The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Germany hosted a Ceylon Tea Tasting and Networking Event on 2 June 2026 at the Waldorf Astoria Berlin to celebrate International Tea Day 2026 under the global theme, “Sustaining Tea, Supporting Communities”. The event brought together over 40 guests representing German government institutions, the diplomatic community, trade chambers and business associations, industry, academia, media and tea enthusiasts.
Delivering the opening remarks, Chargé d’ Affaires, Thivanka Athuraliya highlighted that International Tea Day recognizes both the global significance of tea and the stakeholders who sustain the industry, while underscoring the enduring place of tea in Sri Lanka’s heritage and culture.
The International Tea Day 2026 message of Hon. Samantha Vidyarathne, Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure of Sri Lanka was presented to the audience during the event. Minister Counsellor (Commercial) of the Embassy, Senuja Samaraweera, delivered an overview of the Ceylon tea industry highlighting sustainability and quality standards, performance and innovations. He also provided guests with insights into the different varieties and grading systems of Ceylon Tea.
Head of Division for External Economic Policy South and Southeast Asia, Australia, New Zealand and Oceania at the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, Tobias Pierlings shared his perspectives on the growing economic cooperation between Germany and Sri Lanka, with particular reference to his recent visit to Colombo.
An interactive tea tasting session was conducted by Olivier Michils, Brand Experience & Client Engagement Manager for Benelux and Germany at Dilmah Ceylon Tea Company PLC. Featuring a carefully curated selection of premium Ceylon Tea varieties, the session offered guests an opportunity to experience the distinctive flavours, aromas and quality that have earned Ceylon Tea global recognition. A selection of tea-based mocktails and authentic Sri Lankan canapés further enhanced the experience and was warmly appreciated by attendees.
The event was organized by the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Germany in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Tea Board, with the support of Dilmah Ceylon Tea.
Embassy of Sri Lanka
Berlin
05 June 2026
