Lucille back on the job at the Tea Board

Former chairman at the Sri Lanka Tea Board Lucille Wijewardena on Monday was re-appointed to the same position by Minister Navin Dissanayake following approvals.

The minister noted that only some of the names sent by him were approved at present and these appointments would be taking place on Tuesday.

Mr. Wijewardena speaking with the Times Online said that since his appointment has take place the quorum is available for the functioning of the authority since most other members would be representatives of the private sector associations.

It was pointed out that the global promotion campaign that was on hold would be carried out with initial plans underway to carry out the campaign in Russia, China and Japan.

He noted at present they required cabinet approval for the creative material for which they needed to go through the required process.

The campaign is likely to take place within the next three months, he said, adding that one key factor would be to re-establish the connection between Ceylon Tea and Sri Lanka among young consumers.

In addition, he pointed out that they would be requiring most factories to obtain the international food safety accreditation HACCP.

Unacceptable practices of using substances other than glyphosate would be checked to ensure that Sri Lanka could regain its presence in markets like Japan, Korea and Taiwan.

Mr. Wijewardena explained that it would be possible to regain these markets within four months by addressing the situation “rightly and strictly.”

Moreover, he pointed out that they needed to ensure that all RPCs continue to receive the adequate quota they require for weeding the plantations. Some estates complain, he said that the glyphosate quota allocated to them was not sufficient. (Sunimalee)