Browns marks historic milestone of ‘150 years strong and unbreakable’

Brown & Company and LOLC Holdings Chairman Ishara Nanayakkara (left) and LOLC Holdings Group Managing Director/CEO and Browns Director Kapila Jayawardena

Browns, one of Sri Lanka’s leading and most diversified conglomerates, will celebrate its 150th anniversary today. 

This historic milestone underscores its enduring resilience, visionary leadership, and unwavering drive to innovate, establishing Browns as a cornerstone of the nation’s economic progress.

Reflecting on this landmark occasion, Brown & Company Chairman Ishara Nanayakkara said: “For 150 years, Brown & Company has woven itself into the fabric of Sri Lanka’s progress. From a humble mechanical engineering workshop serving the plantation industry of 1875, Browns has flourished into a diversified conglomerate driven by resilience, defined by innovation, and built on trust that has stood the test of time. From cultivating fields to cultivating futures, Browns drives Sri Lanka’s advancement across vital industries.”

Browns’ journey spans diverse sectors, including agriculture, plantations, automotive, construction and engineering, investments, leisure, marine, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and power generation. 

Its plantation operations secure its position as the world’s largest tea producer and exporter, with a robust presence in Sri Lanka and Africa, complemented by sugarcane plantations in Sierra Leone. The company’s acquisition of LIPTON Teas and Infusions further enhanced its market leadership, harmonising Sri Lanka’s rich tea heritage with East African cultivation.

In the agriculture sector, Browns plays a pivotal role as a total solutions provider, offering agri-machinery, crop care products, and veterinary pharmaceuticals. In 2022, Browns Veterinary Pharmaceuticals made industry history by becoming the first veterinary pharmaceutical entity in Sri Lanka to attain ISO 14001 certification, a landmark that underscored its commitment to environmental responsibility. The company also achieved ISO 9001 certification, reinforcing its dedication to operational excellence.

LOLC Holdings PLC Group Managing Director/CEO and Browns Director Kapila Jayawardena said: “For a century and a half, Brown & Company has transcended the role of an ordinary business; it has stood as a beacon of innovation, a hallmark of excellence, and a living testimony to the enduring spirit of entrepreneurial vision. With strategic partnerships, a focus on sustainable growth, and relentless novelty, Browns’ journey is a proud achievement for the entire LOLC Group.”

Sustainability lies at the core of Browns’ strategy. The company embraces renewable energy solutions, advocates eco-friendly practices, and fosters sustainable agriculture. Visionary initiatives, such as the luxury Marina Development at Colombo Port City, where Browns stands as the largest Sri Lankan investor to date, exemplify its progressive approach to shaping the nation’s future.

Acknowledging the contributions of its workforce, Nanayakkara further noted: “Our resilience over the years stems from a unique culture that allows us to adapt and evolve with time. Empowered to achieve great things, our employees have consistently delivered excellence, and we are deeply grateful for their dedication.”

Browns said as it embarks on a journey defined by resilience, it remains wholeheartedly committed to the future, building on its legacy of trust and innovation. “With a clear vision for progress and a steadfast dedication to uplifting communities, Browns celebrates 150 years of excellence and a pioneering spirit set to inspire generations to come,” a statement from the company added.