The Delmege Group, one of Sri Lanka’s oldest and most diversified conglomerates, is celebrating its 175th anniversary this year, marking a journey that began in 1850 and has grown into a trusted household name.
The company was founded by Alexander Reid and saw significant growth after the Delmege brothers joined the business in 1865. Over the decades, it has diversified across a wide range of sectors including consumer goods, healthcare, lifestyle products, electrical goods, pipes and fittings, shipping, tourism, and insurance.
In 2011, Vallibel One PLC — which manages 55 subsidiary companies — acquired ownership of the Delmege Group. Today, the conglomerate is recognised as a leader in industries spanning imports, exports, airline services, tourism, power, pipe fittings, and insurance.
Products such as Delmege Soyameat, tinned fish, noodles, pasta, tea, salt, and Motha Jelly have earned the trust of Sri Lankan consumers for more than a century and a half.
The group’s operations now extend across multiple divisions, including Delmege Consumer, Delmege Interior Decor, Delmege Grip Furniture, Delmege Energy (Shell Lubricants), Delmege Shipping, Delmege Events, Delmege Building Products, Delair Travels, Delmege Insurance Brokers, Delmege Tours, and Delmege Healthcare.
Internationally, Delmege has built strong partnerships with brands such as Shell Lubricants, Kellogg’s, Ferrero Rocher, and Gerflor, and works with global airline services including Qatar Airways. Its tourism arm continues to promote Sri Lanka as a premier destination.
As it celebrates 175 years, the Delmege Group stands as a testament to resilience, diversification, and brand trust — qualities that have made it a cornerstone of Sri Lanka’s corporate landscape.
