Ceylon Tea remains, the finest - Dr Rankin

The British High Commissioner Dr. John Rankin unveiled the James Taylor Monument at St. Clair Tea Castle, Talawakele on the invitation of Mlesna Tea Company. The 16-feet tall monument was made by sculptor, Dr. Sarath Chandrajeewa.

"Ceylon Tea remains, the finest tea in the world, which I am pleased to enjoy every morning. I am aware that all those engaged in the tea industry today, the tea estate companies, smallholders and tea estate workers face challenges. I am optimistic that ways can be found both to address those challenges and allow all those involved to prosper," Dr. John Rankin said.

Born in Scotland, James Taylor arrived in Sri Lanka in 1852 and is considered as the person who introduced tea cultivation to Sri Lanka, then Ceylon. In 1875 he sent the first shipment of Ceylon Tea to the London Tea Auction.

The High Commissioner also visited the InterFashion garment factory in Nuwara Eliya, which provides 1,300 jobs to the local people across all ethnic groups. InterFashion exports 98 % of the production to UK companies.

Together with the Managing Director of Courtaulds, Charles Jackson, the High Commissioner planted a tree at the factory premises to mark his visit. He said "InterFashion is a top class example of the commercial links between UK and Sri Lanka, helping the economies of both countries."

The following day the High Commissioner attended the 25th anniversary celebration of MENCAFEP, a programme for children and young people with learning disabilities.