Velona 85 years marks a remarkable journey of resilience, care, and innovation in Sri Lanka. From its beginnings in textiles to becoming a trusted global family care brand, Velona continues to set standards in quality, safety, and consumer trust.
Velona 85 years: How the brand’s care continues to inspire parents globally
As Velona 85 years celebrates its milestone, the brand’s enduring legacy is evident in its unwavering commitment to quality, safety, and family care. Founded by Ruskin Fernando, one of Sri Lanka’s first local entrepreneurs in textiles and apparel, Velona began with a focus on integrity, innovation, and attention to consumer needs—values that remain at the heart of the company today.
Over eight decades, Velona has grown into a household name across 23 countries, including the UK, Australia, UAE, and Kenya. Its global success reflects a simple yet profound principle: products created with genuine care, scientific rigour, and a deep understanding of consumer needs earn trust that spans generations.
Chairman and CEO Dr. Gehan De Soysa emphasizes that the company’s founder instilled a culture of innovation and learning. Early on, Fernando traveled to Manchester, Lancashire, and Nagoya to study global manufacturing practices, applying these insights to elevate Sri Lanka’s local textile industry. This focus on global knowledge and local adaptation continues to guide Velona’s approach to product development, R&D, and operational standards.
At the core of Velona’s philosophy is a people-first mindset. Employee welfare, safety, skill development, and pride are central to every strategic decision. Many employees have grown alongside the brand, spanning generations, reflecting a workplace culture built on respect, accountability, and shared purpose. This culture also extends to Velona’s dealer network, which has seen partnerships maintained across decades, reinforcing trust and continuity.
Consumer insights remain pivotal to Velona’s innovation. Feedback from parents informs the design of products, particularly in baby care. Research-driven improvements have enhanced diaper absorbency, comfort, and skin safety, resulting in patented technologies and one of the fastest biodegrading diapers globally. The brand has expanded this approach to wipes, colognes, and other hygiene products, ensuring ingredients are safe, biodegradable, and dermatologically tested.
Balancing innovation with accessibility is another key to Velona’s longevity. High safety and quality standards are supported by independent certifications from the US Food and Drug Administration, the British Retail Consortium, and Australia’s Made Safe campaign. By producing at scale and maintaining cost-effective operations, Velona ensures world-class products remain affordable for families worldwide.
Velona’s expansion into international markets is strategically guided by regulatory frameworks, market maturity, and cultural differences. While Sri Lanka is still developing in certain hygiene product categories, markets like the UK and Australia require strict compliance with quality, safety, and packaging standards. By navigating these variations responsibly, Velona has established a reputation for reliability and integrity across diverse global markets.
Corporate social responsibility is integral to Velona’s ethos. Programs supporting parents before childbirth bridge gaps in knowledge and access, offering free antenatal education and emotional support for mothers and fathers. These initiatives, combined with small gift packs, exemplify Velona’s commitment to improving family wellbeing, reinforcing trust in the brand beyond products.
As Velona marks 85 years, its ongoing commitment to care and innovation shapes its strategic vision. From hygiene and clothing to cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, the company continues to prioritize quality, compliance, and social impact. Every product reflects Velona’s mission: to make life safer, healthier, and more comfortable for families while maintaining standards that parents can trust across generations.
Velona’s journey is a testament to the power of consistency, integrity, and listening to consumers. By remaining true to its founding principles, the brand has earned loyalty not only in Sri Lanka but also across international markets. Its focus on innovation, safety, and family care ensures that the next decades will continue to reflect the values that have defined Velona for 85 years.