Velona, one of Sri Lanka’s most cherished homegrown brands, is celebrating 85 years of trust, care, and innovation, marking a journey that began in 1940 and continues to touch the lives of generations of Sri Lankan families. Built on a foundation of quality, comfort, and compassion, Velona’s story is one of resilience, evolution, and an unwavering commitment to the wellbeing of those it serves.

The Velona legacy was founded by the late Ruskin Fernando, a visionary pioneer in Sri Lanka’s textile and apparel industry. At a time when local manufacturing was still in its infancy, he built what became one of Asia’s largest textile enterprises, creating thousands of livelihoods in Moratuwa and beyond. His leadership, grounded in humility, discipline, integrity, and social responsibility, demonstrated how industry could uplift communities while maintaining uncompromising standards of quality.

That founding ethos continues to guide Velona today now strengthened and re-energised under the leadership of Dr. Gehan De Soysa, Chairman of the Velona Group. Since assuming leadership, Dr. De Soysa has led a transformational phase of exponential growth, bringing fresh vision, global thinking, and renewed vibrancy to a long-loved local brand. While remaining deeply rooted in Sri Lankan values, Velona has been strategically re-positioned as a future-ready family care brand, capable of competing on international platforms.

“Reaching 85 years is not just a milestone—it is a responsibility,” said Dr. De Soysa. “A responsibility to every parent, every child, and every stakeholder who has trusted Velona across generations. My commitment is to honour my grandfather’s legacy by raising our standards of care, safety, and innovation, while giving Velona the wings to fly beyond our shores.”

Over the decades, Velona has evolved from a textile manufacturer into a comprehensive family care brand. Its baby garments are trusted for their softness, safety, and skin-friendly construction, while Velona Cuddles has earned recognition as Sri Lanka’s safest diaper brand, backed by rigorous testing and global-standard manufacturing. The brand has further expanded into baby toiletries free from harsh chemicals, reinforcing its belief that care for a child’s wellbeing must never be compromised.

As part of its 85-year celebrations, Velona is entering an exciting new chapter in feminine care with the launch of Venus by Velona, a super-premium sanitary napkin range designed specifically for Sri Lankan women. Offering high-absorbency solutions for Regular and Heavy Flow needs, Venus also introduces Sri Lanka’s first-ever Teen/ Tween sanitary napkin, thoughtfully created to support young girls with comfort, dignity, and confidence. Manufactured to international standards and offered at accessible price points, Venus reflects Velona’s mission to empower women at every stage of life.

True to its values, Velona is marking this milestone not only with innovation, but with compassion. In response to recent floods, the company is extending targeted CSR initiatives, distributing diapers, essential items, and care packs to affected children, families, and orphanages across the island—ensuring that even in times of hardship, care reaches those who need it most.

Looking ahead, Velona is broadening its definition of care to include knowledge and emotional support for parents. Acknowledging the growing need for awareness around learning and behavioural differences such as ADHD, dyslexia, and autism, the brand will soon launch a digital education series designed to equip families with practical guidance and reassurance as they support children with special needs.

For Velona, care has never been limited to physical comfort alone. From safe garments, diapers, and toiletries that protect a child’s health, to education and awareness that empower families, its 85 year journey stands as a living promise, a legacy of care, strengthened by innovation, and renewed under visionary leadership, ready to serve future generations in Sri Lanka and beyond.