PARLIAMENT

The Sectoral Oversight Committee on Increasing Export of Goods & Services took into account fundamental issues affecting the production of tea leaves.

Attention was drawn to this matter when the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Increasing Export of Goods & Services met in Parliament recently (Jun. 05) under the Chairmanship of the Member of Parliament Hon. Buddhika Pathirana.

Officials representing government institutions including the Ministry of Agriculture and Plantation Industries and non-governmental institutions and organizations including the Association of Tea Factory Owners were present at the Committee meeting held.

The parties who were present pointed out that the production of tea leaves has decreased compared to the previous years. They also pointed out that more attention should be given to increasing the efficiency of tea picking. The officials representing the non-governmental institutes pointed out that the production of tea leaves was reduced especially due to the fertilizer issue and it has become quite good since last year.

Thus, the Committee pointed out that while focusing on increasing the production of tea leaves, attention should also be focused on increasing the quality.

Officials who were representing the non-governmental organizations pointed out that the focus is currently on increasing the wages of the plantation workers and if the wages are increased, the productivity should be increased in comparison. They pointed out that if not, the tea industry may be in crisis.