Kingdoms, plantations and tea

Over a hundred and fifty people, including heaps of kids, turned out to meet Herman Gunaratne and exchange news, buy and sign books at Odel bookshop on May 12. ‘The Plantation Raj’ which means kingdom and the plantations are, verily, a kingdom, says the King of white tea. “The manager was king and his word was the final one in all matters,” says Herman in his book and to those who came to see him during the action packed day.

“I am most touched by my youngest fans, two twins aged 2, who just love my books. One wouldn't leave the shop without a signed copy.”

At the book signing occasion

Herman with Frank Goonawardana

“The Plantation Industry in our country is taken so much for granted,” says the writer. He goes on: “The people, the politicians and all those who matter seem to think that like the rivers, the streams, the trees of this land, the air we breathe, and the plantations will continue forever to be the main income earner for Sri Lanka. This colonial legacy that was bequeathed to us, has served the country well for the last 145 years.”

Best tea

Herman strongly believes that Sri Lanka produces the best tea in the world; it is certainly one of the largest exporters.

‘We have the best array of teas’ are oft-repeated statements that are made all over the world. But what of the current situation of the plantations? Sri Lanka has lost the pre-eminent position that it enjoyed as the largest exporter of tea to the new boy in the classroom – Kenya. Tea factories are being shut down and around fifty per cent are no more vanishing back into the jungle as he saw with one of the plantations he once worked on.

The crops are declining dramatically. Valuable tea lands are being abandoned.

The industry has gone through many upheavals and convulsions and today is in peril as observed on a four day shooting trip for the book with the publisher and designer of the book.

Herman signing a book

“The nationalization and the subsequent changes have been a failure and only succeeded in placing in jeopardy the continued prosperity of our country,” explains Herman.

Planters’ observations

The book is a textbook to tea combined with Herman’s personal experiences, amusing observations as one of Sri Lanka's most successful planters, which are intended to tell the story of the hard work and the dedication to duty that made this magnificent industry what it was.

It is also his view that the lessons learned must be imparted to the aspiring planting students of future generations and those that fall in love with the country on a holiday and rush out and buy a plantation as you do a two week trip.

Dilmah Tea brand leader Merrill Fernando says: “‘The Plantation Raj’ is an incredible read from the man who has created the world’s best white tea and has unselfishly shared his knowledge of Sri Lanka’s key industry. He writes fearlessly and without favour or prejudice, which reflects his true nature and style, that makes Herman such an amazing character.” Those visiting Tea Trails will be able to read a copy in situ at one of the four fantastic Tea Trail Plantation properties.

The other option is to get down to buy a copy of ‘The Betrayal: The Plantation Raj’ by Herman Guneratne as soon as possible before stocks run out.