For 140 years, The Coca-Cola Company has been more than just a beverage brand — it has been part of some of the world’s most memorable moments. In 2026, the company marked its 140th global anniversary, commemorating the journey that began on May 8, 1886, when Dr. John Pemberton first served Coca-Cola at Jacob's Pharmacy in Atlanta.
In Sri Lanka, the celebration holds even greater significance as the brand also marks 65 years of refreshing the nation, becoming deeply woven into everyday life, family traditions, and shared celebrations across generations.
From humble beginnings as a single glass of refreshment, Coca-Cola has grown into one of the world’s most recognised brands, with more than 2.2 billion servings enjoyed daily across over 200 countries and territories. Its iconic red-and-white identity, contour bottle, and unmistakable taste have made it a lasting symbol of connection, joy, and togetherness across cultures worldwide.
In Sri Lanka, Coca-Cola’s journey began 65 years ago, building a relationship with consumers that extends far beyond refreshment. From Avurudu and Christmas celebrations to cricket matches, roadside stops, weddings, and everyday family meals, Coca-Cola has remained a familiar and trusted part of Sri Lankan life. Over the decades, the brand has grown alongside the country, contributing to communities, creating livelihoods, and investing in circular economies, youth empowerment, and local partnerships that continue to make a meaningful impact.
This milestone year is being celebrated under the heartfelt campaign theme, “Thank You for Always Picking Coca-Cola,” placing consumers at the centre of the anniversary story — a tribute to every shared meal, every celebration, every friendship, and every memory made with an ice-cold Coca-Cola in hand.
“For 140 years globally and 65 years in Sri Lanka, Coca-Cola has been privileged to be part of people’s lives and their most meaningful moments. ‘Thank You for Always Picking Coca-Cola’ is our heartfelt tribute to the people who made this journey possible,” said Mario Perera, Country Head for Sri Lanka and Maldives.
Canada Sri Lanka Business Convention targets CAD 5 billion in foreign direct investment through ambitious five-year strategic plan
Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Sri Lanka has officially commenced operations with the backing of Global Affairs Canada, marking a significant step toward strengthening trade and investment ties between Sri Lanka, Canada and the wider Indo-Pacific region.
Speaking to the media on Friday (15), Board Member Mohamed Hameez revealed that the Chamber is currently formulating a comprehensive five-year strategic plan targeting more than CAD 5 billion in Canadian investments over the next five years.
Established as a dynamic platform to promote trade, investment, tourism and strategic business partnerships, CanCham SL aims to facilitate stronger commercial engagement while supporting sustainable economic growth and regional collaboration across the Indo-Pacific.
In a major milestone, CanCham SL also signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding with Canadian Chambers across the Indo-Pacific region on April 16, 2026, in the presence of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. The agreement is expected to strengthen trade and investment cooperation, encourage strategic resource sharing, enhance regional collaboration and foster knowledge exchange among member chambers and markets.
During the meeting, Prime Minister Carney announced Canada’s commitment of CAD 500 billion toward strengthening its economic relationship with the Indo-Pacific region over the next decade. Canada has also established a sovereign wealth fund with an allocation of CAD 25 billion to support long-term strategic and international economic initiatives across the region.
CanCham SL said it intends to work closely with business leaders, diplomatic missions, government institutions, investors and industry stakeholders to create meaningful opportunities for Canadian and Sri Lankan enterprises.
The Chamber’s core objectives include promoting bilateral and regional trade and investment, facilitating Canadian business expansion into Sri Lanka and the Indo-Pacific, encouraging tourism and hospitality partnerships, supporting business networking and strategic alliances, enabling market connectivity and business facilitation services, promoting innovation and technology transfer, empowering SMEs and startups, and strengthening regional economic cooperation through the Indo-Pacific network.
The Coca-Cola Company celebrates 140 years globally and 65 years of presence in Sri Lanka
