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 Watawala 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.

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.

Hazard Analysis & Critical Control Points (HACCP)

The Ethical Tea Partnership (ETP)

Fair Trade

FSMS

GMP