Proceedings of the International Tea Symposium (InTSym100 2025)
23 articles
Proceedings Article
Peer-Review Statements
M. T. K. Gunasekare, M. A. Wijeratne
All of the articles in this proceedings volume have been presented at the International Tea Symposium during 10th and 11th November, 2025 in Colombo. These articles have been peer reviewed by two independent reviewers, the members of the Editorial Board and Publication Committee of InTSym100 and approved...
Proceedings Article
New Candidate Tea (Camellia sinensis), Cultivars of TRI 5000 Series for Low-Country Tea Growing Regions of Sri Lanka
J. H. N. Piyasundara, M. A. B. Ranatunga, J. D. Kottawa-Arachchi, K. K. Ranaweera, A. K. Mudalige, J. M. K. Udayangani, G. D. N. N. Dayarathna, H. W. M. M. M. Jayarathna, M. M. N. Damayanthi, N. M. Vithanage, P. D. Senanayaka, B. M. G. K. Godavita, D. G. N. P. Karunajeeva, N. Mahadhevan, R. K. A. Amali, K. G. J. P. Mahindapala, T. G. N. Mahinda, Alwis P. D. De, C. E. Munasinghe, H. Nishanthi, C. J. Liyanaarchchi, H. B. Tharangika, J. K. A. D. Kalhari, S. R. W. Pathiranage, R. B. L. Hemakumara, M. A. Chamindra, K. A. C. L. Kodithuwakku
Among tea growing regions in Sri Lanka, lower elevations, popularly known as “Low Country” contributes about two third of the total tea production of the country. Through a series of experimentation, five new tea Camellia sinensis (L.) accessions (84, 174, 278, 12/11, 23/5) have been identified as candidate...
Proceedings Article
Screening of Bangladesh Tea (Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze) Genotypes for Drought Tolerance
M. I. Hossain, M. Ashrafuzzaman, M. A. Hossain, M. M. Rahman, M. S. A. Fakir, A. K. M. G. Sarwar, M. R. Arefin
Drought stress is a major abiotic factor limiting tea (Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze) productivity worldwide, particularly in Bangladesh, where climatic variability is increasing. This study aimed to screen a diverse collection of tea genotypes for drought tolerance under nursery and field conditions...
Proceedings Article
Optimization of the Somatic Embryogenesis Protocol for In-vitro Mutagenesis of Tea [Camellia sinensis (L.) O Kuntze]
D. M. R. Dasanayaka, K. K. Ranaweera, M. A. B. Ranatunga, D. M. Gamage
Tea breeding programs in Sri Lanka have produced a diverse range of tea varieties. However, Sri Lanka has limited genetic diversity due to tea’s non-native origin. This study aimed to develop an efficient in vitro mutagenesis protocol for tea to enhance the genetic diversity of existing elite tea cultivars....
Proceedings Article
Floral and Morphological Characterization of Old Tea Genetic Resources in Hakgala Botanic Garden, Sri Lanka
Nishadi Dayarathna, Erandini Ambalampitiya, Mahasen Ranatunga, Renuka Attanayake, Muditha Meegahakumbura, Prathibha Jayaweera, Jeevan Kottawa-Arachchi
To overcome the narrow genetic diversity in commercial tea cultivations, it is essential to introduce new genetic resources into the existing germplasm. The Hakgala Botanic Garden (6.54°N, 80.40°E) in Sri Lanka harbors a valuable collection of ancient tea genetic resources, comprising approximately 150...
Proceedings Article
Market Potential for Ceylon Tea Geographical Indication: An Economic and Policy Assessment
Dilani Hirimuthugodage, Delphine Marie-Vivien, Malithi Ama
Sri Lanka’s tea sector is a cornerstone of the national economy and a major source of rural livelihoods, with both economic and socio-cultural significance. Since its introduction during British colonial rule in the 19th century, tea from Sri Lanka, known under the reputed designation Ceylon (the former...
Proceedings Article
From Leaf to Cup: Forces Behind Tea-Based Radical Innovations in Sri Lanka
Chamila Pilapitiya, Saliya De Silva
Proven health benefits on tea (Camellia sinensis) directed many developed countries to produce tea-based innovations in commercial scale. Majority of tea producing countries including Sri Lanka retain only as a bulk tea supplier receiving lower gains from tea export. Objectives of the study were to 1)...
