OUR STORY

Our Vision

To establish Ceylon Tea Market as the premier digital marketplace for authentic Ceylon Tea, bridging the gap between Sri Lankan suppliers and global buyers while preserving the heritage, quality, and authenticity of Ceylon Tea.

Aligning with Sri Lanka’s Digital Vision: Ceylon Tea Market’s Commitment to Innovation

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s appointment of Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya as Chief Advisor on Digital Economy marks a bold step towards Sri Lanka’s digital transformation, reinforcing the Government’s commitment to positioning the nation’s economy on par with the most advanced in the region. With a clear focus on economic acceleration, national competitiveness, and inclusive citizen empowerment, the Government aims to leverage technology to drive multi-sectoral digital transformation—an ambition that aligns seamlessly with Ceylon Tea Market’s mission.

At Ceylon Tea Market, we share this vision of leveraging digital innovation to revolutionize traditional industries. Our goal is to establish Ceylon Tea Market as the premier digital marketplace for authentic Ceylon Tea, seamlessly connecting Sri Lankan tea suppliers with global buyers. By integrating advanced digital infrastructure, we aim to enhance transparency, traceability, and efficiency within the tea trade, ensuring Sri Lanka remains a global leader in the industry.

As Sri Lanka embarks on this journey towards a progressive digital economy, Ceylon Tea Market stands as a pioneering force in modernizing the country’s most renowned export. Through cutting-edge digital platforms, AI-driven market insights, and streamlined trade facilitation, we are committed to preserving the heritage, quality, and authenticity of Ceylon Tea—while empowering local suppliers, enhancing global accessibility, and driving sustainable growth in Sri Lanka’s tea industry.

Our Mission

Empower Sri Lankan Tea Suppliers

Provide a centralized and transparent platform for both established brands and small-scale tea producers to reach international markets.

Expand Market Access

Facilitate direct connections between suppliers, wholesalers, retailers, and consumers in the UK and Europe.

Promote Authenticity & Sustainability

Showcase high-quality, ethically sourced authentic Ceylon Tea, ensuring fair trade practices and sustainable growth.

Leverage Digital Innovation

Use cutting-edge e-commerce, marketing, and analytics tools to help Sri Lankan tea brands thrive in the global tea industry.

Create Unique Tea Experiences

Develop exclusive Ceylon Tea experiences, including tea tourism, workshops, and tastings, to foster deeper connections between tea lovers and suppliers.

Our Story

Ceylon Tea Market was born from a deep understanding of the challenges faced by Sri Lankan tea suppliers in accessing international markets. After attending the International Food & Drink Event (IFE) in London for two consecutive years, it became evident that despite Ceylon Tea’s rich heritage and superior quality, many suppliers struggled with visibility, direct access to buyers, and a strong, unified presence in the UK and European markets.

A pivotal moment came in March last year, when the Sri Lanka Tea Board hosted a promotional event and roadshow to showcase the legacy of Ceylon Tea. During this event, discussions with the Chairman and Director of Promotions reinforced the pressing need for a dedicated marketplace. Their strong support further validated the vision of a centralized digital platform that would empower Sri Lankan tea suppliers, streamline trade, and elevate the global presence of authentic Ceylon Tea.

That vision has now become a reality. Ceylon Tea Market is a specialized online platform designed to directly connect Sri Lankan tea suppliers with buyers in the UK, Europe, and beyond. Whether it’s single-estate artisan teas or globally recognized brands, Ceylon Tea Market provides a seamless, transparent, and efficient marketplace that showcases the very best of Ceylon Tea. By bridging the gap between producers and global buyers, the platform not only preserves the heritage and authenticity of Ceylon Tea but also redefines the way Sri Lanka’s most iconic export reaches the world.

The vision behind this platform is inspired by the late Michael De Zoysa, a pioneering figure in the tea industry who dedicated his career to its growth and modernization. His foresight included the concept of a “Tea Hub” and the automation of the tea auction, ideas that were ahead of their time. Today, with the successful automation of the tea auction, Ceylon Tea Market represents the next step in realizing his vision—a cutting-edge, multi-vendor digital marketplace that seamlessly connects Sri Lankan tea suppliers with global buyers, ensuring greater accessibility, transparency, and market reach while preserving the authenticity, heritage, and quality of Ceylon Tea.

