Abbotsleigh Overview

Abbotsleigh estate is situated in the central province in the district of Nuwara Eliya on latitude 6.9 and longitude 80.6 at the elevation of 1340m from mean sea level. This prime property of Hatton Plantations PLC is approximately 125 kilometres away from Colombo, the Capital of Sri Lanka. The name Abbotsleigh originated from England. The village and civil parish in Somerset, England, about 3 miles west of the center of Bristol, Abbots Leigh was the root cause for naming the estate Abbotsleigh. This estate was originally owned by M/S G. P. Fullers and he had managed the estate since 1899 and right up to 1927.

The tea cultivation at Abbotsleigh estate commenced in the year 1892 and the present Tea factory was built in 1923. Some of the most recent British planters of the estate were Mr. George Bernard Swain, Mr. Francis Augustine Smith, Mr. David Richard Buchanan Thomson and Mr. A. Roy Douglas Trewin. After passing through a few management hands, in 1992 Abbotsleigh estate was vested with Lankem Plantations and in 1996 was taken over by Estate Management Services (PVT) Ltd.

Past Managers

Name From To
Mr. G.B. Swain 1953 1956
Mr. F.A. Smith 1956 1956
Mr. G.B. Swain 1956 1960
Mr. D.R.B. Thomson 1960 1961
Mr. G.B. Swain 1961 1965
Mr. A.R.D. Trewin 1965 1973
Mr. J.L.W. Ratnayake 1973 1974
Mr. D.G.D. Yapa 1974 1976
Mr. K.K.U. Wijayasekera 1976 1977
Mr. C.M. Fernando 1978 1983
Mr. C.L. De Silva 1983 1983
Mr. P. F. Reginold Perera 1983 1987
Mr. Ralph Robert 1988 1990
Mr. M. S. Madugalle 1990 1993
Mr. M.B.H. Pilapitiya 1993 1996
Mr. Tissa Lakshman De Alwis 1997 1999
Mr. Robin Winter (Acting) 1999 2000
Mr. E. M. K. Ambanpola 2000 2005
Mr. Robin Winter 2005 2012
Mr. K.D.P. Wetthewa 2012 2014
Mr. Z. Odayar 2014 2017
Mr. Mahinda Ranaweera 2017 2017
Mr. K.S. Dela 2018 To date

With a total land extent of 427.46 hectares and consisting of a Tea cultivated area of 308.38 hectares; Abbotsleigh estate carries a total population of 2821 people. This includes 533 Associates. The staff cadre consists of 39 members and four executives who are committed to assigned roles and overall CSR activities.

Abbotsleigh Estate sells its production of prime CTC high grown teas, under the selling mark of “Florence” which is well known and established among local and international consumers. Average annual production of 1.5 million kilos made tea sells through four brokers who obtain premium prices for Florence teas at every auction.

Abbotsleigh estate is very proud of having the first ever 5S Child Development Center for the Hatton region at Florence division that stands witness to the care and attention being paid by the Management towards the next generation. The Management considers its human resource as the most valuable resource of the estate.

A number of projects have been implemented to uplift the social, economic, educational & health conditions of the community members of Abbotsleigh estate. The New library, water projects, health/medical camps, First Aid trainings, saving habits, distribution of Gas cookers & cylinders, conducting various awareness programmes and tree planting campaigns, stand high amongst the many initiatives undertaken.

In order to enhance the productivity/product quality, the management has provided the latest machineries with the latest in technological development in the 3rd CTC line, two hot water boilers, etc. With the latest in technology and a dedicated & motivated Staff and Associates, Abbotsleigh is on track in achieving its set goals & targets in a manner that many will want to follow.

We are proud to mention a Historical event that had taken place at Abbotsleigh Estate on the 15th September 2010. His Excellency, Mr. Bruce Levy – The High Commissioner of Canada and Mrs. Ingrid Levy accompanied by Dr. Dan Seevaratnam participated in a program organized with WUSC to issue Safety Sign Boards.

After the program they enthusiastically participated in plucking green leaf, wrapping jute hessian cloth around their waist and sporting leaf bags on their back.

General Facts

Region

High grown

Temperature

25-30˚C

Total Population

2754

Elevation

1330m

Rainfall

3052mm

Bungalow

Factory

Contact Details

Telephone

+94 (0) 51 – 4921383 (Office)

+94 (0) 51 – 4921385 (Factory)

Location

Abbotsleigh Estate

Hatton, Sri Lanka

Characteristics

VP – 48% SD – 52%

Certifications