The Sri Lanka Coffee Festival 2025 began with grandeur on July 8, 2025, at Kandy City Center, marking its fourth year and the country’s 200th anniversary of coffee. This year’s event, the largest yet, brought together Australia’s Market Development Facility (MDF), the Department of Export Agriculture, and the Lanka Coffee Association, showing a significant effort for global recognition. Madam Lalita Kapur, Deputy High Commissioner to the Australian High Commission in Sri Lanka, came as an essential player in this historic event, promoting the growth of the coffee industry and Australia’s crucial support. In an exclusive interview with Westvu on the first day, she pointed out the festival’s role in increasing exports, strengthening bilateral ties, and establishing Sri Lankan coffee as a global specialty.
Built on Legacy – Driven by Specialty
Madame Kapur stated: “One thing that’s wonderful about the coffee sector that we’ve been supporting over the last few years is that you can actually market it as a specialty product.” This focus has paid off, with Sri Lankan coffee receiving attention at events such as the Melbourne International Coffee Festival. Kapur added, “It tastes fantastic, and it’s getting more recognition” due to increased exports and the chances of value addition.
Export Growth and Australian Partnership
Australia is Sri Lanka’s 11th-largest export destination, with a diverse export mix. Apparel leads the exports, comprising $69.28 million (knit) and $34.58 million (not knit). Meanwhile, coffee, tea, mate, and spices collectively contributed $25.29 million to Sri Lanka’s 2024 exports to Australia, reflecting a 9.1% increase and bringing the total export value to USD 246.5 million. The renewed Trade and Investment Framework Arrangement (TIFA) in 2023 has played an important role in this expansion by improving market access and assisting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Beyond trade frameworks, Australia’s assistance includes collaborative seminars and best-practice sharing, that encourages long-term export growth.
The conversation also covered challenges and opportunities. Ms Kapur acknowledged the coffee industry’s distinct strengths, but pointed out the importance of ongoing support to improve quality and sustainability—key demands in the Australian market.
