Notice Board

The Southern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA) presents a session discussing the fascinating history of tea and its place in today's society.

The evolution of tea — are there any health benefits to drinking specific varieties?

Tea’s origins are widely believed to be in China, with the tea plant, Camellia Sinensis, native to the southwest area of the country, particularly the Yunnan province. It’s an aromatic beverage prepared by pouring hot or boiling water over cured or fresh leaves of Camellia Sinensis. 

While tea has been considered as a beverage it is no longer considered just a beverage by itself but rather a drink with medicinal value. The speaker will introduce the history of tea, the manufacturing process, the types of genuine tea varieties, and the distinction between these genuine teas and “non-tea” types.

Speaker: Dr. Sampath Walgama

Sampath is originally from Sri Lanka (Ceylon), a country famous for the quality teas it produces. He graduated from University of Colombo, Sri Lanka specializing in environmental science and pursued his studies at the University of Queensland, Australia to obtain a PhD in Agriculture with a focus in entomology. He worked at Sri Lanka’s Tea Research Institute as an entomologist, gaining overall knowledge of tea science.

Sampath migrated to Canada in 2010 to participate in a postdoctoral program at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (Lethbridge). He made Lethbridge home and continued at Lethbridge Polytechnic as an agriculture instructor. He then moved north to Fort Vermilion for a research manager position at the Mackenzie Applied Research Association (MARA). He is enthusiastic about tea, and despite the fact he doesn’t have an opportunity to work on tea, he continues to study, learn and talk about tea because of his passion and enthusiasm.

Date/Time: Thursday, May 8. The session begins at noon and concludes at 1 p.m.

Cost is free, donations however, are gratefully accepted.

Location: SACPA sessions are held at Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization (LSCO), Atrium Dining Room, 500 -11 Street S, Lethbridge

Lunch and Refreshments: Please arrive early to patronize the LSCO cafeteria and enjoy its excellent variety of good-value food options. The Atrium Dining Room is available by 11:15 a.m.

For more information on the Southern Alberta Council on Public Affairs, visit the SACPA web page.