The story of ADRA Ceylon is one of determination, foresight, and an uncompromising commitment to quality that has carried a Sri Lankan tea venture from humble beginnings tointernational prominence within just a decade. Founded by Mr. Asitha Silva under the Pink Eagle Group, ADRA Ceylon began operations with a small team and a clear vision: to take the finestCeylon Tea from Sri Lanka to the world. Ten years on, the company stands proudly among the countrys’ top tea exporters, supplying millions of kilograms of tea annually to more than 37 countries.
Entering the global tea trade was far from easy. The international tea market is highly competitive, regulated, and driven by strict quality standards. ADRA Ceylon faced multiple challenges in its early years, from maintaining consistent quality across growing volumes to navigating complex export regulations and building brand recognition in foreign markets dominated by well established players. However, the company remained steadfast in its focus on excellence, investing in expert tea tasting, rigorous quality control systems, and international certifications to ensure its products consistently met global expectations.
As the business evolved, strategic expansion became a defining feature of ADRA Ceylons’ growth. After its formation in the first year, the company moved quickly to establish its presence in key overseas markets. By the second year, operations were expanded into Taiwan, laying the groundwork for strong relationships in East Asia. Between years three and five, the company experienced rapid market expansion, followed by intensified brand development from years five to eight. A major milestone was reached in the ninth year with the opening of operations in China, and in its tenth year, ADRA Ceylon successfully entered the competitive UK and French markets, further strengthening its presence in Europe.
These achievements were accompanied by increasing recognition within the industry. In October 2019, the company was honored at the NCE Export Awards for craft and commitment, a recognition that underscored its performance and credibility as a Sri Lankan exporter. Within a relatively short period, ADRA Ceylon also secured its position among the top tea exporters in Sri Lanka, a testament to its strategic growth, customer trust, and consistent delivery of quality. Operational growth has been equally impressive. What began with a workforce of just a handful of employees has expanded to nearly 150 staff members within ADRA Ceylon alone, supported by a wider group workforce under Pink Eagle Holdings. To meet rising global demand, the company has continually invested in modern blending, packing, and quality control technologies, ensuring efficiency while preserving the distinctive character of Ceylon Tea.
Today, ADRA Ceylon continues to strengthen its footprint across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and other emerging markets, supplying both bulk tea and value-added private label products. Its journey reflects what can be achieved through passion, expertise, and a steadfast commitment to quality. As it celebrates ten years of excellence, ADRA Ceylons’ story remains very much a work in progress, one that continues to unfold on the global stage, carrying Sri Lankas’ tea heritage to cups around the world.
ADRA Ceylons’ rise from a small-scale operation to one of the leading Sri Lankan tea exporters is a compelling story of resilience, vision, and unwavering commitment to quality. Founded by Mr. Asitha Silva as the foundation of the Pink Eagle Group, the company began its journey with a small team of dedicated tea professionals driven by a passion for delivering Pure Ceylon Tea to international markets. Over the past decade, ADRA Ceylon has transformed into a globally recognized bulk tea exporter and value-added tea manufacturer, exporting millions of kilograms of tea annually to over 37 countries worldwide. From sourcing teas at the Colombo Tea Auction to supplying customized blends to global buyers, the company has consistently strengthened Sri Lankas’ reputation as a premier tea-producing nation.
Breaking into the highly competitive global tea market was no easy task. The international tea industry demands strict adherence to quality, consistency, compliance, and reliability: areas that posed early challenges for a growing exporter. ADRA Ceylon encountered several key obstacles,
including:
• Maintaining consistent quality standards while expanding volumes
• Navigating complex export regulations across multiple international markets
• Building brand recognition and trust among global buyers
Despite these challenges, the company remained focused on delivering excellence. By investing in professional tea tasting, strict grading systems, internationally recognized certifications, and modern blending and packing facilities, ADRA Ceylon successfully positioned itself as a trusted Sri Lankan tea exporter capable of meeting diverse global consumer demands.
The companys’ steady growth has been shaped by carefully planned milestones that reflect its strategic approach to global expansion:
• Year 1: Company formation and entry into the export tea trade
• Year 2: Expansion into the Taiwan market
• Years 3-5: Rapid market expansion
• Years 5-8: Brand development and growth in value-added tea segments
• Year 9: Opening of operations in China
• Year 10: Expansion into the UK and France, strengthening European presence
These milestones highlight ADRA Ceylons’ ability to scale sustainably while adapting to changing market trends and consumer preferences.
In October 2019, ADRA Ceylon received industry recognition at the NCE Export Awards, where it was honored for its craft and commitment to excellence. This accolade further enhanced the company’s credibility among international buyers and industry stakeholders. Within just ten years, ADRA Ceylon has also secured its place among the top tea exporters in Sri Lanka, a remarkable achievement that reflects strong leadership, customer trust, and consistent performance in both bulk and value-added tea exports.
From a team of only four to five employees at inception, ADRA Ceylon has grown to nearly 150 employees, supported by a wider workforce across the Pink Eagle Group. This growth reflects the companys’ investment in skilled professionals across production, quality control, logistics, and international marketing. To support its expanding global demand, the company has continuously upgraded its facilities, investing in state-of-the-art tea blending, packaging, and quality control technologies. These advancements enable ADRA Ceylon to maintain efficiency while preserving the freshness, aroma, and authenticity of Ceylon Tea.
Today, ADRA Ceylon continues to expand its footprint across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and other emerging markets, strengthening its position as a leading bulk tea exporter and private label tea supplier from Sri Lanka. With plans to diversify into wellness teas, herbal infusions, and innovative beverage solutions, the company’s journey is far from complete. ADRA Ceylons’ success stands as a powerful testament to what passion, expertise, and a relentless focus on quality can achieve, carrying the heritage of Sri Lankan tea to the global stage, one cup at a time.
