A family's passion for coffee is brewing a unique business venture, fueled by a desire to honor their Sri Lankan heritage and give back to the country. But this isn't just any coffee story; it's a tale of reconnecting with roots and sparking change.
A Father's Legacy: The journey began with a father's captivating past. Imagine a young boy, one of nine siblings, walking six miles to school and learning English from a monk. This is the childhood of Eric, a name he later adopted for convenience. Born as James, with 'Unknown' as his surname, he chose a new identity in university, embracing his Sri Lankan roots with the name Neketh Padmasiri Kiyanage and the village name Erabadda as his surname. But the name changes didn't stop there. When he moved to the UK in the 1970s, he became Eric, a name that stuck.
The Coffee Revelation: During a family trip to their ancestral village, Erabadda, Samantha and Sampath, Eric's children, stumbled upon a coffee tree in their grandparents' garden. This sparked an idea: to bring Sri Lankan coffee to the UK. But here's where it gets intriguing—Sri Lanka's coffee industry was once thriving but suffered a devastating blow in the 1870s due to a fungus. Today, coffee exporting from Sri Lanka is a rarity.
A Business with a Purpose: Determined to make a difference, the siblings, along with Samantha's husband, Samuel, embarked on a mission. They wanted to support Sri Lankan farmers and introduce a new coffee experience to the UK. They spent years searching for the perfect farm, one that shared their values of community support. Finally, they found it in Kothmale, a farm committed to helping local farmers and communities.
The Perfect Blend of Business and Impact: The family's company invested in the farm, ensuring fair wages for farmers and employment for the local community. The farm donated coffee plants to local families, allowing them to grow and sell beans to the company. This sustainable approach ensures a steady income for the community. The moment the beans arrived in the UK was a mix of excitement and anxiety, but the taste and quality exceeded their expectations.
A Family Affair: With their specialty coffee ready, the family is now designing packaging and preparing for market launch. For Eric, watching his children collaborate and contribute to Sri Lanka's development is a heartwarming experience. This venture is not just about coffee; it's about cultural connection and leaving a positive impact.
And this is the part most people miss—the power of a family's legacy to inspire and create change. What do you think about this unique business journey? Is it a refreshing take on entrepreneurship, or does it raise questions about cultural appropriation? Share your thoughts below, and let's spark a conversation!
