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Community
This is what drives us.
Our purpose is to build a business model that ensures the economic well-being of our community, and which unlocks social mobility for the next generation.
Devagiri's workforce is made up of c150 people. Across fields and factory, their work is highly skilled; representing the expertise of generations of families who have been working together since 1947.
Of these, c50 people live onsite, with their children and other dependents. In total we have 32 children and 8 dependent adults, who are elderly or full-time parents. It is a vibrant and close knit community who have a deep affinity with the land.
Their well-being is paramount to us. To date, we have re-invested all profits into improving the estate and conditions of our workers. We will continue to do so for as long as necessary.
We are dedicated to a step-change for the next generation of our community.
We have made long-term commitments in child development, education, and access to economic opportunity for school leavers. And in forging the way with a new "farm to table" model for tea, we are determined to see these people receive their fair share of the value chain.
This community has suffered inequity since 1826. At Devagiri, we want this to end with the next generation and have made it our purpose to achieve this.
Environment
Custodians of a unique terroir
We are committed to treading lightly to protect our planet and strive to be a regenerative business that adds value to both our society and the environment.
Devagiri is in the Southern province of Sri Lanka, in a village called Yakkalamulla. Uniquely, it borders the Kottawa rainforest; making it's soil rich in natural nutrients. It is in a valley, so fresh water streams flow through our fields, providing natural mineral-infused hydration. Being adjacent to the rainforest also means our air is rich in oxygen and this combines with the warm breeze from the Indian ocean, just 9 miles away. It is this rare combination of natural elements that makes Devagiri's terroir so precious.
We have moved beyond a monoculture system of agriculture. Soil health is a priority in our agricultural approach; reducing the impact to the earth and local ecosystems, protecting biodiversity and increasing carbon sequestration.
Of the 65 acres of the Devagiri Estate, 5 have been rewilded and are now an extension to the Kottawa rainforest that borders us.
We are committed to renewable energy and have our own solar plant.
We are committed to a short "farm-to-table" supply chain; drastically shrinking the carbonfootprint of a Devagiri cup of tea and limiting the significant consumption ofresources associated with the standard supply chain.
Our packaging is 100% biodegradable and our teabags are made of composable vegetable starch.
Crisis
Mike and Rosh took over Devagiri to ensure that the resident community was not displaced and they believe there is no greater injustice than homelessness in the 21st century.
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Rosh has been a Volunteer Grants Panel Advisor with Crisis since 2013 and, having lived in London for many years, she and Mike have long been concerned about the growing challenge of homelessness there. So, for the last two years, they have been delighted to supply Crisis with all the tea they need for Crisis at Christmas. Last year this was 50,000 cups!​
Contact Us
Sri Lanka
Devagiri Estate
Yakkalamulla
Southern Province
UK
Stella Maris
Wiseman's Bridge
Wales SA67 8NX