Proceedings Article
Sustaining Competitive Advantage in the Tea Industry: A Case Study on Innovation, Quality Management, and Operational Efficiency in XYZ Tea Company
H. R. D. A. Priyantha
The global tea industry is a significant contributor to economic growth, with Sri Lanka being one of the largest exporters of tea worldwide. In this context, maintaining a competitive advantage is crucial for Sri Lankan tea companies, especially as they face evolving consumer demands, market competition,...
Proceedings Article
Examining Factors Influencing the Ceylon Tea Export Market Share to East Asian Countries
B. S. D. Perera, K. Parththipan, M. G. P. P. Mahindarathne
East Asia tea market is a sophisticated market with high consumption and high production. Preferences for tea consumption are changing rapidly among consumers. This study examines the key factors influencing the export market share of Ceylon tea in East Asia, a region that presents both challenges and...
Proceedings Article
The Paradox of Organic and Sustainable Certifications in Nepalese Orthodox Tea: Do Producers Truly Benefit?
Gaurab Luitel, Hari Krishna Panta, Kishor Chandra Dahal, Tara Prasad Bhusal, Krishna Prasad Timsina
Organic and sustainable certifications have become critical for tea producers seeking access to premium international markets. However, their economic implications in Nepal’s orthodox tea industry continue to be a subject of debate. Organic and sustainable certifications such as United States Department...
Proceedings Article
In The Shadows of Ceylon Tea; Post-Colonial Feminist Analysis on Access to Justice in Cases of Intimate ‘Partner Violence Among Malaiyaha Tamil Women in Sri Lanka’s Tea Plantations
K. M. N. T. Konara, H. C. N. Herath
The global tea industry has celebrated the flavour of Ceylon Tea for centuries while erasing the historical and continuing marginalization faced by Malaiyaha Tamil women who sustain its production. Unlike the broader sociological literature on gender-based violence, few scholarly contributions explore...
Proceedings Article
Analysis of Factors Influencing the Shift from Conventional to Organic Tea Farming in the Uva High Grown Region
K. W. T. T. H. Vijesooriya, M. K. S. L. D. Amarathunga, K. A. D. P. Kumarasingha, U. Jayasinghe, C. H. M. Baanagala
Organic tea cultivation has gained significant prominence within Sri Lanka’s agricultural sector due to its inherent capacity to address sustainability concerns and cater to the escalating global demand for organic products. This study aims to explore the factors influencing farmers’ decisions to adopt...
Proceedings Article
An Investigation of Planters Insights for Alternative Worker Deployment Models of Tea Plantations in Sri Lanka
K. W. N. Nadeeshani, H. W. Shyamalie
Tea industry remains a vital component of the national economy of Sri Lanka. However, worker shortage is one of the critical issues in this sector. Consequently, in recent years, changes have been occurred in the method of worker deployment from conventional estate practices to Alternative Worker Deployment...
Proceedings Article
Effect of Incentives on the Collective Action of Farmer Organisations: A Case Study of Tea Smallholding Development Societies in Sri Lanka
K. G. J. P. Mahindapala, M. W. A. P. Jayatilaka, L. N. A. C. Jayawardane, A. Abeysooriy, P. D. D. Alwis
The Farmer Organisations (FOs) are community-based, predominantly non-profit organisations operating independently of the state and the private sector. The existence of FOs is greatly challenged worldwide in the present neoliberal economic context. Therefore, it was imperative to find a solution for...
Proceedings Article
Biochemical Parameters to Identify Shot-Hole Borer (Euwallacea fornicatus) Resistance in Tea Cultivars: Emphasis on Polyphenols, Catechins, and Caffeine
S. P. R. Wijewardhana, R. K. A. Amali, P. Edirisinghe, P. D. Senanayake
Shot-hole borer (SHB) (Euwallacea fornicatus) is a major pest threatening tea (Camellia sinensis) plantations in Sri Lanka. Traditional methods for screening SHB resistance rely on variable levels of natural infestation, which can lead to inconsistent results. This study aimed to develop a screening...
Proceedings Article
Endophytic Fungi from Tea Cultivars: Identification and In Vitro Antagonism Against Fusarium ambrosium, a Symbiont of Shot Hole Borer (Euwallacea fornicatus)
K. G. N. P. Piyasena, G. D. Sinniah, N. C. Weerakoon, P. D. S. Senanayake
Tea (Camellia sinensis) is one of the most widely consumed beverages globally and plays a vital role in Sri Lanka’s economy. Shot Hole Borer (SHB), Euwallacea fornicatus, is a key pest that cause substantial economic damage in Sri Lankan tea. Successful colonization and brood development of SHB depend...
