IN THIS ISSUE
- The Tea Planter and his Cook by Hugh Karunanayake
- Feature Article of the Month - The History of Tea & Cricket in Sri Lanka by David Colin-Thomé
Personal Memoirs of the Month - The late Maurice Koelmeyer
- Photo Album of the Month - El Teb Estate, Passara
- Contributor Photo Album of the Month - David Bretherton
- Planter Profiles of the Month - Lalith Paranavitana and Manik Jayakumar
- Down Memory Lane - RIP Maurice Ian Koelmeyer
- Tea Radio by Dilmah
- This Year in History - 1923
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The Tea Planter and his Cook
By Hugh Karunanayake
Two little known but significant contributors to the western ethos that is part of the modern homogenous Sri Lankan culture.
The occidental influence on Sri Lanka could be conjectured as first arising from the visits of famed international travellers like Marco Polo, Van Lin Schoten, and others from the West who first discovered the delights and pleasures of this land known as Serendib. Indeed, the word “serendipity’ is now a much-used word in the English language meaning “surprisingly pleasant discoveries”. From the 16th Century onwards however the social dynamics of the country especially along its maritime areas came under the influence of three dominant powers – Portugal, Holland, and Great Britain. Click HERE to read more.
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FEATURE ARTICLE OF THE MONTH
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The History of Tea and Cricket in Sri Lanka
By David Colin-Thomé (2003)
“You will think I write a lot about the scenery, but if you saw it you would not think I said too much” - James Taylor (Pioneering tea planter describing Ceylon in a letter to his father in Scotland in 1858)
In Sri Lanka, the relevance of tea to the game of cricket extends further than that of a twenty-minute break that separates lunch and the end of a day’s play. And while tea to the Western world is but a tiny item in a crowded shopping trolley of groceries, in Sri Lanka, it is the trolley itself.
For over a century, 'Ceylon Tea' has been the backbone of the country's economy and to many individual Sri Lankans, its significance looms even larger. To the poorest of the poor, a cup of tea is often the substitute for a solid, but unaffordable meal. Click HERE to read more.
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Recollections of my Planting Days in the Maskeliya/Upcot District
By the late Maurice Koelmeyer
I started my planting career as a ‘creeper’ on Gouravilla Estate, Maskeliya in 1955 with Mr.H. S. ’Billy‘ Hawkes. It was my first visit to a Tea estate & spent 6 months learning all about life on a tea plantation, the labourers, staff & the language, as I had never spoken Tamil before. In my first week I was taken to the Maskeliya Club & introduced to some planters in the district.It was also my introduction to Club life. We were given Wednesday afternoons off to go to the Club, play tennis, billiards & socialize with other planters in the district. I also had to do the daily Checkroll & the big Checkroll for the monthly payment for the labourers. I was also required to attend muster every morning. Click HERE to read more.
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El Teb Estate, Passara
Click HERE to view the album
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CONTRIBUTOR PHOTO ALBUM OF THE MONTH
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David Bretherton
Click HERE to view the album
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PLANTER PROFILES OF THE MONTH
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(L-R) Lalith Paranavitana & Manik Jayakumar
Click on respective photo to view profile
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Remembering Maurice Ian Koelmeyer who passed away last month in Melbourne
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The world’s first tea inspired radio station
Tea Radio has developed a global audience reaching over 90 countries worldwide; with the promise of ‘music inspired by tea’, and features news and views on tea, tea gastronomy and more, amidst the music of the ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s.
Stay updated on the latest tips and trends in the world of tea right here. Download the Tea Radio app on the Google play store or the Apple app store, or stream music inspired by Tea on www.tearadio.com.
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THIS YEAR IN HISTORY - 1923
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The Uva Planters Association was formed, amalgamating the Badulla, Haputale, and Passara District Associations.
Here are some local and global historical events of that same year.
- The Ceylon Observer Sunday Morning Edition commenced.
- Vladimir Lenin suffers his third stroke, and he retires from his position as Chairman of the Soviet government.
- The original Wembley Stadium opens its doors for the first time to the English public, staging the FA Cup Final between Bolton Wanderers and West Ham United.
- The first 24 Hours of Le Mans motor race is held, and is won by André Lagache and René Léonard.
- The Hollywood Sign is inaugurated in California (originally reading Hollywoodland).
- The first British Track & Field championships for women are held in London.
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