Allocates 4% of global sales for their socio-economic empowerment

Sri Lankan tea exporter Russell’s Tea (Pvt) Ltd achieved a historic milestone by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to allocate 4% of its international sales revenue from ‘Russell’s Ceylon Ancestral Herbal Infusions’ toward the sustainable development of Sri Lanka’s indigenous community.

The company simultaneously launched five premium tea ranges—Ceylon Health and Wellness Teas, Ceylon Ancestral Herbal Infusions, Ceylon Fine Teas, Ceylon Organic Specialty Teas, and Ceylon Artisan Teas—to the global market, beginning with the UAE.

The MOU, formalizing the 4% revenue pledge, was signed by Russell’s Tea Director Jehan Perera and Vedda leader Uruwarige Wannila Aththo during a ceremony at Colombo’s Amari Hotel on Saturday. This agreement marks the first time the indigenous community will receive dollar-denominated compensation for sharing their ancestral knowledge of herbal remedies, which contributed to the development of Russell’s Ceylon Ancestral Herbal Infusions.

“Our R&D team drew significant inspiration from the Vedda community’s traditional wisdom on natural health benefits,” said Jehan Perera. “We believe it is our responsibility to reciprocate by supporting their socio-economic growth through this initiative.”

He added that the company plans to export the Community’s goods like wild honey in the future, further integrating the community into global markets.

Russell’s Tea has already secured partnerships with major UAE retailers, including the Lulu supermarket chain, with plans to expand across Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and Europe. All products, targeting luxury and tourism sectors, will be available in leading supermarkets by late June.

Celebrating its 38th anniversary, Russell’s Tea founder Russell Perera reflected on the company’s evolution: “From pioneering Sri Lanka’s corporate outdoor catering service to becoming a forex-earning exporter, this global launch symbolizes our commitment to innovation and national progress,” he said.

By Hiran Senewiratne