VA Distilleries, a family-owned multi-spirit distillery, is revolutionising the Sri Lankan liquor market with its unwavering commitment to creating original and authentic alcoholic beverages of the highest quality. Established in 1988 as AEF (Pvt) Ltd in the small town of Ragama, they have operated for over 30 years in Sri Lanka. Led by Vajira Gunasekera, a visionary entrepreneur, and his son Sanuth Gunasekera, VA Distilleries has emerged as a formidable force in the industry, driven by a passion for crafting exceptional products and changing perceptions of alcohol consumption in Sri Lanka.
Vajira Gunasekera, the Chairman of VA Distilleries, founded the company from humble beginnings. Inspired by the prominence given to foreign liquor at high-level social gatherings, Vajira aspired to create a home-grown product line that would match the traits of its international counterparts. In 2006, VA Distilleries rebranded and under Vajira’s impeccable leadership, the company quickly gained recognition in the local liquor market. A key factor in VA Distilleries’ success lies in the chairman’s genuine care and support for the employees.
Sanuth Gunasekera, a dynamic member of the director board and the CEO of VA World, works closely with his father in the areas of business development and marketing. Beyond his dedication to the family business, Sanuth aims to redefine the perception of alcohol consumption in Sri Lanka and promote responsible drinking practices. He strongly believes in product differentiation and delivering exceptional local products at affordable prices to consumers.
VA Distilleries prides itself on using grain-based products that adhere to high-quality international standards. “With our group company serving as the sole Grain-Based Distiller in Sri Lanka, our beverages are made from 100% grain distilled through years of research and development. The quality of alcohol produced from grains surpasses that produced from molasses,” Sanuth stated. VA Distilleries is also Sri Lanka’s largest ethanol-producing plant, supplying some renowned brands. They leverage distinctive, locally sourced ingredients, including locally grown corn, to produce ethanol of exceptional quality.
They offer two distinct ranges of alcoholic beverages. The first is a foreign liquor range comprising whisky, brandy, gin, and vodka. The second is a local liquor range that includes renowned spirits like arracks. Noteworthy brands in the foreign category include VA blended malt whisky, XO brandy, London dry gin, AB vodka, and the award-winning VA king coconut vodka – the only vodka infused with real king coconut and distilled from 100% pure grain spirits. Each recipe is meticulously crafted by the chairman himself. The local segment boasts a variety of offerings, with particular emphasis on the VA black arrack, our signature arrack, the North Coast – the only Palmyra-based arrack in Sri Lanka, and the White Link – a white arrack.
What sets VA Distilleries apart from its competitors is not only the exceptional taste of its products but also its captivating packaging. Each bottle is beautifully designed, reflecting the company’s commitment to creating a premium and unforgettable experience for consumers.
As VA Distilleries continues to innovate and redefine the Sri Lankan liquor landscape, they remain committed to their founding principles of authenticity, excellence, and responsible consumption. Through their unique offerings, VA Distilleries is creating a new era of appreciation for locally produced alcoholic beverages.