OUR STORY
Created With Deep Passion And Love
Ceylon Tea Supermarket by Vella was envisioned as more than a retail space, it is a modern tea concept created to celebrate Sri Lanka’s finest leaves in a setting that feels refined, immersive, and thoughtfully designed. Across six destinations in Colombo, Ella, and Hiriketiya, each store reflects Vella’s belief that tea deserves a stage as inspiring as the craft behind it.
Guests are invited to explore a curated world of Ceylon Tea from premium black and green teas to rare specialty blends sourced from Sri Lanka’s most distinguished estates. Every selection is chosen with care, honouring heritage, flavour, and craftsmanship while presenting them through a fresh, contemporary lens.
This experience reflects the broader vision of Vella’s founders: to bridge tradition with modern expression and connect people directly with exceptional Ceylon Tea. What began as a passion-driven idea has evolved into a distinctive platform that elevates how tea is discovered, understood, and enjoyed.
With a focus on innovation, authenticity, and thoughtful service, Ceylon Tea Supermarket continues to grow staying true to its purpose of reimagining Sri Lanka’s tea culture for today’s world.
In 1971, the Uva Greenland Tea Estate changed hands from British ownership to a young Sri Lankan entrepreneur, Mr. A. P. D. Abeyrathne. What he acquired was not just an estate, it was a chance to rebuild, reshape and honour a craft deeply rooted in the island’s soil. With unwavering dedication, he transformed it into what the world now knows as Halpe Tea, nurturing a brand defined by honesty, care, and an unshakeable respect for Ceylon Tea.As the years unfolded and the business began to flourish, his wife and three sons joined him - each bringing their own passion, discipline and belief in the family’s vision.
Together, they carried forward a humble beginning and turned it into a legacy. Through every harvest, factory floor decision, and estate expansion, their commitment to doing things the right way remained unchanged. From this modest starting point, Halpe Tea rose steadily to become one of Sri Lanka’s largest tea exporters, a brand that continues to operate its own plantations and factories, ensuring every leaf reflects the values that shaped its origin: integrity, craftsmanship, and heartfelt dedication. This is more than a success story. It is a testament to quiet perseverance, family spirit, and the belief that something small, when nurtured with love and purpose, can grow into something timeless.
Globally Acclaimed
Trust is key in what we do, and our certifications provide a form of verification for customers to place their trust in us.