Proceedings Article
The Trends in Climate and Determination of Climate-Yield Relationships in Different Tea-Growing Regions of Sri Lanka during the Period from 2010 to 2024
W. A. J. M. De Costa, B. L. D. S. M. Fernando, N. P. S. N. Bandara, A. L. R. U. Kumara, P. D. De Alwis, G. S. Pradeep, K. G. N. M. Gamage, U. C. Oliver, S. B. Edirisinghe
This work determined the temporal trends in key climatic variables in different tea-growing regions of Sri Lanka during 2010-2024 and determined climate-yield relationships. Daily meteorological data from Talawakelle, Ratnapura, Hantana, Kottawa and Passara, were computed into monthly means of maximum...
Proceedings Article
Evaluation of Biochemical Composition in Field-Grown Tea (Cultiva: TRI 2043) Using Agrophotovoltaic-Driven LED Lighting
D. G. D. Kavishka, C. K. Beneragama, L. D. B. Suriyagoda, R. M. U. Sooriyabandara, K. M. Mohotti, S. A. Weerasooriya, H. M. P. C. Kumarihami, J. B. Ekanayake, L. Samaranayaka, A. J. Mohotti
Agrophotovoltaic (APV) systems integrate agriculture and solar energy generation on the same land, offering sustainable solutions for food and energy production. In order to stay competitive in the global market for specialty teas, it is beneficial to enhance the biochemical composition of the Sri Lankan...
Proceedings Article
Cultivating Innovation: Influence of Social Capital and Extension Services on Technology Adoption among Sri Lankan Tea Smallholdings
A. L. R. U. Kumara, N. A. S. Burhan, M. F. Sabri, W. M. W. Jaafar
This study examines the impact of social capital and agricultural extension services on the adoption of technology among smallholder tea farmers in Sri Lanka, a sector currently facing declining productivity, environmental pressure, and economic uncertainty. Based on Social Capital Theory, Diffusion...
Proceedings Article
Evaluating the Effectiveness of the Digital Farm Field School Extension Approach for Technology Dissemination for Tea Smallholdings in Kandy District in Sri Lanka
M. K. S. L. D. Amarathunga, C. Jayasundara, P. Mahindarathne, D. Mahagama
The tea smallholding sector occupies a pivotal position within the tea industry in Sri Lanka; however, it faces numerous challenges, viz technological deficiencies, a shortage of skilled labour, limited access to inputs, low productivity, and high production costs. To address these issues, the Farmer...
Proceedings Article
Effectiveness of Advisory Videos in Educating Tea Smallholders in Sri Lanka
M. Anukoolan, G. S. Pradeep, K. G. M. J. W. Gunapala, K. G. N. M. Gamage, U. L. Dissanayeke
The use of advisory videos is becoming prominent in agricultural extension, particularly for reaching small-scale farmers with timely and targeted information. This study was conducted to test the effectiveness of video-based advisories in enhancing the knowledge of tea smallholders in Sri Lanka, focusing...
Proceedings Article
Managers’ Perception on Crop Productivity and Training Needs of State-Managed and Regional Plantation Company Tea Estates in Mid-Country, Sri Lanka
K. R. W. B. Kahandawa, K. G. M. J. W. Gunapala, H. E. M. U. C. S. Ekanayake
The tea estate sector in Sri Lanka plays a vital role in sustaining national tea production, while training and awareness programmes are essential for enhancing both the quality and quantity of tea production and for improving the livelihoods of employees. This study examines the perception of estate...
Proceedings Article
Bringing Tea Technology to the Farmer Doorstep
Participant’s Perception on the Effectiveness of Mobile Crop Clinic Approach in the Low Country Tea Growing Region of Sri Lanka
C. E. Munasinghe, H. B. Tharangika, M. A. H. Nishanthi, K. G. J. P. Mahindapala, D. Wijewickrama, J. Rajendran, P. D. Alwis, D. Kahawewithana
Understanding farmers’ perception on the mobile crop clinic approach is vital for optimizing its implementation and ensuring its contribution to improved livelihood and the productivity in the tea sector. This study investigated farmers’ perception regarding the effectiveness of this extension approach....