Anthony Silva founded Giriulla Mills on the belief that good business starts with trust, diligence and customer satisfaction. Sourcing coconuts from nearby plantations and employing people from the village, Giriulla Mills soon became an essential part of the local community.

The business flourished and Anthony Silva invested in processing machinery and new lorries to expand the supply chain supporting Giriulla Mills’ expansion.

He also started Madurata Mills, Polgahawela Mills and Theliyagonna Mills to process both Coconut Oil and Desiccated Coconut (DC) supporting increased demand.

Anthony Silva also expanded the business into new partnerships with Baththuluoya Mills and Winifreda Mills.

With his two sons, Bertram and Roland, joining the growing business, S.A. Silva & Sons was formed as a partnership, paving pathways for generations forward.

As the business expanded, it remained grounded in its longstanding founding principles. Following Anthony’s example, Bertram and Roland continued supporting educational institutions, scholarships and community development, embedding service, responsibility and care within Silvermill’s corporate values.

Silvermill’s pioneering initiatives transformed processes and elevated industry-wide quality standards. Sri Lanka’s first coconut meat hot water steriliser was installed at Giriulla Mills.

Following growing popularity of Desiccated Coconut in Europe, trials of Mars “Bounty Bar” were conducted at Giriulla Mills to supply Mars Chocolates through J.H. Vavasseur.

During this period, Bertram Silva became the Managing Partner & purchased Loluwagoda Mills from Vavasseurs’.

The first company within the Group was incorporated as S.A. Silva & Sons Limited. Silvermill began direct exports of desiccated coconut to Mars Chocolates in the United Kingdom, becoming an exclusive supplier.

Silvermill also became the first Sri Lankan company to produce coconut shell powder and pioneered process innovations, including converting to solid fuel heat exchangers and installing semi-automatic dryers.

With the third generation of the Silva family joining the business, Silvermill advanced its pioneering journey with in-house laboratories, steam sterilisation and Sri Lanka’s first modernised continuous drying desiccated coconut plant, earning ‘Pioneering Status’ from the Government.

Silvermill also entered the US market, carried out trials exclusively with Nestle to develop Maggi coconut milk powder for Sri Lanka and pioneered edible coconut parings oil.

Silvermill became the first local manufacturer to introduce toasted coconut and higher-value ‘fancy’ grades to international markets. It also began supplying Kellogg’s Europe, launched bottling and canning lines for coconut water, coconut milk, fruit juices and vinegar, diversified into dried fruit exports and received its first ISO certification, reinforcing its commitment to quality.

Silvermill also played a pivotal role in establishing Mahaweli Coconut Plantations.

Silvermill became the first Sri Lankan desiccated coconut manufacturer to establish self-funded R&D facility, driving innovation and product development. Silvermill started manufacturing in Vietnam, strengthened presence in Europe and began coconut water trials unlocking new opportunities, value-added products while reducing wastage.

Silvermill started supplying renewable biomass energy, launching its Power and Energy sector.

Dr. Roland Silva became Chairman of Silvermill Group.

With the success of its coconut water trials, Silvermill Natural Beverages Private Limited was established and the Beverages and Liquids Sector was formed making Silvermill the exclusive supplier to Vita Coco from Sri Lanka.

With this, Silvermill divested from Vietnam and invested in Tetra technology, becoming the first Sri Lankan exporter of coconut water in Tetra packs, enabling the value addition of an unutilized by-product to derive export revenue.

Silvermill became the first Sri Lankan company to export coconut water with coffee and other flavours in Tetra packs, expanding its value-added offerings.

In another industry first, Silvermill expanded its coconut water supply base to include other coconut kernel manufacturers, supporting them with an additional revenue stream while creating greater value from a by-product that had previously gone to waste.

Silvermill strengthened its governance as Mr. Amal Cabraal, former Chairman and CEO of Unilever Sri Lanka, joined as an Independent Non-Executive Director. With its high quality manufacturing capabilities, Silvermill became became the first to introduce coconut milk in Tetra packs with a reclosable lid for Sri Lanka.

This milestone launched the Silvermill brand, offering consumer-friendly solutions that reduce coconut wastage in domestic cooking.

