Is Gunawardana Tea Factory open for public visits?

Yes, the factory welcomes visitors for guided tours that cover the full production process from leaf intake to packing. A tasting session is included so guests can compare different grades produced on-site. It is advisable to arrange your visit in advance, particularly during busy travel seasons.

What type of tea does Gunawardana Tea Factory produce?

The factory produces orthodox black teas in grades PEKOE, OP1, and FBOPF1. All teas are grown without synthetic chemicals, and the estate holds ISO 22000:2018 certification. The production method preserves individual leaf character rather than using the faster CTC process.

How far is Gunawardana Tea Estate from Galle?

The estate in Thalahagama is roughly 50 kilometres from Galle, typically a little over an hour by road via Akuressa. From Colombo the journey is around 160 kilometres and takes three to four hours using the Southern Expressway.

Is the tea at Gunawardana estate organic?

The estate emphasises chemical-free cultivation, avoiding synthetic fertilisers and pesticides in both the plantation and the processing stages. This approach is central to the estate's quality philosophy and is part of the story guides explain during factory tours.

Can I buy tea directly at the Gunawardana factory?

Teas are available for purchase directly on-site after the tour, which makes it easy to take home a grade you have just tasted. Staff can advise on packaging and storage for international travel.

Which countries does Gunawardana Tea export to?

Current export markets include the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, Iran, Russia, Japan, China, Slovakia, and the United Kingdom. The breadth of the export footprint reflects strong international demand for the estate's orthodox black tea grades.

Gunawardana Tea Estate

Q: What awards has Gunawardana Tea Factory won?

The factory received a Two-Star rating under the Ceylon Tea Quality Certificate Quality Management System and placed second for Best Tea Factory at the national level in 2017. It also holds ISO 22000:2018 certification for food safety management, recognising its quality and traceability standards.

Gunawardana Tea Factory is situated in Akuressa. Gunawardana Tea Factory is renowned for manufacturing high quality, award winning teas. This Tea Factory is owned and managed by the Proprietor, J.J. Gunawardana who is reputed in manufacturing high quality, standard ‘Ceylon Tea’ at all times.

Gunawardana Tea Factory is located in Thalahagama, approximately 5.7 kilometers from Akuressa town in Sri Lanka's Southern Province. Nestled within a 10-acre tea plantation, the factory has been producing high-quality Ceylon teas since its founding by J.J. Gunawardana on December 24, 1991.

The factory specializes in premium black teas, including grades such as PEKOE, OP1, and FBOPF1. Emphasizing sustainable and organic practices, Gunawardana Tea ensures that each leaf is cultivated without chemicals, preserving the natural flavor and health benefits of their teas.

Gunawardana Tea has received numerous accolades over its 31-year history, including a Two Star rating in the Ceylon Tea Quality Certificate Quality Management System and second place for Best Tea Factory at the national level in 2017. The factory is also ISO 22000:2018 certified, reflecting its commitment to quality and safety standards.

Visitors to the factory can embark on guided tours to observe the tea production process, from leaf plucking to packaging. These tours offer insights into traditional and modern techniques employed in crafting Ceylon tea. Guests also have the opportunity to participate in tea tasting sessions, sampling a variety of blends produced on-site.

Gunawardana Tea exports its products to several countries, including the United Arab Emirates, Iran, Turkey, Russia, Japan, Slovakia, China, and the United Kingdom, showcasing the global appreciation for their teas.

Overall, Gunawardana Tea Factory exemplifies Sri Lanka's rich tea heritage, offering visitors an immersive experience into the art and science of tea production.