Celeste partners BnS as brand celebrates five years of disruption in retail

Iconic duo Bathiya and Santhush join Celeste as strategic partners, bringing entrepreneurial insight and brand-building expertise to support the company’s next phase of growth 

Jaysons Holdings Founder and Group Managing Director Vasantha Jayasuriya receives a heartfelt tribute alongside his family in honour of 50 years in entrepreneurship and 40 years of shared success with Chamila Jayasuriya

Celeste team celebrates five years of success, unity, and innovation with commemorative group photo at “Strengthening Bonds”anniversary gala

Celeste, Sri Lanka’s fastest-growing on-demand online supermarket, celebrated its five-year anniversary on 30 May, at a glittering gala held at Shangri-La Colombo. Under the theme “Strengthening Bonds”, the evening brought together an exclusive gathering of partners, celebrities, well-wishers, and media to reflect on Celeste’s rapid rise from a pandemic-era start-up to the market leader in Sri Lanka’s Q-commerce space.

The celebration was more than a nod to the past; it was a powerful signal of future ambition. Having fulfilled over two million orders for more than 100,000 customers in just five years, Celeste has become a household name in Sri Lanka’s digital retail landscape. The brand’s success has been built on its promise of convenience, speed, and price transparency, with 24/7, 365-day service and a commitment to matching in-store supermarket prices through doorstep deliveries within 30 minutes of placing an order. This ethos has inspired the now-popular tagline: “Kade Ganata Obey Gawata, Just Celeste it!”

The evening also marked a new chapter for the brand, with the announcement of a strategic partnership with the iconic duo “BnS” Bathiya Jayakody and Santhush Weeraman. More than a typical collaboration, the partnership draws on BnS’s extensive expertise as entrepreneurs and brand-builders. Known for their unmatched influence in music and media, BnS brings decades of strategic insight, creative leadership, and a unique ability to connect with audiences across generations. Their partnership with Celeste is rooted in shared values and a commitment to elevating Sri Lankan brands to regional and global prominence.

“Tonight is more than a celebration, it’s a defining moment for what’s next,” said Celeste Founder and Managing Director Janik Jayasuriya. “We’ve built a brand that’s synonymous with trust, accessibility, and innovation. The partnership with BnS reflects our ambition to continue pushing boundaries and connect with the Sri Lankan community in more meaningful ways, at home and beyond. With them on board, we’re not just adding endorsement, we’re gaining visionary partners who understand strategy, scale, and how to move a brand forward with authenticity.” Janik further mentioned future plans to expand its footprint locally by rapidly expanding into other major cities beyond Colombo.

The gala opened with a welcome dance, a symbolic oil lamp ceremony, and a touching brand journey video titled “Memory Lane”, chronicling the startup’s evolution. The event was compered by Danu Innasithamby and featured remarks by General Manager Ranella Jayasuriya and MasterCard Sri Lanka’s Country Manager Sandun Hapugoda. Brand awards were presented to leading partners such as Nestlé, Unilever, Fonterra, and Maliban for their campaign excellence throughout 2024.

Delivering his keynote remarks, Nestlé Sri Lanka Managing Director Bernhard Stefan commended Celeste’s innovative spirit and strategic growth. “Celeste represents what’s possible when a brand combines technological agility with an uncompromising focus on customer value. Nestlé is proud to be part of this story. It’s been remarkable to see how far Celeste has come and exciting to think about what lies ahead.”

Another emotional highlight of the evening was a tribute to the founders of the Jaysons Group. The Celeste team honoured Vasantha Jayasuriya Jaysons Holdings Founder and Group Managing Director for completing 50 years as an entrepreneur, alongside Chamila Jayasuriya, who was celebrated for 40 years of supporting him in business and in marriage. Their enduring partnership was commemorated through heartfelt tributes, special awards, and a standing ovation from attendees.

In his closing remarks, Janik Jayasuriya reflected on the journey with gratitude and clarity of purpose. “Celeste began with a vision to solve everyday problems through technology and care. We never imagined that five years later, we’d be here, not just surviving but leading, innovating, and transforming how Sri Lanka shops. The success we celebrate tonight belongs to everyone who believes in us. As we grow beyond Sri Lanka’s borders, our core will remain the same: delivering everyday essentials with honesty, heart, and hustle.”

The night concluded with high-energy performances by the Channa-Upulie Dance Foundation and the Watalappan Band, followed by a family-led ceremonial cake cutting. It was a celebration of legacy, vision, and the power of strong relationships, all woven into the vibrant story of Celeste.