Our Story

The year was 1960. Cobble stones lined the pristine, barely used high streets. The US Dollar cost just 12 Sri Lankan rupees and “To Kill a Mocking Bird” was being published for the very first time. They were simpler times. As were they interesting times for my family. Just 12 years on from gaining independence, the people of Kandy were still adjusting to the many changes that were occurring around them. And it is during this time that my grandfather O G Swarnasinghe founded our business. With a humble loan of just Rs.20,000 and the little money stowed away under the mattress by my grandmother Lilawathi Ranmenike, the doors to Swarna and Sons were opened.

At first it was a humble showroom for showcasing Sri Lanka’s rich cultural traditions. A brightly lit open aired space lined with brassware, antiques and fine jewelry. It soon became a household name among the community of Kandy. As the organization gathered recognition, we became the go to people for Heads of state, dignitaries and the clergy. Over the years we’ve had the privilege of having our work adorn the most hallowed gift rooms in the world. From Sri Lanka’s official gift on the occasion of the marriage of Prince Charles and Princess Diana, to the state gift presented to the Pope Francis at the Vatican, to the solid gold casing that protects Sri Lanka’s most valuable possession: The tooth relic of Lord Buddha. We have had the honor and privilege to showcase our trade at the highest of platforms. Despite this the main concern of the organization remained to be faithful to the relationship held with our clients.

Fast forward to 2018 and the only changes that have taken place are that our ties have brought us closer, and the bridges we’ve built have become stronger. As my sister and I join the business, we hope to bring our family’s legacy to the 21st century while continuing the traditions and values that have brought us to where we are today. As we have been known to do, we look forward to exceeding your expectations of us in the years to come.

- Namith Swarnasinghe