Kaley means forest in the Sinhala language. Kaley Tea Estate preserves its land in close proximity to a natural and wild ecosystem and sources tea seeds from 100-year-old tea trees. The tea garden borders the largest Sinharaja rainforest in Sri Lanka and has a unique terroir and microclimate, which affects the taste of the teas.
This garden sets an exemplary standard for sustainable and responsible tea cultivation in Sri Lanka. By applying agroforestry concepts, not only does the farm produce high-quality tea, but it also contributes to the conservation and development of the community.
Udena Wickramasooriya, the founder of Kaley Tea Estate, focuses on quality rather than quantity and produces delicious, artisanal teas in extremely small batches. By providing education, healthcare and housing, Udena and his team are addressing important aspects of the community’s well-being and ensuring that they have access to essential resources.