April, 2024

Meet our new Sri Lanka Country Manager  

Driving systemic change in Sri Lanka’s tea sector.
Economics Environment Equality Blog Sri Lanka

This April, we’re excited to have welcomed Rohith Peiris to the ETP team as our new Sri Lanka Country Manager. With over 40 years’ management experience in tea production, Rohith is well positioned to drive impact in his new role, as we catalyse long-term, systemic change in Sri Lanka.

Read Rohith’s early reflections in his new role.

Taking on the role of Sri Lanka Country Manager with ETP sees me take the next step in my career in tea; having already amassed over four decades’ experience in tea and forestry plantation management and processing across Sri Lanka and Rwanda. I am looking forward to working together with our members and key stakeholders locally to further our presence and impact in Sri Lanka.

Given that my career to date has focused on tea production, I have developed a thorough understanding of the tea value chain, its complexities, and what producers prioritise. This includes 15 years at tea producer company Sorwathe Ltd in Rwanda.

“I am looking forward to bringing together my industry knowledge and contacts to provide support to ETP Members in Sri Lanka.”

My time at Sorwathe saw notable achievements, including the diversification of its tea production. I’m most proud to have spearheaded corporate social responsibility projects. I successfully oversaw the delivery of several award-winning initiatives to support tea communities with nutrition, sanitation, and education. I am excited to continue having a tangible impact across tea communities in Sri Lanka with ETP, and to work closely with the community to best understand their needs.

I am looking forward to bringing together my industry knowledge and contacts to provide support to ETP Members in Sri Lanka. In particular, I am excited to build and manage ETP’s relationships with key local stakeholders, such as the Ministry of Plantation Industries, and the Plantation Human Development Trust – a tripartite body of government, unions, and plantation companies.

Recognising that ETP is uniquely positioned to convene the industry, I am keen to create meaningful moments to bring the sector together to drive activity that addresses systemic economic, equality, and environment challenges.

“Sri Lanka remains one of the world’s major tea producers, and in 2023 it produced 256 million kilos of tea – according to the Tea Exporters’ Association.”

In fact, we’re currently preparing for our inaugural Forum here in Sri Lanka on 24 July 2024. Our event will bring together our members, producer companies, civil society, and government, along with other stakeholders, to address the specific sustainability challenges facing the Sri Lankan tea sector. Click here to read more and register.

Sri Lanka remains one of the world’s major tea producers, and in 2023 it produced 256 million kilos of tea – according to the Tea Exporters’ Association. The industry continues to suffer from the impact of economic unrest, and the sector faces notable, complex sustainability issues. Having reviewed ETP’s Strategy2030, it’s evident that we are well equipped to address the systemic economic, equality, and environmental issues in tea.

Drawing upon my robust understanding of the local landscape and extensive industry experience, I am optimistic that collectively we will realise our vision of a tea sector that is thriving, socially just, and environmentally sustainable.

Find out more