Tea industry technical delegation visits Japan

Notwithstanding the distressing circumstances surrounding Dr. Ziyad Mohamed's visit to Japan, as a member of the Tea Industry Technical Delegation, effective follow-up action has progressed satisfactorily, a media release from the Colombo Tea Trader's Association said.

Meanwhile, export members of the Association have been receiving questionnaires from their principals in Japan, in an attempt to establish the traceability of teas. The CTTA is in the process of compiling an uniform declaration, endorsed by all relevant authorities, which would be applicable to all consignments of Ceylon tea destined for Japan, so as to eliminate the need to obtain individual declarations for each and every export consignment of tea from Sri Lanka to Japan.

This would also provide unquestionable validation of their compliance with the Japanese Food Sanitation Laws.

The CTTA and all other stakeholders of the tea industry record their delight that Dr. Mohamed has been reinstated as Director of the Tea Research Institute and that all the fabricated charges against him have been withdrawn.

The solidarity of the tea industry and all its sector Associations, in contributing in no small measure towards the successful conclusion of this sordid episode, is most heartening.

It demonstrated the will of the industry to take a stand on what is right and to canvass the cause of a colleague in distress. Although the tea industry is usually not inclined to basely publicise its actions of concern in such circumstances, it feels constrained to do so on this occasion, due to the unfair and misleading aspersions cast against it by some sections of the print media.

Increase in tea cess levy

The Tea Cess levy was increased by Rs. 1.50 per kg., from Rs. 2.50 to Rs. 4.00 per kg., from midnight April 17/18, in spite of the concerted protests lodged by the Colombo Tea Traders' Association.

The CTTA has long been concerned that the funds thus collected are not being put to best use and have been agitating, to no avail, for representation on the Cess Committee, so as to be able to exert some influence on their allocation and disbursement.

The CTTA cannot understand the reluctance of the Ministry of Plantation Industries to acquiesce to this request, as the Rubber and Coconut Industries have already been granted such representation on their respective Cess Committees.

Customs strike

An isolated instance of indiscipline on Tuesday; May 23, by a security personnel attached to the airport, was responsible for a sudden work stoppage by all customs officers, which paralysed the import/export trade for two entire days.