However, a lesser-known fact is that one of the very first experiments in adapting tea to Sri Lankan soil actually commenced at Rothschild Estate by Maurice and Gabriel de Worms, both nephews of legendary British banker and scion of the famed Rothschild family, Nathan Mayer Rothschild.
Feeling stifled by the tight restrictions of 19th Century London, both Maurice and Gabriel decided to make their way to Sri Lanka – then colonial Ceylon – where they sought to make their own mark in the world, with the establishment of a coffee estate named after their famous uncle and his lineage.
However, the great coffee blight of 1869 forced a transformative shift in their agricultural endeavors.
Demonstrating remarkable vision and resilience, the De Worms replanted their estates in Pussellawa and Ramboda with tea.
Maurice de Worms, credited with importing tea seeds from China, was among the first to cultivate tea in Sri Lanka, producing early batches of China-style tea at Rothschild estate.
Though Taylor perfected the art of tea cultivation a generation later, the Rothschild Tea Estate and the pioneering work of the De Worms family laid the foundation for what would become one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic industries, securing their place as unsung heroes in the country’s tea heritage.
Despite numerous challenges, including uncharted terrain and labor shortages, tea was introduced to Sri Lanka amidst widespread skepticism.
At the time, Assam was celebrated for producing the world’s finest tea and many doubted whether Sri Lanka’s soil and climate could match its standards.
The island’s plantations thrived on coffee and cotton, and even within the Rothschild family and colonial circles, there were reservations about diversifying into tea.
However, driven by a bold pioneering spirit, the De Worms brothers took a leap of faith.
Undeterred by doubts and discouragement, their visionary experiment laid the groundwork for what would later evolve into an industry that set a global standard—Ceylon Tea.
The Rothschild family's legacy is exemplified by Nathaniel Rothschild's visit to Rothschild estate in January 2021.
As the heir apparent to the centuries-old European banking dynasty and the only son of Jacob Rothschild, the 4th Baron Rothschild, Nathaniel's visit highlighted the family's historical ties to the estate.
This visit highlights the Rothschild family's enduring global influence, rooted in finance, agriculture and philanthropy, seamlessly connecting their historical achievements with modern initiatives.
Rothschild Estate: A Heritage of Excellence
Nestled in the highlands of Pussellawa, Rothschild Estate represents the pinnacle of Sri Lanka’s tea production.
Its elevation of 1,200 meters above sea level provides the perfect conditions for cultivating high-grown teas prized for their bright liquor, floral aromas, and strength.
The estate’s reputation for quality is unmatched, with its teas consistently fetching premium prices at the Colombo Tea Auction.
Rothschild estate’s daily processing capacity of 40,000 kilograms of green leaf is a testament to its operational scale.
Despite its size, the estate maintains a meticulous approach, blending traditional artisanal methods with state-of-the-art technology.
Under the leadership of Pussellawa Plantations Ltd, and with the visionary backing of the Damro Group, Rothschild estate has seamlessly balanced heritage with innovation.
Sustainability and Community Development at the Core
In an era where environmental consciousness shapes consumer preferences, Rothschild Estate stands as a pioneer in sustainable tea production.
Certified by Rainforest Alliance and ISO 22000, the estate has adopted practices that minimize environmental impact while enhancing biodiversity.
From soil conservation and agro farming to reforestation efforts and water management, Rothschild Estate has embraced a holistic approach to sustainability.
These initiatives are more than just a response to market trends; they reflect a deep commitment to preserving the natural beauty and resources of Sri Lanka’s highlands.
The Rothschild Estate’s success is inseparable from the people who sustain it.
With over 562 workers directly employed, the estate is a cornerstone of the local economy.
It provides more than just employment—it offers housing, healthcare, education, and opportunities for skill development, ensuring a continuous upliftment of its community.
It has implemented a number of welfare activities that have directly benefited its workforce.
Since privatization the estate has facilitated over 179 new housing units in collaboration with Plantation Human Development Trust (PHDT) and more than 210 worker housing units have been re-roofed, to accommodate these housing schemes, the management has released the required land for house with the blessings of the Directors of Pussellawa Plantations Ltd, which is part of a broader initiative to enhance living standards for estate workers reaffirming their commitment to worker welfare.
Beyond ensuring housing and enhancing living standards, the estate also provides workers with monthly food packs that contain essentials such as rice, dhal, flour, and sugar.
These packs are offered at a subsidized cost to workers, helping to ensure their families have access to necessary provisions.
This initiative has been a lifeline for many families, where access to affordable food may be limited.
Rothschild estate also places a strong emphasis on financial empowerment through its partnership with the Estate Worker Housing Cooperative Society (EWHCS).
Rothschild Estate emphasizes women empowerment through skill development programs and leadership training, fostering a more inclusive workforce.
The EWHCS offers financial assistance to members in the form of affordable loans, a total of Rs. 40 million worth of loans has been disbursed to members todate.
This support facilitates workers to address various needs, from medical expenses to education and housing improvements.
Rothschild Tea Factory supports smallholders in the area by offering a steady market for their green leaf and competitive prices based on the Net Sale Average (NSA).
The factory not only bolsters the local tea-growing community but also enhances the overall strength of the tea industry in the region with enhanced operational capacity and diversified production, investing significantly in a new processing center to complement the existing CTC factory with an additional capacity of 35,000 kg green leaf per day to undertake Orthodox / Rotorvane manufacture at a total investment of over Rs. 500 million.
Furthermore, the factory provides guidance and training to smallholders on best agricultural practices for cultivating and harvesting tea, thereby improving the quality of their produce enabling them to fetch better prices.
The estate supports early childhood development for children under five years through Child Development Centers managed by the estate.
Healthcare is another priority, with regular medical camps, improved healthcare facilities, and clean drinking water initiatives contributing to the community's health.
The estate supports cultural events, sports, and recreational activities, fostering a vibrant community spirit and providing leisure opportunities for residents.
Chief Operating Officer of Pussellawa Plantations Ltd, Manoj Udugampola stated
"The continuing success of Rothschild Estate is founded on our unwavering commitment to produce world-class tea; by investing in our people, our land, and our future.
Every decision we make, from sustainable farming practices to worker welfare, is rooted in the belief that real progress is only achieved when we care for the community and the environment as fiercely as we care for our business.
This is the legacy we’re building, and we’re determined to keep pushing boundaries to create a better tomorrow for all."
Expansion with the New Tea Centre
In line with the expansion of its production facilities, Rothschild Estate has also built a New Tea Centre adjacent to the new processing factory, this center will provide an opportunity for the visitors to witness the process of manufacturing world class tea.
The investment on the Tea Center exceeds over Rs. 100 million. This Tea Centre will support the estate’s growing operations and provide additional space for administrative functions.
The Vision for the Future
As Sri Lanka’s tea industry navigates an increasingly competitive global landscape, estates like Rothschild are shaping its future.
Backed by Pussellawa Plantations Ltd and the Damro Group, Rothschild estate is committed to exceed boundaries in sustainability, excellence, and community welfare.
The estate’s plans include further investments in green technologies, expanding organic cultivation, and enhancing worker welfare programs.
Its vision is not just to produce tea but to curate a legacy—a harmonious blend of tradition, excellence and environmental stewardship.
Rothschild Estate’s story is one of resilience, distinctive, and a deep connection to the land and its people.
In preserving its legacy while embracing change, Rothschild estate stands as a microcosm of what makes Sri Lanka’s tea industry extraordinary: a rich history, a commitment to quality, and an unyielding drive for innovation.