Abeetha Wewegama, born in 1990 in Kandy, Sri Lanka, excelled academically at Dharmaraja College before venturing into marketing. With a career spanning Millennium Teas in Sri Lanka and Global Tea & Commodities in Kenya, he became a seasoned Tea Buyer. Currently managing Value Addition at Imperial Teas, he pursues an MBA, aiming to contribute his passion and expertise to the global tea industry
Biography of Abeetha Wewegama Early Years and Education:
Born on October 24, 1990, amidst the lush hills of Kandy, Sri Lanka, I, Abeetha Wewegama, embarked on a journey that would blend my passion for tea, love for sports, and dedication to academic excellence. Growing up, I navigated the corridors of Dharmaraja College in Kandy, excelling in my GCE/A Levels, with a particular flair for mathematics.
In 2011, armed with a solid educational foundation, I ventured into the world of marketing and business administration. My academic pursuit led me to the Chartered Institute of Marketing in Cookham, where I undertook a transformative journey, earning distinctions in the Postgraduate Diploma in Professional Marketing, a Diploma in Professional Marketing, and a Certificate in Professional Marketing. During this time, I honed my skills in various facets of marketing, from strategic decision-making to digital communications and entrepreneurial change.
Tea Journey Begins:
In 2012, I stepped into the heart of the tea industry, joining Millennium Teas (PVT) LTD in Colombo, Sri Lanka, as a Senior Tea Executive. This marked the beginning of my hands-on experience in the intricacies of tea buying and new product development. The role not only saw me negotiating contracts and fostering customer relationships but also provided
comprehensive training in value additions, warehousing, and teabag machinery. My dedication to the world of tea continued at Global Tea & Commodities in Mombasa, Kenya, where I served as a Tea Buyer from 2015 to 2022. Leading a dynamic team, we handled a staggering 60 million kilograms of auction tea annually. This tenure also presented the opportunity to be a Tasting Juries Member for the Tea Board of Kenya in 2022, further solidifying my expertise in evaluating and selecting premium teas. Being a member of ESTA (European Speciality Tea Association) added an international dimension to my tea journey.
Managerial Excellence:
In 2022, my journey took a managerial turn as I assumed the role of Manager Value Addition at Imperial Teas (EPZ) Limited in Mombasa, Kenya. Spearheading the value addition division, I focused on coaching and mentoring junior team members, ensuring a positive and professional working environment. My commitment to understanding the professional goals of team members and implementing effective solutions led to an increase in overall productivity.
Educational Milestones:
Fuelling my ambition for continuous learning, I enrolled in the Asia e University in Kuala Lumpur in 2023, pursuing a Master of Business Administration. The curriculum encompassed a spectrum of subjects, from Marketing Management & Managerial Economics to Corporate Communication, preparing me for strategic leadership roles.
Beyond Professional Achievements:
Beyond the corporate world, my life has been enriched with diverse experiences. From being an awarded President’s Scout of the college in 1998 to serving as the Senior Prefect from 2008-2009, I’ve cultivated leadership and team-building skills. Active participation in clubs, membership in the Specialty Tea Steering Committee in Mombasa, and being a team member of a Coast Cricket Club in Mombasa added dimensions of community engagement and sportsmanship to my life.
Looking Ahead:
As I reflect on my journey so far, from the hills of Kandy to the bustling tea auctions in Kenya, I carry forward a commitment to excellence, innovation, and transformative leadership. With a passion for tea and a robust foundation in business administration, I am poised to contribute to the dynamic world of Chai, bridging continents through the language of tea.
