Ceylon Tea History

In 1824 a black tea plant was brought to Ceylon by the British from China and was planted in the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya for non-commercial purposes. Further experimental tea plants were brought from Assam and Calcutta in India to Peradeniya in 1839 through the East India Company and over the years that followed. In 1839 the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce was established followed by the Planters’ Association of Ceylon in 1854. In 1867, James Taylor marked the birth of the tea industry in Ceylon by starting a tea plantation in the Loolecondera estate in Kandy in 1867. He was only 17 when he came to Loolkandura, Sri Lanka. The original tea plantation was just 19 acres (76,890 m2). In 1872 Taylor began operating a fully equipped tea factory on the grounds of the Loolkandura estate and that year the first sale of Loolecondra tea (Loolkandura) was made in Kandy. 

Herbal Teas

Wellness tea blends for health , balance and restoration.

Black Tea

When people talk generally of tea in Western culture, they’re often referring to black tea. Sun tea, sweet tea, iced tea, afternoon tea…these well-known categories of tea are typically made using black tea. Even the popular English Breakfast and Earl Grey blends are made from black tea leaves.

Green Tea

Green tea is a type of tea that is made from Camellia synesis leaves and buds that have not undergone the same withering and oxidation process used to make oolong teas and black teas. Green tea originated in China, but its production and manufacture has spread to other countries in East Asia.

Special Tea

Ceylon Tea has a world of its own, with so many varieties, green tea, black tea, white tea and specialty teas. Being one of the top Sri Lankan speciality tea manufacturers, we ensure that each Ceylon speciality tea has its own unique Talawakelle tea signature… Our Ceylon speciality teas are undoubtedly a grade above the ones commonly available and often flavored or scented to fill out the taste profile.

Flavored Tea

Combining an array of flavors to create unique beverages that suit any occasion. Make the perfect Iced Tea for those hot summer days or sip it hot on a chilly evening, Continental’s range of premium flavored Ceylon Teas will keep you enthralled.

ADRA Tea

Exquisite Tea Blends from the high mountains of the paradise island Sri Lanka to your Cup…
The combination yields a complex, full bodied, lively cup of tea that is perfect at any time of the day.
The unique taste and aroma of Adra will colour your range of senses more bright!

Herbal Tea

Experience the health benefits of herbal tea with our unique blends. Made from high quality ingredients, our teas are carefully blended for optimal taste and health benefits.

Black Tea

Our pure Ceylon black tea is sourced from the same tea gardens as our assam. The floral, spicy Ceylon black tea has that characteristic sweet/sour taste and aroma of a fine green tea with a smooth aftertaste

Green Tea

Green tea is a type of tea that is made from Camellia synesis leaves and buds that have not undergone the same withering and oxidation process used to make oolong teas and black teas. 

Special Tea

Ceylon Tea has a world of its own, with so wide varieties, green tea, black tea, white tea, and specialty teas. Being one of the top Sri Lankan specialty tea manufacturers, we ensure that each Ceylon specialty…

Flavoured Tea

Combining an array of flavors to create unique beverages that suit any occasion. Make the perfect Iced Tea for those hot summer days or sip it hot on a chilly evening, with Continental’s range of premium…

ADRA Tea

ADRA black tea is a blend of the finest, super aromatic black teas from Sri Lanka. It is grown in the hill country, where the perfect climate for the tea. 

News & Events

Bronze Award for Tea and Tea Products Sector in the large Category

We are delighted and overjoyed yet humbled to proclaim that we at Continental Tea (Pvt) Ltd.