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CeyLur Tea
CeyLur Tea The Luxury of Ceylon

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SINGLE-ESTATE CEYLON ARTISAN TEA

CeyLur Tea: The Finest Expression of Ceylon Tea

Discover the rare elegance of single-estate Ceylon tea, where every handcrafted leaf is a true expression of its place of origin. Curated in limited quantities for discerning global palates.

Explore Selections  → Our Heritage
CeyLur Tea Plantation
The Gonakumbura Family among the tea and pepper vines
3 Generations of
Artisan Heritage
A FAMILY LEGACY

The Story Behind CeyLur

Every great journey begins with a story. Mine began in the heart of Sri Lanka's tea industry.

As the daughter of G. P. Daniel Gonakumbura, I grew up surrounded by tea. The aroma of freshly manufactured leaves, conversations about harvests and quality, and the unwavering dedication of the people who devoted their lives to tea shaped my childhood. To my father, tea was never just a business; it was a responsibility, a craft, and a legacy that represented the very soul of Sri Lanka.

When he passed away, I believed that chapter of our family's tea journey had come to an end. But some legacies never leave us. They live quietly within us, waiting for the right moment to bloom.

Years later, through my journey as a social impact entrepreneur, I realised my purpose was not simply to sell tea, but to carry forward my father's lifelong passion. I wanted to honour the people he respected most—the small tea makers, skilled artisans, and rural communities whose dedication keeps the story of Ceylon tea alive.

Today, that legacy continues through three generations. What began with my father has become a family legacy that we hope will inspire generations to come.

Gonakumbura Family

Founders & Legacy Keepers

ARTISANAL EXCELLENCE

Handmade Tea: A Rare & Living Art

Handmade tea is processed primarily by skilled artisans using traditional techniques rather than fully automated machinery. Discover why every batch is a masterpiece of sensory experience.

What is Handmade Tea?

Only carefully selected young tea shoots—typically two leaves and a bud—are harvested and individually processed through a series of carefully controlled stages. Every batch is monitored by sight, touch, aroma, and experience.

Why Handmade Tea Matters

Unlike mass-produced teas that rely heavily on automation, handmade methods preserve the integrity of the whole leaf. This allows the tea leaves to retain their natural beauty, developing greater complexity in flavor, aroma, and character.

The Evolution of Heritage

From ancient medicinal beginnings in China over 2,000 years ago to the 19th-century expansion in Sri Lanka, handmade tea represents the continuation of a rich heritage, combining centuries of knowledge with modern quality standards.

THE CHEMISTRY & SCIENCE

The Science Behind Handmade Tea

Tea leaves contain many naturally occurring compounds that influence both flavor and health. These include polyphenols (especially catechins), flavonoids, amino acids such as L-theanine, caffeine, essential oils, vitamins, and minerals.

During careful withering and hand rolling, the leaf structure is gently altered without excessive mechanical damage. Controlled oxidation converts catechins into theaflavins and thearubigins, the chemical compounds responsible for the bright color, robust body, and complex flavors.

L-Theanine

Promotes focus, calmness, and mental alertness.

Catechins

Rich antioxidants that protect cells from oxidative stress.

Benefits of Consuming Handmade Tea

  • Rich in natural antioxidants supporting skin and cell rejuvenation.
  • Provides beneficial polyphenols that support overall immunity & well-being.
  • Offers a gentle source of sustained energy without the rapid spikes.
  • May contribute to cardiovascular health by supporting healthy blood vessel function.
  • Naturally hydrating and free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives.
  • Whole-leaf teas can be re-infused multiple times, releasing layered aromas.
OUR 5-STEP METHOD

From Tea Bush to Tea Cup

Every cup of CeyLur tea begins with nature, guided by generations of Sri Lankan artisans whose experience transforms two tender leaves and a bud into an extraordinary tea.

01

Precision Harvesting

DAWN PLUCKING: 6:00 A.M. – 10:00 A.M.

The journey starts at dawn when tea bushes awaken with the morning mist. Only the finest young shoots—two leaves and a bud—are hand-plucked during cool morning hours. This preserves the leaves' natural moisture, amino acids like L-theanine, and delicate polyphenols.

02

Gentle Withering

CONTROLLED MOISTURE REDUCTION

Leaves are laid out to lose moisture without bruising. Skilled artisans continuously monitor the leaves by touch, aroma, flexibility, and appearance. Proper withering softens the leaf structure, developing sweetness, floral character, and flavor complexity.

03

The Art of Hand Rolling

BOTANICAL NATURAL HARMONY

Hand rolled under strict hygienic conditions. Gentle pressure breaks selected leaf cells, allowing natural enzymes to interact with oxygen. For our signature collections, botanicals like cinnamon, lemongrass, ginger, or jasmine are incorporated directly during this artisan rolling stage.

04

Controlled Oxidation

THE OXIDATION BELL CURVE

Enzymatic reactions convert catechins into theaflavins and thearubigins. Our artisans observe temperature, humidity, aroma, color, and leaf character continuously. Oxidation must be stopped precisely at its optimum point to prevent loss of elegance and freshness.

