Supplying Sri Lanka's food trade since 1978
Woodlands Company is a Sri Lankan importer, wholesale distributor and commission agent for essential food commodities. Founded in 1978 by Mr. Markandu Kathiresu, it trades from No. 192, Fourth Cross Street, Pettah, Colombo 01100, and supplies 22 commodities including red lentils, chana dhal, dry chillies, sugar and rice, sourced from Australia, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, India, the USA and other countries.
From a small Pettah business to a national supplier
Woodlands Company was founded in 1978 by Mr. Markandu Kathiresu. It started as a small business and grew into one of the larger importing and wholesale businesses for essential food commodities in Sri Lanka.
We import pulses, spices, sugar, raisins and other agricultural products from Australia, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, India, the USA and several other countries. Our main office and sales centre are on Fourth Cross Street in Pettah, Colombo's long-established wholesale district, and we supply traders and businesses across the island.
Our mission
“To deliver quality food commodities at competitive prices.”
Our vision
“To stimulate the local agriculture industry and help reduce Sri Lanka's heavy dependence on imports by investing in local farming and encouraging people to do the same.”
Woodlands Company in brief
Key details for buyers, suppliers and anyone researching Sri Lankan food importers.
- Founded
- 1978, by Mr. Markandu Kathiresu
- Business
- Importer, wholesale distributor and commission agent
- Products
- 22 food commodities: pulses, spices, sugar, rice, dried fruit
- Sourcing
- Australia, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, India, USA and others
- Location
- Fourth Cross Street, Pettah, Colombo 11
- Sales
- +94 11 242 2426 · info@woodlands.lk
- Address
- No. 192, Fourth Cross Street, Pettah, Colombo 01100, Sri Lanka
Three roles in the food supply chain
Importer
We source food commodities directly from producing countries and manage their import into Sri Lanka.
Wholesale distributor
We supply bulk quantities to wholesalers, retailers, manufacturers, hotels and caterers across the country.
Commission agent
We sell on behalf of suppliers and match their stock with buyers through long-standing trade relationships.
Investing in local farming
Sri Lanka depends heavily on imported food commodities. Our long-term aim is to support local agriculture by investing directly in farming, and to encourage others to do the same.
We plan to grow some food commodities ourselves, which would create jobs for local people and help the country save foreign currency.
Why it matters
Every tonne grown locally is a tonne Sri Lanka does not need to import, which keeps jobs and foreign exchange in the country. See how much Sri Lanka imports each month on our trade insights page.
Need a price on bulk quantities?
Tell us the commodity, grade and volume. Our sales centre in Pettah will reply with availability and a price.