Sunshine Group’s remarkable rise to be tea titan

From left: Deputy Financial Controller Chamara Wijesooriya, Manager Quality Assurance and Admin Kapila Sampath, CEO Sanjeeva Saranapala, DGM key accounts and operations Sameera Rajapaksha and Tea buying and Quality Assurance Manager Virochana Mahanama 

By Tania de Silva

Starting as a modest pharmacy in Gampola in 1967, the Sunshine Group has evolved into one of Sri Lanka’s top 50 companies today.

Expanding into healthcare, consumer goods, and agribusiness, the conglomerate remains rooted in values of trust, responsibility, and integrity. Sri Lanka’s tea industry, a crucial economic driver, benefits from strong domestic and international demand. Locally, tea is a staple, with about 20% of production consumed domestically. Globally, Ceylon tea is celebrated for its quality, and contributes over $ 1.5 billion annually to Sri Lanka’s economy.

“Sunshine Pharmaceuticals is a cornerstone of Sri Lanka’s healthcare sector. With a vast distribution network and the Healthguard Pharmacy chain operating over 300 outlets, Sunshine Pharmaceuticals is essential in providing medical essentials across the country,” said Sunshine Tea CEO Sanjeeva Saranapala, during a recent tour of their office in Kelaniya.

In the consumer goods sector, the Sunshine Group dominates nearly 50% of Sri Lanka’s tea market through its flagship brands like Zesta and Watawala. Its global presence extends to over 40 countries, with exports surpassing $ 25 million annually. This impressive reach is supported by a state-of-the-art processing plant equipped with advanced technology.

Sunshine Tea’s commitment to quality is reflected in its prestigious certifications, including ISO 9001, FSSC 22000, GMP, Fair Trade, Rainforest Alliance, Organic, and Halal, and adherence to SMETA (Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audit). As a signatory to the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC), Sunshine Tea upholds global standards on human rights, labour practices, environmental protection, and anti-corruption.

“At Sunshine, we foster a supportive and collaborative environment. Our employees are not working for me; they are working for the company, and that shared commitment drives our collective success and a positive workplace culture,” said Saranapala.

In agribusiness, the Sunshine Group also operates extensive palm oil plantations and a dairy farm that produces 18,000 litres of milk daily. Only a few companies have in-house laboratories for quality assurance, and Sunshine was proud to be one of them.

Sunshine Tea’s dedication to ethical practices is highlighted by its Fair Trade certification, ensuring fair worker welfare and equitable trade. The Rainforest Alliance certification underscores the company’s commitment to environmental sustainability. Additionally, Sunshine Tea caters to niche markets with Organic and Halal products, meeting specific consumer preferences while maintaining high ethical standards.

With a processing capacity of over 11 million kilos of tea annually, Sunshine Tea’s impact is felt both globally and locally. The company provides employment to over 300 individuals and supports more than 1,000 people indirectly through extended benefits.

Its significant contribution to Sri Lanka’s economy has earned it a place among the top 15 ‘Best Workplaces in the Manufacturing and Production Industry for 2024’, as recognised by Great Place to Work Sri Lanka. “We are proud to be the first tea company to achieve this recognition, which highlights our dedication to fostering a positive and supportive work environment,” stated Sunshine Tea Quality Assurance and Administration Manager Kapila Sampath.

Sunshine Tea’s purification process guarantees top-quality tea in every pack. “Raw tea leaves undergo thorough cleaning, where magnets remove metal fragments, stones are filtered out, and dust is meticulously eliminated using air and sieving methods. The leaves are then blended for consistency and flavour, meeting stringent quality standards. For example, countries like Japan use similar rigorous processes to ensure purity, while practices may vary elsewhere,” explained Sunshine’s Tea Bagging and Quality Assurance Manager Viroshan Mahanama.

“Our short interval control sheets and transparent performance tracking systems aim to maintain an 85% efficiency target and 95% on-time quality,” added Sunshine’s Deputy Financial Controller Nirojani Rosario. “Last year, we aligned external audits with our internal reviews and product control measures, completing over 15 external desk and field audits.”

The Sunshine Group’s relentless pursuit of excellence and ethical innovation does not just lead Sri Lanka’s tea industry – it sets a global standard. By raising the bar for quality and responsibility, the Sunshine Group challenges the world to elevate its game, proving that success and integrity can, and should, go hand in hand.