Abacus Tea and C2S.lk Chairman Rohan De Lanerolle 

After winning SAARC Awards and Commonwealth Business Excellence Awards last August in Johannesburg, Sri Lanka’s pioneering inventor, Abacus Tea and C2S.lk Chairman Rohan De Lanerolle, has now been shortlisted for multiple Asia awards — further solidifying his groundbreaking contribution to the global tea industry.

At a time when India’s Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has mandated the ban on staple-pin tea bags, causing major disruption to the industry, De Lanerolle has already provided the solution that India and the world have been searching for.

For decades, engineers worldwide have attempted, but failed, to convert older tea bag machines to staple-free technology. Since year 2000, global manufacturers have struggled with this transition, but it is Sri Lanka’s very own Rohan De Lanerolle, at age 79, who has successfully achieved what the world thought impossible.

Today, he has converted 21 machines for Hindustan Unilever and 11 machines for Tata Tea — India’s two largest tea bag manufacturers — helping them comply with the FSSAI regulation, years ahead of schedule. With over 51 successful machine conversions, his innovation has positioned Sri Lanka at the forefront of this technological breakthrough.

A solution for India’s challenge

The FSSAI initially set the staple-ban deadline for January 2024 but had to extend it due to strong objections and practical concerns from India’s value-added tea sector. Companies were struggling to comply, as replacing machines would cost millions of dollars. De Lanerolle’s conversion technology, however, provides an affordable, efficient, and immediate solution — allowing manufacturers to upgrade their existing machines at a fraction of the cost.

His technology has enabled the industry to convert their machines for just 7-8% of the cost of a new machine — a game-changing development that not only supports manufacturers but also aligns with India’s sustainability goals.

If not for this innovation:

• Hindustan Unilever would have had to spend an additional $ 7,875,000 (₹65.6 crore)
• Tata Beverages would have had to spend an additional $ 4,000,000 (₹33.3 crore)

This underscores the immense economic impact of his innovation — not just for individual companies, but for the entire Indian tea industry.

“If India had not stepped up and believed in my innovation, we would have gone bankrupt. Their trust gave us the breakthrough we needed,” said Rohan.

But India’s support for me didn’t start here. They have helped me before — medically too.

“My bypass surgery was done in Pune in 2003, and even last year, my TAVI procedure was carried out by Indian surgeons who flew in for the day. For this, I am incredibly grateful.”

Now, as India races to comply with the FSSAI regulations, his expertise and proven track record in helping India’s largest tea companies make him the ideal partner for the remaining manufacturers still struggling with compliance.

Sri Lanka’s innovation – India’s opportunity

Despite the clear economic and environmental advantages of his invention, Sri Lanka’s own tea industry has been slow to embrace this homegrown technology. In contrast, India immediately recognised its value and took proactive steps to implement it.

• George Steuart, Sri Lanka’s oldest tea company, was one of the few local brands to support the innovation. Even though they didn’t have conventional tea bag machines, they invested in three full machines using De Lanerolle’s technology.
• Akbar Brothers, Sri Lanka’s largest tea exporter, is now in the process of converting their machines—a promising step forward.

Recognition and a call for support

De Lanerolle’s contributions to innovation were formally recognised by Sri Lanka’s National Innovation Agency, where he was honoured as one of the 100 most influential inventors from 2018 to 2023.

Looking ahead, he is set to introduce a sixth-anniversary edition of his machine conversion technology, incorporating:

• Programmable Logic Controller (PLC)
• Auto Reject System
• Automated Production Data Analytics

These enhancements will further modernise India and the world tea industry, reinforcing Sri Lanka’s global leadership in sustainable tea packaging.

Conclusion

India’s FSSAI regulation posed a major challenge to the country’s tea industry — but a Sri Lankan inventor has provided the solution.

Now, as more Indian manufacturers seek compliance, De Lanerolle and C2S.lk stand ready to help — offering their expertise to ensure India’s tea sector successfully transitions to staple-free technology before the extended deadline expires.

With unwavering commitment to innovation and cross-border collaboration, De Lanerolle’s work is a shining example of how Sri Lanka and India can achieve success together.