SCAW BLOG: Sri Lanka, 2026: July 7

Tea Leaves, Bedkits, and Tomorrow’s Elephants

Our morning began at the beautiful Blue Field Tea Gardens, where we were welcomed by our guide and dressed for the occasion. We were fitted with colourful head scarves, wrap-around skirts, and traditional tea baskets strapped to our backs before heading into the rolling green hills to pick tea leaves ourselves.

It quickly became clear that harvesting tea is an art. We learned how to select only the tender new leaves and then followed the entire journey from the field through the drying and processing stages.

Of course, we couldn’t leave without enjoying a cup of fresh Orange Pekoe tea and spending a little time browsing the wonderful tea shop.

From there, it was time for the real purpose of our journey.

We travelled to Gampola, where 787 bedkits were distributed to children from 14 schools. Every one of those schools had been affected by the recent monsoon, making today’s distribution especially meaningful. Despite everything these families have endured, the resilience and spirit of the community shone through.

One thing our team couldn’t stop talking about was how incredibly well-behaved the children were. Their smiles said everything. The Canadian flag pins and little Canadian flags we brought along were treasured gifts, and two simple Frisbees quickly became the stars of the afternoon. It’s amazing how something so small can create so much joy.

Before heading to our hotel, we made one final stop at the Susana Spice and Herb Gardens. Our guide introduced us to an incredible variety of spices, herbs, and traditional remedies. Apparently, there was a natural cure for almost everything—from aches and pains to promises of a longer life and a healthier body. If all the claims are true, we should all be returning home in peak condition!

There’s plenty of excitement for tomorrow morning because around 8:30, we’re hoping to watch the elephants make their daily walk down to the river—a sight many people say is one of Sri Lanka’s most memorable experiences.

We’ll let you know tomorrow if it lives up to the anticipation. Somehow, I have a feeling it will.

Team Sri Lanka, 2026

Rotary Club of Kelaniya 🇱🇰 + SCAW 🇨🇦