PARLIAMENT

Hon. Lal Premanath,— To ask the Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure,— (1)

(a) Is he aware that —

(i) during the process of tea manufacture, Refuse Tea/ Reclaimable Tea is also produced within tea factories in Sri Lanka;

(ii) such Refuse tea is permitted to be removed from the factory premises under a license issued by the Sri Lanka Tea Board;

(iii) but, this removal process is not carried out in 100% compliance with legal provisions;

(iv) such Refuse Tea is rebranded as tea produced in CTC Tea factories  and is sold in the Colombo Tea Auction;

(v) such Refuse Tea is exported through illegal channels; and

(vi) this situation poses a threat to the manufacture of quality-assured tea and tarnish the reputation of ‘Ceylon Tea’?

(b) Will he inform this House —

(i) of the future steps to be taken regarding Refuse Tea;

(ii) whether steps will be taken to prohibit the export of Refuse tea; and

(iii) if not, whether steps will be taken to carry out the export of Refuse Tea under the supervision of the Sri Lanka Tea Board?

(c) If not, why?