Sri Lanka’s tea industry is globally celebrated for its heritage and quality, yet it stands at a crossroads shaped by urgent challenges and evolving expectations. As the sector strives to uphold its traditions, it must also embrace modern demands where excellence is measured not only by flavor, but by integrity, traceability, and environmental stewardship. Today’s buyers seek teas that tell a story: one rooted in ethical sourcing, transparency, and genuine sustainability.
It is within this evolving landscape that Ethical Teas emerged exclusively as an organic processor and exporter, driven by a mission to redefine what sustainable tea truly represents. Founded on the conviction that sustainability must transcend marketing slogans, the company established a deep-rooted partnership with the Small Organic Farmers Association (SOFA). Together, they built a fully organic, Fairtrade-certified supply chain that is transparent from field to shipment ensuring every leaf reflects ethical sourcing, farmer empowerment, and uncompromising quality.
Unlike exporters who rely on auctions or generic blends, Ethical Teas ensures that every batch is traceable to smallholder farmers in Sri Lanka’s central highlands. This direct connection not only guarantees authenticity, but also empowers farming communities and reinforces the company’s commitment to ethical trade.
Upholding Organic Principles Amid Challenges
With a vision of being the preferred supplier of Ceylon organic and Fairtrade teas in the world, the company focuses on the development of the unique blends that will bring happiness to tea lovers worldwide. Its principles, including partnership, transparency, and purpose, are the core of the operations. Over 2500 farmers belong to this network with most of them having decades of organic farming experience. They are nurtured by premium prices, profit-sharing and knowledge exchange, which creates a community that enhances quality and integrity.
The company has had its own share of difficulties. The risks associated with cross-contamination with glyphosate are still there. While other producers violate organic principles, Ethical Teas adheres by them. Furthermore, international buyers demand extensive laboratory testing through costly European facilities and Ethical Teas willingly bears this expense to guarantee product integrity and maintain buyer trust.
“We have maintained our reputation of superiority and our farmer base by paying prices that are higher than market rates and by choosing integrity over speed”, says Sachitha Wijerathne, CEO, Ethical Teas.
Sustaining Growth with People & Technology
Its promises are in line with the trends that are changing the tea market globally. The demand for certified and traceable teas has been on the rise and the transparent supply chain of Ethical Teas addresses this directly. The company also acknowledges the move towards value-added formats, providing not only black, green, and white tea but herbal infusions, flavored blends, chai, and gunpowder tea in bulk and retail-ready packages.
This combination of tradition and expertise enables Ethical Teas to cater to quality consumers as it expands into niche markets. This growth is assisted by technology. Digital traceability systems trace each batch of farm to export, providing visibility to buyers and ensuring compliance. “Tailored blends are directed by sensory profiling and customer responses, with selective mechanization in post-harvest management contributing to higher efficiency without the loss of artisanal quality”, says Sachitha.
The leadership team behind this vision combines both expertise and purpose. CEO, Sachitha Wijerathne, has built strong global relationships while championing ethical sourcing. Under her visionary leadership and strategic guidance, she successfully transformed the business, steering it decisively into a profitable and sustainable growth phase within a remarkably short period.
Managing Director Lahiru D. Ranaweera is spearheading a bold new direction, introducing innovative policies and strategies that strengthen corporate governance while setting the stage for expansion into untapped segments and high-potential markets. And Factory Manager, Sugath Bandara, with over 25 years in tea processing, ensures operational excellence.
We have maintained our reputation of superiority and our farmer base by paying prices that are higher than market rates and by choosing integrity over speed
The company’s principled approach earned recognition, most notably the “Best Exporter – Tea (SME Category)” award at the 24th Presidential Export Awards, a milestone affirming its commitment to sustainable growth.
Redefining Tea Production for a New Era
In the future, Ethical Teas aims to have a high-grown production plant to ensure that the standards of international organic and biodynamic are satisfied. Diversification is also a consideration with new lines of products such as instant teas, iced teas, and organic cosmetics with tea extracts. It will continue to focus primarily on direct deals with buyers and ensuring that farmers get their fair share without too many intermediaries. With integrity, innovation and farmer empowerment, the company is creating a future where each cup of Ceylon tea will carry not just flavor and heritage but also trust, sustainability, and mutual prosperity.
Sachitha Wijerathne, CEO, Ethical Teas
With over 15 years in Sri Lanka’s export industry, Sachitha Wijerathne is a transformative leader in global organic and ethical trade. As CEO of Ethical Teas, she blends expertise in quality & project management and international business. And as a Lead Auditor she demonstrates expertise in evaluating compliance and upholding the highest standards of ethical and operational integrity. Proficient in seven languages, she builds trusted global partnerships rooted in transparency and cultural alignment.
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