05

Drying – Preserving Life Within the Leaf

PROPRIETARY PRECISION DRYING

Drying halts enzymatic activity, reducing moisture to a stable level. Using our proprietary drying technique, the tea's intricate aromas, essential oils, and structural integrity are carefully protected, allowing the leaves to gracefully unfurl in your hot water.

Artisan Hand Rolling Ceylon Tea

The Human Touch

No automated machines can match the intuition of experienced hands. Every batch of CeyLur tea is handled with generations of care.

OUR FIRST ORIGIN

Shakyan Tea Valley, Agalawatta

Every exceptional tea begins with an exceptional environment.

Our first selection of handcrafted tea comes from Shakyan Tea Valley, located in Agalawatta, Matugama, a region known for fertile land and tropical richness. Situated in Sri Lanka’s Low Grown Tea Region, this area benefits from being close to the Sinharaja Rainforest, a UNESCO World Heritage biodiversity hotspot.

Altitudinal Profile

Below 600m (sea level influence)

Microclimate

High rainfall & tropical humidity

Meet the Makers

Mr. & Mrs. Charith Dissanayaka

Founder & Master Tea Artisan — Shakyan Tea Valley

"Could Sri Lankan tea become something even more exceptional through craftsmanship rather than mass production? In pursuit of this, experiments failed and batches were discarded, but Mr. & Mrs. Charith Dissanayaka spent years refining methods, dedicating sleepless nights to traditional drying and hand-rolling."

Shakyan Tea Valley plantation Agalawatta Sri Lanka
BREWING RITUALS

Brewing Rituals & Timer

Brewing is a quiet ritual of mindfulness. Select a tea category and use our built-in countdown timer to brew your cup to absolute perfection.

WATER TEMPERATURE 95–100°C
RECOMMENDED STEEP 3–5 minutes
LEAF QUANTITY 2–3 grams (1 tsp)
Warm the Teaware

Rinse your teapot/cup with hot water.

Measure Water

Use 200 ml of filtered fresh water.

Re-infuse

Premium leaves can be infused 2–3 times.

04:00
SIGNATURE CREATIONS

Infusion Recipes

Exquisite flavor combinations utilizing our artisanal black and green teas. Enjoy them warm or chilled as refreshing mocktails.

Cinnamon Honey Ceylon Tea

Cinnamon Honey Ceylon Tea

Expect a smooth, full-bodied Ceylon black tea with naturally sweet, warming cinnamon notes, a gentle spicy finish, and a lingering aroma.

Ingredients

  • 1 tsp Cinnamon Artisanal Black Tea
  • 200–250 ml freshly boiled water (95–98°C)
  • 1 tsp pure honey (optional)
  • Thin slice of fresh orange or lemon (optional)
  • One small cinnamon stick for garnish (optional)

Method

  1. Warm your teacup with hot water and discard the water.
  2. Add 1 tsp of tea to your teapot or infuser and pour over freshly boiled water.
  3. Steep for 3–4 minutes for a balanced cup, or 5 minutes for a stronger brew.
  4. Strain the tea and let it cool slightly (below 60°C) before adding honey to preserve its natural qualities.
  5. Garnish with a slice of orange/lemon or cinnamon stick.
EXQUISITE PACKAGING & LOOSE LEAF

Shop Our Finest Selections

Every package is handcrafted, certifying origin, quality, and direct support to independent Sri Lankan makers.

Black Loose Tea
Curleaf Black Tea

Curleaf Black Tea

Pure, unblended Ceylon black loose-leaf tea, crafted to reveal its bold natural character.

Black · Cinnamon
Islendra Black Tea

Islendra Black Tea

A robust Ceylon black tea infused with natural cinnamon for warm, comforting spiced notes.

Green · Cinnamon
Islendra Green Tea

Islendra Green Tea

Delicate Ceylon green tea infused with natural cinnamon for a subtly sweet, spiced warmth.

Black · Ginger
Oroleaf Black Tea

Oroleaf Black Tea

Full-bodied Ceylon black tea infused with natural ginger for a bright invigorating warmth.

Green · Ginger
Oroleaf Green Tea

Oroleaf Green Tea

Fresh Ceylon green tea infused with natural ginger for a crisp, bright, energising finish.

Black · Lemongrass
Pearlura Black Tea

Pearlura Black Tea

Robust Ceylon black tea infused with natural lemongrass for a bright citrusy natural lift.

Green · Lemongrass
Pearlura Green Tea

Pearlura Green Tea

A refreshing Ceylon green tea infused with natural lemongrass for a crisp, citrusy finish.

Silver Tips
Silver Lustre

Silver Lustre

A rare, hand-picked silver tips tea, the most delicate and precious harvest of our estate.

Quality Before Quantity

We select tea solely for its exceptional artisan character, never volume.

Authenticity

Every harvest has a certified estate origin and transparent history.

Respect for Craft

Honoring Daniel Gonakumbura's legacy and our small farming communities.

True Expression

Reflecting the Sinharaja rainforest microclimate and unique soils.

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