Our Story

An adventurous spirit

The story of how Sena Mills grew to become SMR Consolidated, rising to become Sri Lanka’s leading manufacturer and exporter of edible oils and fats, is one of vision, determination, and innovation. We were founded over sixty years ago, in the 1960s, when a spirited entrepreneur established a small family-run coconut oil mill in the south of Sri Lanka.

From these humble beginnings, the company grew steadily, driven by a passion to excel in the competitive oils and fats industry — both locally and internationally. In 1997, Sena Mills Refineries (Pvt) Ltd was incorporated, commissioning the first and largest continuous edible oil refinery in Sri Lanka. With a strong focus on innovation, research and development, and uncompromising quality standards, the company advanced rapidly to become a market leader.

Having started with the refining of coconut oil, SMR Consolidated expanded its operations to include refining and fractionation of palm oil, and the manufacture of virgin coconut oil, margarine, shortening, compound, and frying fats for the baking and confectionery industries.

Today, SMR is one of Sri Lanka’s leading B2B coconut oil suppliers, catering to a wide range of industrial and commercial clients. For the local retail market, we proudly offer several trusted brands — Good Oil, Cocofry, and Fry It — ensuring the same uncompromised quality that defines our exports. Further extending our commitment to the local community, SMR operates over 100 Coco & Co outlets island-wide, providing access to export-quality premium coconut oil. These outlets are dedicated to preserving the traditional experience of purchasing pure coconut oil, while giving our beloved local customers the opportunity to enjoy world-class quality made in Sri Lanka.

SMR Consolidated stands as Sri Lanka’s largest coconut oil exporter, proudly supplying premium-quality products to over 60 countries worldwide. The company’s international brand, Coco Organic, is now available in eight global markets — United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Ukraine, and South Korea — making it the first Sri Lankan coconut oil brand to enter international markets.

As part of our commitment to sustainability and community empowerment, SMR Consolidated launched the Good Hands Initiative — a nationwide movement dedicated to reviving and strengthening Sri Lanka’s coconut heritage. Through this program, we encourage every Sri Lankan to plant and nurture at least one coconut tree, helping to secure the future of our coconut industry while supporting environmental regeneration and rural livelihoods.

Beyond business success, SMR Consolidated remains deeply committed to its people and community. The company directly employs over 1,000 individuals, while more than 10,000 people benefit indirectly through its extended value chain. SMR is proud to provide excellent employee benefits, fostering a supportive, secure, and rewarding environment for everyone within its workforce.

Timeline

1966

Beginning of the journey establishing a coconut oil mill

1997

Sena Mills Refineries (Pvt) Ltd was incorporated

1999

The company built the first continuous physical coconut oil refinery in Sri Lanka

2001

The refinery was upgraded to facilitate the refining of crude palm oil and became the first continuous physical palm oil refinery in Sri Lanka

2002

A custom bonded warehouse was established to facilitate the export of edible oil and fat-based products

2003

Sena Mills pioneered the first fully-owned Sri Lankan company exporting intensified vegetable fat made of palm oil

Margarine plant was installed

2005

A fractionation plant was established, and the company begun RBD palm oil fractionation to produce edible RBD olein and RBD palm stearin

2012

A nationwide retail chain was formed to distribute SMR products across Sri Lanka

2014

Company commenced export of coconut oil in private label and bulk packaging.

2015

Became the first coconut oil refinery in Sri Lanka to obtain Organic Certification for its manufacturing facilities and range of exports

ISO 22000 certified virgin coconut oil plant was added to the portfolio of manufacturing facilities

2016

The refinery was certified for ISO-22000, HACCP & GMP

2017

The margerine production facility was upgraded in order to expand manufacturing

2018

SMR Consolidated obtained GFSI-recognised FSSC 22000 certification, thus advancing beyond ISO-22000 standards

2020

As part of its CSR activities, SMR launched, Good Hands Initiative; an Island wide coconut seed planting campaign with the theme 'One coconut tree per individual'

2021

SMR oil exports reached a new milestone, exporting to over 30 countries across 5 continents

The company's virgin coconut oil manufacturing plant was expanded and relocated in coconut triangle

SMR achieved SMETA standards with the key pillars of Labour Standards, Health & Safety, Environment and Business Ethics

The company obtained Fairtrade International Certification

2022

The virgin coconut oil plant obtained BRC A grade certification