Ceylon Haurmet marked a pivotal moment in Sri Lanka’s manufacturing sector with the unveiling of its advanced canned beverage facility and the introduction of the alcohol-free mojito brand, Mooji. The development highlights the company’s commitment to innovation and industry transformation. Designed as a strategic expansion, the facility is intended to elevate domestic capabilities while accelerating international competitiveness.
Ceylon Haurmet expands manufacturing strength with new canned beverage plant and Mooji launch
Ceylon Haurmet’s newly inaugurated production complex in Pannala spans 12,000 square feet and stands as a fully integrated plant engineered with modern technology that caters to both nitrogenation and carbonation requirements. This dual capability places the facility among a small group of high-capacity, export-ready beverage manufacturing operations in the country. As global consumer preferences shift toward convenient, ready-to-drink formats, the company’s facility becomes an enabler for local manufacturers to enter premium market segments that require advanced processing and consistent product quality.
The introduction of Mooji, Sri Lanka’s first alcohol-free canned mojito range, marks an important milestone in the local beverage landscape. Slated for release to the market in December 2025, Mooji represents the company’s strategic move into lifestyle beverage categories that prioritize modern, health-conscious consumption patterns. The product launch aligns with rising international and domestic demand for sophisticated non-alcoholic alternatives, while reinforcing the brand’s commitment to broadening its portfolio with value-driven innovations.
The opening ceremony of the new facility attracted notable participation from government officials and representatives from key industry institutions. Hon. Dr. I. M. N. J. K. Gunawardane and Hon. Ashoka Gunasena, Members of Parliament representing the Kurunegala District, joined officials from the Industrial Development Board and other government entities to mark the occasion. Their presence underscored the facility’s alignment with national development priorities and the growing emphasis on enhancing Sri Lanka’s industrial footprint. Following the formal inauguration, invitees were provided a guided tour of the production floor, where they observed the sophisticated automation, quality assurance systems and expansion-ready infrastructure of the plant.
Addressing attendees, Chairman and Director of Ceylon Haurmet, Mr. Ruwan Nishantha, described the project as a significant advancement for both the company and the nation. He emphasized that the facility demonstrates Sri Lanka’s capability to establish manufacturing environments that adhere to international benchmarks, while enabling the broader industrial sector to pursue higher-value production streams. His remarks highlighted the importance of investments that elevate national capacity and strengthen the country’s manufacturing identity in global markets.
Chief Executive Officer and Director, Mr. Sanjaya Dissanayake, reinforced the company’s commitment to sustained innovation and product development. He noted that the facility serves as a foundation for responsible expansion into new categories that are aligned with global expectations. He added that the integration of modern production technologies allows the organization to enhance its local and international positioning, while delivering beverages that blend global quality standards with Sri Lankan production expertise.
The Pannala plant represents the first phase of Ceylon Haurmet’s long-term expansion strategy, designed to support export readiness and strengthen its participation in regional and international supply chains. With the introduction of Mooji and the expansion of technical capabilities, the company is positioned to support the country’s manufacturing ambitions while contributing to the broader transformation of the domestic food and beverage industry. As global demand for innovative, high-quality beverages continues to evolve, the facility provides a promising platform for Sri Lanka to diversify its offerings and assert its presence in specialized markets.
Through this significant investment, Ceylon Haurmet demonstrates how forward-thinking manufacturing strategies can contribute to national industrial growth. The company’s emphasis on technology integration, consistent quality standards and sustainable expansion aligns with the goals of strengthening local value creation and driving long-term industrial resilience. As the beverage sector continues to diversify, the establishment of advanced production facilities such as this signals an encouraging trajectory for Sri Lanka’s manufacturing future.