We Give Back
Empowering the Hands that Make Our Tea
At Ceylon Tea Market, we believe that every sip of tea carries within it a story—a legacy of culture, tradition, craftsmanship, and care. But at the heart of this legacy lies a community that is too often overlooked: the Tea Plucker’s, the women, and the families who devote their lives to bringing Ceylon Tea to the world.
Despite being the foundation of Sri Lanka’s largest export industry, Tea Plucker’s—particularly women—continue to live with minimal income, inadequate housing, and limited access to education and healthcare. Their work sustains a global industry, yet their standard of living remains alarmingly low.
We at CTM believe that this must change.
Our platform is not only a marketplace for promoting Pure Ceylon Tea—it is a movement committed to dignity, equity, and progress for those who make this industry possible.
Why We Give Back
Without the Tea Plucker’s, there would be no Ceylon Tea. Their labour is the first touchpoint in a global value chain, yet they receive the least in return. This injustice is not just economic—it is social, generational, and structural.
Ceylon Tea Market was created with the goal of connecting the world to Sri Lanka’s tea heritage. But we cannot do that without uplifting the people who embody that heritage every day. That is why community investment is at the core of our brand values.
Our Commitment
We commit to actively reinvesting in tea estate communities, with a special focus on:
- Women – who make up the majority of the tea plucking workforce
- Children – whose futures depend on access to education, safety, and opportunity
- Estate Families – whose lives are intertwined with the land, yet often disconnected from its rewards
This is shared value—building a better, more sustainable future for all.
Our Initiatives
🎓 1. Education for Children
We believe education breaks cycles of poverty:
- Support after-school programs and learning centres within estates
- Fund scholarships and learning materials for children
- Partner with local educators and NGOs to improve access to quality education
👩🌾 2. Empowering Women
We believe empowered women transform communities.:
- Fund vocational training and entrepreneurial opportunities
- Support women-led cooperatives and cottage industries
- Offer financial literacy workshops and wellbeing programs
🏥 3. Healthcare Access
We believe wellness is a right, not a privilege:
- Partner with mobile health clinics and maternal care providers
- Support awareness campaigns on hygiene, nutrition, and reproductive health
- Collaborate with estate hospitals to improve access and infrastructure
🏡 4. Housing and Infrastructure
We believe dignity begins at home. CTM will:
- Contribute to housing improvement programs for estate workers
- Support eco-friendly and sustainable housing solutions
- Improve access to clean water, sanitation, and safe community spaces
🌐 5. Digital Literacy and Connectivity
We believe inclusion in the digital economy is essential. CTM will:
- Provide tools, training, and internet access to communities
- Offer remote learning platforms and digital literacy programs
- Create pathways to modern, flexible work for younger generations
How We Do It
We will work in partnership with trusted local NGOs, community leaders, and existing initiatives. Each program will be:
- Community-led – designed with input from those it aims to serve
- Transparent – regularly reported, monitored, and shared with stakeholders
- Scalable – starting small, growing responsibly, and replicating across regions
A percentage of Ceylon Tea Markets revenue—generated through tea sales, experiences, and brand partnerships—will be allocated to fund these initiatives.
Our Belief
“Without their work, there would be no tea.”
We repeat this not as a slogan, but as a truth. It is a reminder of our responsibility—to not only market tea, but to honour the hands that pluck it, the voices that go unheard, and the dreams that have waited too long to be realised.
At Ceylon Tea Market, we are committed to doing business with purpose. Because only when the people behind our tea are thriving, can the industry truly flourish.