CTTA re-elects Lushantha de Silva as Chairman again

The Colombo Tea Traders' Association (CTTA), the apex private sector body representing Sri Lanka's tea trade, reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the global competitiveness of Ceylon Tea at its 132nd Annual General Meeting (AGM), held on 17 July at the Lumina Ballroom of Cinnamon Life Hotel.

A key highlight of the AGM was the announcement of the CTTA leadership team and Board for the 2026/27 term. Lushantha de Silva was unanimously re-elected as Chairman for a second consecutive term, reaffirming the confidence placed in his leadership by the membership.

Mansoor Akbarally was appointed Vice Chairman representing buyers, while Senaka Alawattegama was appointed Vice Chairman representing sellers.

The newly elected Committee comprises buyers' representatives from Akbar Brothers (Pvt) Ltd, Empire Teas (Pvt) Ltd, Euro Scan Exports (Pvt) Ltd, Eswaran Brothers Exports (Pvt) Ltd and Imperial Teas (Pvt) Ltd. Representing the sellers are Ceciliyan Associates (Pvt) Ltd, Kelani Valley Plantations PLC, Malwatte Valley Plantations PLC, Nilwala Tea Factory and Pothotuwa Tea Company (Pvt) Ltd, together with the Chairman of the Colombo Brokers' Association.

The Immediate Past Chairman of the Colombo Brokers' Association will continue to serve as an ex officio member, ensuring continuity and broad industry representation.

The Association also confirmed the appointment of KPMG as auditors and Corporate Services (Pvt) Ltd as company secretary for the 2026/27 term.

Another highlight of the evening was the conferment of the CTTA Honorary Membership, the Association's highest distinction, on three eminent personalities in recognition of their outstanding contributions to Sri Lanka's tea industry.

Paani Dias, Lalith Obeyesekere and Sanjaya Herath were honoured for their decades of leadership, service and commitment to advancing the Ceylon Tea trade and strengthening its international reputation.

Picture: Mansoor Akbarally, International Monetary Fund (IMF) Resident Representative in Sri Lanka Dr. Martha Tesfaye Woldemichael (Chief Guest) ,Dr. Martha Tesfaye Woldemichael, Lushantha De Silva and Senaka Alawattegama