Sarnia Estate

A Legacy from the Coffee Era to Tea Excellence

Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Narangala Mountain and bordering the Randenigala reservoir and wildlife sanctuary, Sarnia Estate carries a unique history that dates back to the Coffee Boom of the 1860s. Established in 1865 by Mr. E. C. Sweeting, Sarnia began as a Coffee and Cinchona plantation before transitioning into a flourishing tea estate in 1905.

Historical Legacy

Sarnia was part of the eastern expansion of the Coffee industry, radiating out from Badulla — the historical hub of coffee cultivation. The estate was formally established under Sabonadiere and Company in 1884, later taken over by the Scottish Trust and Loan Company of Ceylon, and finally managed by Cumberbath and Company in 1905, marking its replanting as a tea estate.

Over the years, Sarnia Estate evolved into one of the premier tea estates in the region, combining traditional expertise with modern sustainable practices.

Estate Composition and Location

Sarnia Estate is nestled on the eastern slope of Narangala Mountain, offering a unique microclimate for high-quality tea production. It consists of five well-known divisions:
Sarnia, Plaiderie, Dotlands, Mahatanne, and Keenakale.

The Sarnia Factory is consistently ranked among the top Orthodox leafy tea manufacturing facilities in Sri Lanka, maintaining an exceptional standard of quality for over two decades.

Ownership & Certification

Following the nationalization of estates in 1975, Sarnia was managed by the Janatha Estates Development Board until the privatization in 1992, when it was vested with Malwatte Valley Plantations PLC.

Sarnia Estate proudly holds Rainforest Alliance Certification, reflecting its commitment to sustainable agriculture, conservation, and ethical labor practices.

With its deep historical roots and unwavering dedication to quality, Sarnia Estate continues to be a beacon of excellence in Sri Lanka’s Uva tea region.