A video of Minister Bimal Rathnayake laughing heartily, covering his head with his hands, at the mention of Minister Sunil Hadunnetti during a press conference at the Government Information Department today (30th) is currently circulating on social media.
Before the start of the press conference, Minister Bimal Rathnayake engaged in a friendly conversation with the journalists present. A brief exchange occurred between them:
Minister Bimal Rathnayake: “Journalists’ phones ringing is not a problem, is it? If ours rang…”
Journalist: “Big question!”
Minister Bimal Rathnayake, laughing with his hand on his head: “Ayyo, ayyo… I only recently found out how that came about.”
Journalist: “There’s another one this week.”
Minister Bimal Rathnayake: “Is that so? What is it?”
Journalist: “The Nobel Prize.”
Minister Bimal Rathnayake: “Ah, is that so…”
Another journalist present: “Minister, what is that…?”
Minister Bimal Rathnayake: “The Nobel Prize…”
He then answered and started the press conference, trying to hide his laughter.
Meanwhile, Minister of Industries Sunil Hadunnetti stated that his previous declaration regarding a record-breaking price for a kilogram of Sri Lankan tea at an auction in Japan was incorrect. He clarified that he mistakenly referred to it as a “Nobel Prize” instead of a “Guinness World Record,” emphasizing that it was not intentional. He made these remarks in a video released on his social media account.
However, the correction video also contained two minor errors: he referred to it as a “Jeans record” instead of a “Guinness record” and used “Nobel record” instead of “Nobel Prize.” The video was subsequently uploaded and removed within minutes.
Critics reacting to the incident suggest that the Minister has been ridiculed for his irresponsible behavior, acting without properly verifying crucial information regarding Ceylon Tea. They further highlight that an extraordinary price of JPY 125,000 (approximately USD 860) was fetched for a kilogram of New Vithanakanda FFExSp black tea at an auction held in conjunction with the World Expo Osaka in Japan, marking a highly significant milestone for Sri Lanka.
This exceptional achievement successfully drew global attention to the unique quality, heritage, and excellence of Ceylon Tea production. The New Vithanakanda Tea Factory had previously achieved a record price for its OP1 grade tea at the Colombo Tea Auction in 2023.
While this was an opportune moment to apply for a Guinness World Record, Minister Sunil Hadunnetti irresponsibly referred to it as a “Nobel Prize” recently received in Japan. It is important to note that Nobel Prizes are not awarded for tea sales records but for achievements in Physics, Chemistry, Medicine/Physiology, Literature, Peace, and Economics.
Setting a record as the world’s most expensive tea is a business and agricultural achievement, recognized by organizations like Guinness World Records, but it is not related to the scientific, literary, or socio-peace fields for which Nobel Prizes are awarded.
