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The Art of Tea Plucking by Hand: A Timeless Tradition in Sri Lanka – By Malsha – eLanka Introduction Nestled amidst the misty hills of Sri Lanka lies one of the world’s most treasured secrets: its Ceylon tea. For centuries, Sri Lanka’s tea industry has flourished, thanks to the skilled hands of tea pluckers who bring this aromatic delight to the world. Tea plucking by hand, an age-old tradition, is not just an agricultural practice but a cultural and social emblem of the island. The History of Hand-Plucking Tea The tradition of hand-plucking tea dates back to the mid-19th century when the British introduced tea cultivation to Sri Lanka. This manual method ensures the quality of the tea leaves, preserving the unique flavors and characteristics that make Ceylon tea world-renowned. Why Hand-Plucking? Unlike mechanized harvesting, hand-plucking allows for a selective approach. Skilled pluckers, predominantly women, carefully pick the top two ...