Silvermill launched Estate Management Program supporting viability of coconut estates and established strategic partnerships with Fonterra and Elephant House for dairy and fruit-juice co-packing.

Responding to increased global demand for healthy snacks, Silvermill expanded further into manufacturing crunchy, flavoured coconut chips in retail packs for an international brand. This marked the launch of Silvermill's value-added Snacks division. The Group also continued strengthening its corporate governance, welcoming Asite Talwatte, former Managing Partner of Ernst & Young Sri Lanka, as an Independent Non-Executive Director of the Group's Board.

The Silvermill Foundation was established as an independently operated non-profit organisation, formalising the Group’s longstanding CSR efforts with greater transparency and governance. Silvermill also launched Coconut Cream in Tetra Packs, continuing its efforts to reduce coconut wastage through convenient coconut products for food professionals.

In a move to geographically diversify its operations and cater to growing global demand, Silvermill expanded beyond Sri Lanka, establishing PT. SASL & Sons Indonesia and setting up a value-added coconut processing plant in Indonesia.

This milestone strengthened Silvermill’s international presence, while the 4th generation of the Silva family joined the business, continuing the family’s involvement into a new generation.

Silvermill expanded into dried fruits and spices, entered India and introduced products including dehydrated Sri Lankan Coconut Sambol and KiCO King Coconut Water. As Dr. Roland Silva retired, Mr. Amal Cabraal took over as Chairman. Rooftop solar was added to two manufacturing sites, while work began on Sri Lanka’s first Coconut Museum in Giriulla.

A milestone achievement, Silvermill celebrated 100 years of growth, innovation and excellence, marking a century since its beginnings in 1920.

The centenary celebrated a journey shaped by generations of people, enduring relationships and a deep-rooted connection to coconut. Built on strong values, trusted partnerships and a spirit of innovation, the legacy continues as Silvermill steps confidently into its next century.

Silvermill launched Pure Coconut Oil in 200ml, 500ml and 1L bottles, bringing its coconut expertise to everyday Sri Lankan households.

Silvermill Pure Coconut Oil was among the first to receive the Coconut Development Authority's 5 Star Certification, assuring consumers that the oil is unadulterated, chemical-free and produced to high quality standards, strengthening the trust already placed in Silvermill products.

Silvermill welcomed Professor Ravi P. Silva to its Main Board, launched Agrow organic fertiliser for coconut and received its first Great Place to Work certification. The Silvermill Foundation also launched “Aththama”, a food security programme supporting home gardening and helping communities navigate rising food costs.

Suresh Silva was appointed Group Deputy Chairman, while Janaka Gammampila took on the role of Group Chief Executive Officer and Deputy Managing Director. It marked another step in Silvermill’s evolution, as new leadership continued a story built across generations.

Silvermill opened doors to The Coconut Museum, a passport into “The World of Coconut”, offering an immersive journey into the history of coconut in Sri Lanka, types of coconut, coconut products, culture, and the future of coconut. Housed in Mr. Anthony Silva’s former home, the museum brings Sri Lanka’s coconut legacy to life, alongside a one-acre model farm showcasing cultivation best practices.

Silvermill expanded its presence into General Trade, covering most parts of the country and reaching more households, improving access to its products.

Silvermill expanded its presence into General Trade across Sri Lanka, covering most parts of the country and reaching more households, further improving access to its
products.

Continuing this momentum, new KiCO variants, KiCO Guava and KiCO Pineapple, further enhancing its offering in the local market and bringing more choice to Sri Lankan consumers through innovative, flavourful, healthy and functional beverage options.

Silvermill Shop & Save brings our trusted range of coconut and spice products to households islandwide across Sri Lanka through convenient home delivery via its e commerce platform.

It enables customers to enjoy their favourite products at special year- round discounts, with online ordering, exclusive bundle packs, seasonal promotions, and value- added offers designed to enhance everyday savings.

More than a century later, Silvermill has grown into a leading global manufacturer and trusted provider of food and beverage products and customised solutions. Serving global brands, food professionals and consumers across Sri Lanka, we continue to grow alongside our employees, customers and communities, guided by our vision to be Sri Lanka’s most admired agribusiness group, respected for who we are and how we work.