Jan 27, Colombo: Sri Lanka tea industry sources say that the prevailing severe drought has affected the tea cultivation and production.

Tea cultivating districts of Ratnapura, Kalutara and Galle in the wet zone have not received any rain for several weeks.

Less humidity and extreme cold in the night had also adversely impacted the tea cultivation, industry sources say.

Tea harvest has declined and some factories have slashed the overtime work of the factory employees.

Tea small holders say prevalence of the drought for few more weeks will cause extreme damage to their cultivation.