Tea production is one of the main sources of foreign exchange for Sri Lanka (formerly called Ceylon), and accounts for 2% of GDP, contributing over US $1.5 billion in 2013 to the economy of Sri Lanka.[1] It employs, directly or indirectly, over 1 million people, and in 1995 directly employed 215,338 on tea plantations and estates. In addition, tea planting by smallholders is the source of employment for thousands whilst it is also the main form of livelihoods for tens and thousands of families. Sri Lanka is the world's fourth-largest producer of tea. In 1995, it was the world's leading exporter of tea (rather than producer), with 23% of the total world export, but it has since been surpassed by Kenya. The highest production of 340 million kg was recorded in 2013, while the production in 2014 was slightly reduced to 338 million kg. The major tea growing areas are in Central Province, Uva Province ,Southern Province, and Sabaragamuwa Province. Central Province is famous for High-grown tea, where the first tea plantations were established. UvaProvince,Southern/Sabaragamuwa Provinces famous for Mid-grown and Low-grown teas respectively. Low-grown tea mainly originates from southern Sri Lanka. These teas are grown from sea level to 2,000 ft (610 m), and thrive in fertile soils and warm conditions.[36] These areas are spread across four main sub-districts ,Ratnapura/Balangoda, Deniyaya, Matara, and Galle. Low-grown tea is stronger and less-subtle in taste and is produced in Galle, Matara and Ratnapura areas. Inadequate liquidity position to mitigate the risk of low auction prices on Tea by increasing revenues from Local tea sales and Fertilizer sales.