasingly at risk in today’s fast-changing world.

At The Cliff Weligama, perched on the southern edge of the island, we embrace this global occasion by inviting guests to reflect on the journey of each cup from the hands that plucked it in the highlands to the moment it meets ocean breeze and golden light. 

From Mountain Leaf to Ocean View 

While Sri Lanka’s tea heritage is rooted in the hills, its influence flows far beyond. Along the coast, tea continues to be a daily comfort and a symbol of welcome. It cools warm afternoons, complements coastal meals, and adds elegance to moments of pause.