A heartwarming story of family, heritage, and a unique coffee venture awaits! Prepare to be inspired as we delve into the journey of Samantha and Sampath Erabadda, a brother-sister duo with a mission to bring a taste of Sri Lanka to the UK.
A Taste of Home: The Erabadda Coffee Story
Imagine a family's reunion in a tiny Sri Lankan village, a place where their father, Eric, grew up. It was here, during a visit in 2019, that a lightbulb moment occurred. Amidst the lush greenery of their grandparent's garden, a coffee tree stood tall, sparking an idea that would change their lives.
"We wanted to reconnect with our roots and give back to the land that gave so much to our father," Sampath, 46, shared.
Civil servant Samantha, 41, and her brother, dentist Sampath, grew up in Hertfordshire, but their hearts always longed for the vibrant culture of Sri Lanka. Summer holidays spent there were a stark contrast to their British upbringing.
"Running through the jungle, dodging pythons and wild pigs, it was an adventure!" Samantha reminisced.
But it was the discovery of coffee drying in their grandparent's garden that truly captured their imagination.
"We were curious about the origin of those beans, and our dad's response was simple: 'Just from the garden.' It sparked a journey of exploration and connection," Sampath explained.
A Journey to the Roots
Eric Erabadda, one of nine siblings, walked miles to school and learned English from a local monk. His birth certificate, a mere formality, only listed his first name, James, and 'unknown' as his surname.
"When he arrived in Colombo for university, he wanted a more distinctive name. So, he chose Neketh Padmasiri Kiyanage and adopted Erabadda, his village's name, as his surname," Samantha revealed.
However, when Eric moved to the UK in the 1970s, his unique name posed challenges. He simplified it to Eric, a name that would become synonymous with his physiotherapy practice.
The Coffee Conundrum
While tea cultivation is more common in Sri Lanka, the country once boasted a thriving coffee industry. But a fungus, 'coffee rust,' destroyed the seeds in the 1870s, changing the course of its coffee legacy.
"Exporting coffee is still rare. We're proud to be among the few importing it to the UK," Sampath noted.
The siblings embarked on a journey of research and sampling, traveling back and forth to Sri Lanka, collaborating with local farmers, and experimenting with various coffee beans.
"It was a steep learning curve. We had an idea, a dream, but we were beginners. Finding the right beans near Erabadda was a challenge," Samantha admitted.
They eventually discovered a farm in the region of Kothmale, at an altitude of 1,400m, where coffee grows in abundance.
"We chose this farm based on their positive culture of supporting other farmers and the local community. It took us six years to find the perfect partner," Samantha explained.
A Legacy of Giving
Their company has invested in the farm, employing a significant portion of the local community. Farmers are paid a fair wage, ensuring they can support their families.
"The farm has also donated baby coffee plants to local families, allowing them to grow their own coffee. We buy their beans, providing them with an additional income," Sampath shared.
The process of shipping the beans to the UK was an emotional milestone.
"We were anxious. Anything could go wrong. But when we tasted the roasted beans, it was a moment of pure joy and relief," Samantha recalled.
A Family Affair
As the family works on packaging designs, they eagerly anticipate bringing their specialty coffee to market next year.
"Seeing my children work together on this project has been a blessing. Sri Lanka is our family's heritage, and their contribution to its development is a source of great pride," Eric, now 76 and retired, shared.
This story is a testament to the power of family, heritage, and a shared vision. It's a journey of discovery, connection, and a unique taste of Sri Lanka.
And this is the part most people miss...
What do you think? Is this a heartwarming tale of family and legacy, or a controversial business venture? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Sources:
- BBC Sounds: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/curation/p0cjdy2n
- Look North: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006mj5m
