Nestlé Lanka Limited, known for its commitment to providing ‘Good Food Good Life’, celebrates 120 years of operation in Sri Lanka this year. Established in 1906, Nestlé Lanka has grown to become the leading food and beverage company in the country, with over 90% of its locally sold products manufactured within Sri Lanka. Driven by its mission to unlock the potential of food and beverages for enhanced quality of life, Nestlé Lanka has enriched the lives of Sri Lankans by delighting consumers, providing livelihoods, and safeguarding the planet.
Over the decades, Nestlé Lanka has focused on catering to the nutritional needs of individuals and families, offering tastier and more nutritious choices from birth to old age. Through its portfolio of trusted brands, the company provides micronutrient-fortified products that support healthier lives while maintaining a steadfast commitment to food safety and quality. Additionally, Nestlé Lanka promotes a healthy and active lifestyle by sponsoring sporting events through iconic brands such as NESTOMALT and MILO.
Beyond its products, Nestlé Lanka’s influence extends to communities across the nation. By collaborating with local dairy and coconut farmers, the company strengthens livelihoods through long-term partnerships, skills development, and responsible sourcing, significantly contributing to the local economy. Nestlé Lanka is deeply committed to youth empowerment by providing access to learning, skills, and opportunities that enhance employability through the Nestlé Needs YOUth initiative. The company also positions itself as an employer of choice in Sri Lanka, focusing on fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace. In partnership with organizations like BConnected, Nestlé Lanka supports individuals with disabilities by improving employability and creating inclusive pathways to work.
Environmental stewardship is a responsibility that Nestlé Lanka approaches with long-term intent and tangible action. Committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, sustainability is deeply embedded in the company’s operations. Over the years, Nestlé Lanka has made significant efforts to minimize its environmental footprint, including the commissioning of a biomass boiler in 2024 to reduce carbon emissions in its manufacturing operations and utilizing 100% renewable electricity at its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Kurunegala.
As part of its journey towards building a circular economy, Nestlé Lanka takes a proactive approach to addressing packaging waste. This includes pioneering the switch from plastic to paper straws in aseptic beverage cartons in 2019 and supporting the establishment of the country’s first recycling plant for aseptic beverage cartons, thereby strengthening local recycling infrastructure for responsible disposal on a large scale. Looking ahead, Nestlé Lanka aims to achieve 100% plastic neutrality by 2026.
Bernie Stefan, Chairman and Managing Director of Nestlé Lanka, commented on this milestone, saying, “Celebrating 120 years in Sri Lanka is a moment of immense pride for all of us at Nestlé. This milestone reflects not only the longevity of our business but also the trust generations of Sri Lankan families have placed in us and the strong partnerships we have built across the country. For over a century, we have been committed to Working Together for Good – contributing meaningfully to the Sri Lankan economy, supporting livelihoods, and positively impacting communities while consistently providing tasty and nutritious products that consumers love. Through iconic brands such as NESTOMALT, MILO, and MAGGI, we have been part of everyday moments in Sri Lankan homes, helping nourish families and support healthier, more active lifestyles. As we look ahead, we remain firmly committed to continuing this journey with purpose, responsibility, and care, enriching Sri Lankan lives every single day.”
As Nestlé Lanka looks to the future, the company remains dedicated to strengthening its local presence and deepening its impact on individuals, families, communities, and the planet.
Photo with the Nestlé Lanka Management Committee – (From left to right) Jeewa Rubasinghe, Assistant Director – Nestlé Nutrition; Keerthi Pathiraja, Assistant Director – Legal & Regulatory Affairs; Kanchana Fernando, Director – Supply Chain; Ruwan Welikala, Director – Corporate Affairs & Communications; Kumudu Dias, Director – Finance & Control; Bernie Stefan – Chairman and Managing Director; Enoca Sirimanne, Director – Human Resources; Mohamed Ali, Director – Food & Beverages; Tharinda Jayasundera, Director – Sales; Samantha Ganethige, Director – Technical; Maduranga Perera, Assistant Director – Nestlé Professional Sri Lanka.
