Our story
Built on the legacy of Anna Nadarajah.
AnnA Coffee is built on the legacy of Anna Nadarajah, a Jaffna entrepreneur who turned hard work and unshakeable faith into a name trusted across the world.
From Inuvil to the world
Born in 1937 in the temple village of Inuvil, five kilometres from Jaffna, Anna Nadarajah rose from very humble beginnings. As a young man he tried many trades before his mentor, the legendary soap maker "Milkwhite" Kanagarajah, introduced him to the coffee powder industry. In 1959 the whole family ground coffee at home, and with one grinder a lifelong mission began.
That single grinder grew into Anna Industries, a name that today stands tall among the small industries of the North and South. From coffee to farm produce and nourishing foods, Nada built products that fed and served his community through the hardest of times.
A symbol of perseverance
Nada's life was never plain sailing. He faced poverty, family responsibilities, and the upheaval of war. When conflict forced Anna Industries from its home in Inuvil, he moved the grinders again and again, from Meesalai to Kilinochchi, Vavunikulam and Mannar, never giving up. Through every loss he rebuilt, standing by his workers like a loving father. Like the mythical phoenix, Anna rose from his own ashes each time.
As the business prospered, Nada became a philanthropist, supporting educational and religious institutions and worthy causes across the community. His story is that of a man who refused to accept defeat, who stayed with his country through its darkest days, and whose untiring effort built a legacy that endures.
Since 1937
Our journey
- 1937
Anna Nadarajah is born in Inuvil, Jaffna, the eldest son of a humble farmer.
- 1959
Guided by his mentor 'Milkwhite' Kanagarajah, Nada enters the coffee powder trade and buys his first grinder.
- 1975
Anna Farm opens near Maruthanamadam and grows into a model farm admired by visitors from home and abroad.
- 1980
Through war and displacement, the grinders keep rolling. Anna Industries rebuilds again and again.
- Today
Anna International (Pvt) Ltd carries Anna products to Sri Lankan families across the world.
Hard Work
Every product carries the founder's spirit of sheer effort.
Faith & Service
Built to serve the community through good times and hard.
Enduring Quality
A trusted name carried across the world for generations.
In loving memory of Anna Nadarajah, founder of Anna Industries, the symbol of perseverance.