In short: Kiruwanaganga Tea Estate is a black tea producer in the Kirilipane region of Sri Lanka, operated by Talawakelle, which manages five other estates in the directory.
Kiruwanaganga Tea Estate is a black tea producing property in the Kirilipane region of Sri Lanka, situated at an elevation of 387 metres. The estate is operated by Talawakelle, a company with an established presence in Sri Lankan tea cultivation. No buyers are presently recorded in publicly available supply-chain documentation for this estate.
Terroir & Climate
At 387 metres above sea level, Kiruwanaganga sits within the low-grown category of Sri Lankan tea country, where the island's tropical climate exerts a stronger influence than at higher elevations. Estates at this altitude typically experience warmer temperatures and more consistent rainfall throughout the year, conditions that generally promote vigorous vegetative growth and year-round plucking cycles. The Kirilipane district lies in the south-western wet zone, where annual precipitation tends to be high and the monsoon pattern delivers moisture through multiple seasons.
Low-grown Ceylon teas from this latitude and elevation range are often characterised by a faster-growing leaf that tends to yield robust, full-bodied liquor. The warmth and moisture typical of this zone usually favour strong, brisk character rather than the aromatic complexity associated with higher-altitude estates, though variation in soil composition, aspect and canopy management can still introduce considerable individuality within the category.
Tea Produced
Kiruwanaganga produces black tea. Low-grown estates in Sri Lanka's wet zone typically yield robust, full-bodied orthodox or CTC styles with bold, malty notes and a brisk astringency. The cup character from estates at this elevation is generally valued for strength and colour rather than delicate floral or aromatic qualities, making such teas well-suited to blending or to markets that favour a pronounced, assertive infusion. The relatively warm growing conditions tend to produce a leaf that steeps to a deep amber or coppery hue.
Operator
Talawakelle operates Kiruwanaganga and is recorded as the operator of five other tea estates in this directory, indicating a portfolio presence in Sri Lankan cultivation. The company is among the established operators in the island's plantation sector, though detailed ownership structure and production volumes are not disclosed in available records.
Location & Neighbouring Estates
Kiruwanaganga Tea Estate lies at 6.3359, 80.5612 in Kirilipane, Sri Lanka. Its 387 m elevation is the 194th highest of 429 estates we map in Sri Lanka. The nearest estates in the TeaTrade directory, measured point-to-point from these coordinates, are:
- Talawakelle Plantations, Deniyaya — under 1 km away · Southern Province
- New Deniyaya Tea Estate — under 1 km away · A17
- Lumbini Tea Factory — under 1 km away · District -Matara
- Panilkanda — under 1 km away · Southern Province
- Andaradeniya Estate, Willie Group — 1.3 km away · Southern Province
Estates at a Similar Altitude to Kiruwanaganga Tea Estate
Elevation shapes how slowly leaf matures, so we match Kiruwanaganga Tea Estate (387 m) with estates within 150 m of its height that are not its neighbours. Each is shown with its own 2025 climate. Kiruwanaganga Tea Estate recorded 2,647 mm in 2025, 15% more than the 2,302 mm average across these estates: at the same height, local weather and exposure matter as much as elevation.
| Estate | Where | Elevation | Rain 2025 | Mean high |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tealera Libertad Srl | Misiones, Argentina | 388 m | 1,840 mm | 25.9 °C |
| Guzhang Organic Tea Co., Ltd. | Guzhang County, China | 391 m | 1,538 mm | 22.9 °C |
| Noori | Sabaragamuwa Province, Sri Lanka | 391 m | 4,260 mm | 28.1 °C |
| CASA FUENTES SACIFI | Av. Libertad Oberá, Argentina | 372 m | 1,816 mm | 26.0 °C |
| Thai Tea Suwirun Co., Ltd. | Chiangrai, Thailand | 404 m | 2,054 mm | 29.3 °C |
Kiruwanaganga Tea Estate Compared with Sri Lanka
In Sri Lanka, Kiruwanaganga Tea Estate is drier than 75% of the others by 2025 rainfall; higher than 55% of the others by elevation; cooler than 59% of the others by daytime temperature. The table sets Kiruwanaganga Tea Estate against the 428 other estates we map in Sri Lanka, so you can see whether it is typical for its country or an outlier.
| Measure | Kiruwanaganga Tea Estate | Country median | Country range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elevation | 387 m | 298 m | 6 to 1,962 m |
| Annual rainfall (2025) | 2,647 mm | 3,051 mm | 2,018 to 4,839 mm |
| Mean daily high | 27.8 °C | 28.8 °C | 18.9 to 31.3 °C |
| Mean overnight low | 21.5 °C | 21.7 °C | 12.4 to 24.3 °C |
Observed Climate at Kiruwanaganga Tea Estate (2025)
ERA5 reanalysis data modelled for Kiruwanaganga Tea Estate’s coordinates recorded 2,647 mm of precipitation across calendar year 2025. The wettest month was November (510 mm) and the driest was February (52 mm). Daytime highs averaged 27.8 °C and overnight lows 21.5 °C over the year; April was the warmest month and January the coolest.
| Metric | 2025 value |
|---|---|
| Annual precipitation | 2,647 mm |
| Wettest month | November (510 mm) |
| Driest month | February (52 mm) |
| Mean daily high | 27.8 °C |
| Mean overnight low | 21.5 °C |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Kiruwanaganga Tea Estate located?
Kiruwanaganga Tea Estate is in Kirilipane, Sri Lanka, at coordinates 6.3359, 80.5612, at an elevation of about 387 metres.
Who operates Kiruwanaganga Tea Estate?
Kiruwanaganga Tea Estate is operated by Talawakelle, according to public supply-chain records.
What type of tea does Kiruwanaganga Tea Estate produce?
Kiruwanaganga Tea Estate is recorded as producing black tea.
How much rain does Kiruwanaganga Tea Estate receive?
ERA5 reanalysis data for the estate's coordinates recorded 2,647 mm of precipitation in 2025, peaking in November (510 mm).
How does Kiruwanaganga Tea Estate compare with estates at a similar elevation?
Kiruwanaganga Tea Estate recorded 2,647 mm in 2025, 15% more rain than the 2,302 mm average of estates at a similar elevation.
Data sources: public supply-chain disclosures (Ethical Tea Partnership member lists, Rainforest Alliance certificate holders and retailer supplier disclosures); climate figures are ERA5 reanalysis modelled for the estate’s coordinates via Open-Meteo (calendar year 2025); coordinates and elevations from geocoded records. Spotted an error? Email [email protected].