Tea tourism : ‘Ceylon Tea Village 500’ national program launched in Badulla

The inaugural ceremony of the “Ceylon Tea Village 500” National Program, spearheaded by the Ministry of Plantation and Rural Infrastructure, was held on Wednesday (15) at Uwaparanagama, Lucky Land Estate in the Badulla District. The event drew wide participation, with Kapila Jayasekara, Governor of Uva Province, the Chairman of the Uwaparanagama Pradeshiya Sabha, senior ministry officials, and the local community joining Deputy Minister of Tourism Ruwan Ranasinghe at the launch. The initiative builds on the global prestige of the Ceylon Tea brand, aiming to establish model tea villages that will attract international visitors through Tea Tourism and Agro‑Tourism experiences. By blending traditional industries with modern tourism trends, the program is designed to deliver direct benefits to the rural economy and uplift the living standards of grassroots communities. Deputy Minister Ranasinghe said that such community‑centered initiatives reflect a vision to strengthen livelihoods, enhance Sri Lanka’s reputation as a sustainable tourism destination, and ensure that the fragrance of Ceylon Tea continues to enrich both the nation and the world. (Newswire)