Shawlands Tea Estate

  

Shawlands Tea Estate, established in 1880, is located on the southern slopes of the Madulsima hill range in Sri Lanka's Uva region. The estate spans elevations from 792 to 1,173 meters above sea level, providing favorable conditions for tea cultivation. Covering approximately 262 hectares of tea plantations, 55 hectares of rubber, and 113 hectares of forest plantations, Shawlands demonstrates a diversified approach to agriculture.

The estate produces around 3 million kilograms of green tea leaves and 9,000 kilograms of rubber latex annually. Its Tea Factory, constructed in 1930, has been modernized to meet international food manufacturing standards and holds certifications such as Rainforest Alliance, ISO 22000, and CQC. The factory specializes in orthodox Black Tea, with an annual production of approximately 700,000 kilograms.

Shawlands Tea Estate has earned recognition for its high-quality teas, notably winning the Gold award in the Uva tea category at the Ceylon Specialty Tea of the Year competition held in Japan. This accolade reflects the estate's commitment to producing teas with distinctive characteristics that appeal to international markets.

Beyond its agricultural contributions, Shawlands plays a significant role in the local community by providing employment opportunities and supporting regional economic development. The estate's dedication to sustainable practices ensures the preservation of the surrounding environment, aligning with broader efforts to promote responsible agriculture in Sri Lanka.