Our Story
From the lush, misty highlands of Sri Lanka, Ceylon Coffee brings you an experience steeped in tradition, culture, and passion for the art of coffee. Our journey began with a vision to revive and celebrate the legacy of Sri Lankan coffee on the world stage, uplifting local farming communities and promoting sustainable practices. This mission is deeply rooted in the entrepreneurial spirit of the de Soysa and Warushahennadige families, whose legacy has guided our story across generations.
1764
Our story traces back to Warushahennedige Joseph de Soysa (1764–1839), the first in the family to lay a foundation in entrepreneurship through traditional businesses in trade and Ayurveda medicine. His work set the stage for his descendants, who would go on to make significant contributions to Ceylon’s industries.
1797
Joseph's son, Jeronis de Soysa (1797–1862), expanded the family legacy by pioneering coffee cultivation in Ceylon. Recognizing the island’s unique potential, Jeronis became one of the most successful coffee planters in British Ceylon. His vision extended beyond coffee, as he invested in transportation, trade, and banking, becoming the first native entrepreneur to establish large-scale commercial enterprises in Ceylon. His work laid the foundation for prosperity and resilience in the family.
1836
The next generation saw Charles Henry de Soysa (1836–1890) successfully diversify the family business. Following the devastating coffee crash, Charles Henry transitioned the family business into tea and expanded into coconut, rubber, and other cash crops. His legacy extended beyond commerce to significant contributions in healthcare, education, and infrastructure, benefiting Sri Lankan communities for generations.
1978
Today, the family’s entrepreneurial spirit is carried forward by Gehan De Soysa and Aruna Warushahennadige, representing the latest generation of the de Soysa-Warushahennadige family tree. Gehan, one of the largest company owners in Sri Lanka through his company Velona, operates both in Australia and globally. He brings deep knowledge of Sri Lankan coffee cultivation and has been instrumental in revitalizing the family’s coffee vision. Meanwhile, Aruna, whose family owns one of the largest agricultural companies in Sri Lanka, contributes innovative leadership, combining the family’s historical roots with modern business practices to expand internationally. Together, Gehan and Aruna honor their family’s legacy while positioning Ceylon Coffee as a leader in quality, ethics, and sustainable practices.
At Ceylon Coffee, we honor this heritage by bringing the highest quality coffee to the world. We work closely with local farmers across Sri Lanka, handpicking the finest coffee cherries and ensuring each batch is responsibly sourced. By fostering deep, personal relationships with our growers, we can bring you coffee that’s not only of the highest quality but also supports sustainable livelihoods and fair trade practices.
Our coffee is as unique as the land it comes from. Each bean is carefully roasted to highlight the distinct flavors of Sri Lankan soil — vibrant, full-bodied, with hints of spice and floral undertones. Every cup tells a story, inviting you to experience a rich tapestry of flavors that can only come from Sri Lanka.