Press briefing of Cabinet Decision taken on 2017-12-19

Suspension of Sri Lanka Tea Imports by the Russian Federation

- The Russian Federation has temporarily suspended the export of agricultural products of Sri Lanka with effect from 2017-12-18, following the detection of a live larvae of the Kapra Beetle (Trogoderma granarium) in the packaging material of a consignment of tea exported from Sri Lanka. Export of tea to the Federation of Russia by the Government of Sri Lanka accounts for 11% of the Sri Lanka's entire tea exports by value and therefore, Hon. Navin Dissanayake, the Minister of Plantation Industries has pointed out that the situation warrant special attention since the specific beetle species is very rare in Sri Lanka and the occurrence of such a beetle in a tea container shipped to Russia is an unusual matter for concern.

In this context, it would be essential to act swiftly to take action to safeguard the reputation of the high standards and quality the Sri Lankan tea industry has earned. Accordingly, Hon. Navin Dissanayake, the Minister of Plantation Industries informed the Cabinet that a delegation led by him, including the Chairman of the Sri Lanka Tea Board, Director General of Agriculture and Specialists from the National Plant Quarantine Service are in readiness to travel to Russia, on short notice, as soon as the Russian Government intimates a date for such a meeting. Approval of the Cabinet was granted to extend the other diplomatic moves, as well, for the removal of the suspension of Sri Lankan tea imports.