The Rosyth Estate (Stand 1240) has embarked on a journey to create a new artisanal tea processing facility, breathing life into Sri Lanka’s historic tea traditions and enriching the lives of the local community.

Following a fire that destroyed the estate’s 1930 tea factory in 2022, the estate has set its sights on building a modern yet tradition-focused artisanal tea factory.

A Blossoming Social Enterprise

With a strong commitment to the welfare and development of the local community, the project is designed as a social enterprise that shares its success directly with those who help make it possible. Ten per cent of the estate’s turnover will be reinvested into the local community. The initiative aims to make a tangible difference to the lives of those working on the estate while ensuring the long-term viability of the business.

Reimagining Tea Production with Tradition and Quality

Under the guidance of the owners and a newly appointed team, the project began with an extensive replanting programme, moving towards fully organic cultivation. Since 2023, more than 10,000 new tea plants have been planted. A fresh approach to plucking has also been adopted, with only the youngest leaves and buds carefully selected before being hand-processed through withering, rolling, fermentation, and drying. This small-batch approach allows for meticulous attention to quality at every stage, producing a refined and distinctive taste that reflects the essence of Ceylon tea.

A Dream Realised in Record Time

The construction of the micro-factory has been fast-tracked, the team expertly trained, and partnerships established with other artisanal producers and the Ceylon Artisanal Tea Association (CATA) to ensure the highest standards of hand-crafted tea.

A Sustainable Enterprise with Global Aspirations

Currently, Rosyth Estate teas are available in the hotel’s boutique and served to guests. As production grows, Rosyth Tea aims to join the expanding market for artisanal tea exports, catering to discerning tea connoisseurs worldwide.

Preserving a Legacy

Located in the Sabaragamuwa Province at an elevation of 1,000 feet, Rosyth Estate has been part of Sri Lanka’s tea heritage since 1926. Owned by the Marikkar/Dobbs family since the late 1970s, the estate has undergone a transformation in recent years, combining respect for tradition with a forward-looking vision.