Lara De Zoysa – Director, Business Development

Lara De Zoysa is the driving force behind Ceylon Tea Market, having conceived the idea and worked hands-on to research, develop, and build the platform from the ground up. With over 15 years of experience in business development, sales, marketing, and strategic partnerships, she has applied her expertise to shape Ceylon Tea Market into a dynamic and scalable digital marketplace.

Her diverse career spans real estate, publishing, hospitality, and international trade, giving her a deep understanding of market trends, consumer behaviour, and global business networks. She has successfully launched multiple residential property projects, managed high-profile catering ventures, and built a thriving business development consultancy, all of which have honed her ability to drive growth, innovation, and strategic expansion.

From conducting extensive market research to establishing key industry connections, Lara has played a pivotal role in structuring vendor relations, shaping the brand strategy, and positioning Ceylon Tea Market for long-term success. Her entrepreneurial mindset, hands-on approach, and unwavering commitment continue to be instrumental in forging strategic partnerships and creating valuable opportunities for Sri Lankan tea suppliers in international markets.

Dr. Stephan Anthonisz – Executive Director, Tea Industry Expert
& Strategic Advisor

Dr. Stephan Anthonisz is a tea industry veteran with an exceptional 37-year career spanning tea broking, buying, manufacturing, value-added exports, and global market strategy. His deep-rooted expertise in the Ceylon tea trade was honed through 15 years at Unilever Ceylon, where he held key positions, including Head of Value-Added Tea Exports for Lipton and Brooke Bond. In this role, he was responsible for overseeing tea blending, packaging, and global exports, managing a USD 35 million operation, and leading over 650 personnel in Sri Lanka’s value-added tea sector.

Dr. Anthonisz’s extensive industry experience extends beyond Unilever, having started his career in tea broking and tasting at John Keells Ltd. His ability to assess, grade, and trade tea at auction has given him unparalleled insights into market trends, quality control, and buyer expectations, making him a key asset in guiding Ceylon Tea Market’s vision.

Beyond corporate leadership, Dr. Anthonisz has contributed significantly to tea industry modernization, including efforts to enhance efficiency, automation, and global branding. His academic credentials, including a Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) with a focus on strategic marketing, as well as his role as a lecturer for MBA students in global strategy and competitiveness, further enrich his ability to position Ceylon Tea on the world stage.

At Ceylon Tea Market, Dr. Anthonisz serves as a strategic advisor, leveraging his unparalleled industry knowledge, operational expertise, and global network to ensure Sri Lankan tea suppliers maximize their reach and potential in the UK and European markets.

Zarina Rahim – Director, Business Relations & Corporate Liaison

Zarina Rahim is a highly accomplished corporate strategist and relationship builder, with over 30 years of experience in business relations, event management, and strategic networking. Her career is defined by her unmatched ability to cultivate and manage high-level corporate partnerships, making her a key driver of business growth and market expansion.

Zarina Rahim was the Chief Corporate Liaison / Senior General Manager – Group Key Client Services at Dialog Axiata PLC. She has been mentioned in several articles related to Dialog Axiata PLC. During her tenure, Zarina played a pivotal role in securing and managing corporate alliances, fostering executive-level relationships, and steering cross-industry collaborations. Her expertise in navigating complex corporate landscapes and bridging international partnerships has made her an influential figure in Sri Lanka’s business community.

Her extensive global network and deep understanding of corporate engagement allow her to orchestrate impactful collaborations for Ceylon Tea Market. Whether it’s securing key buyers, facilitating trade negotiations, or curating premium business events, Zarina’s expertise ensures that Ceylon Tea gains high-profile visibility and credibility in international markets. In addition, her deep connections within the local and international business sectors position her perfectly to bring on board top-tier tea suppliers, specialty producers, and value-added product manufacturers, ensuring that Ceylon Tea Market offers a diverse, high-quality portfolio that meets the evolving demands of global buyers.

Her background in event management and hospitality further strengthens our ability to create immersive tea experiences—from high-profile industry summits to exclusive tea tastings—enhancing our platform’s ability to showcase the prestige and heritage of Ceylon Tea to a discerning global audience.