Tea pluckers are an essential group of employed community that strengthen the most revenue generating economy of Sri Lanka. Whatever the high price and quality acquired by Ceylon tea is mainly due to the outgoing dedication, commitment, craftsmanship and skills put on field by the experienced tea pluckers who have spent most of their lives on the surroundings of hill country tea estates. They are a group of people who are employed at minimum wage, mostly living in shanties closer to the estate they work. Most of their basic needs are fulfilled by the estate owning company, access to water, sanitation facilities, electricity, crèches for children and medical are some of the main benefits provided for tea pluckers in Sri Lanka. Their generation is identified to derive from India who have been located in the hill country to work for estates. Generally they live well below the poverty line as most of their incomes are spent on daily groceries, medicine facilities and education for children.
