Life style
Polished to Perfection
Girdling the globe with his exquisite jewellery dating back to the turn of the last century was N.D.H Abdul Caffoor. Making his country proud at several international exhibitions, Abdul Caffoor’s gems and jewellery have even decorated the crowned heads of England, Belgium, Spain and Rumania. His establishment has braved many business challenges for over 130 years. We travelled back in time to delve into the character of this trendsetting Lankan whose 150th birth anniversary falls this year.
BY RANDIMA ATTYGALLE
‘Except on Friday- when he goes to the mosque and locks his business, Abdul Caffoor, wearing his fez, stands at the door to welcome customers himself. He invites you in, offers you a seat and spreads out before you not one at a time nor by the meager twos or threes, but by the handful, such jewels as you have read of in the Arabian Nights Entertainments…’ writes Frances Kayes in her article Coral Strands published in Good Housekeeping (1926) giving a tourist’s eye-view of a visit to the establishment of Abdul Caffoor as cited by Asiff Hussein in the book- The Great Days of Colombo (pg 255).
Endorsing his late grandfather Abdul Caffoor’s principles which he never compromised, his grandson Hussein Caffoor, Director- N.D.H Abdul Caffoor (Pvt) Ltd. shares with us today an anecdote: “One day a customer had walked into grandfather’s store to purchase some goods of immense value. However, it had been very close to the mosque time on Friday and he urged one of my uncles who was assisting him in the store to quickly close the doors despite the customer hinting that he was to do a huge transaction. As my uncle would recollect, grandfather had said that if he wished to do so, he had to wait until his return from the mosque and to my uncle’s surprise he found the customer waiting for them for nearly two hours!”
One of the custodians of the N.D.H Abdul Caffoor (Pvt) Ltd today, Hussein Caffoor describes his late grandfather as a “head strong man of integrity and character.” Although not privileged to have ever met his grandfather at the time of his death on November 1, 1948, Hussein relives his ancestor through the stories of his father Rafi (the youngest son of Abdul Caffoor), his uncles and the enduring legacy he had left behind. Having joined the business in 1979, Hussein is joined by his two cousins Iqbal and Zubair Caffoor in keeping their legendary grandfather’s legacy alive.
Hussein Caffoor
Building a business empire
On April 8, 1875, Noordeen Hajiar Abdul Ghaffoor (later known as Caffoor) was born to a well reputed Moor family in Grandpass, Colombo. He was affectionately called ‘NDH’. As grandson Hussein tells us today, NDH whose father was a shroff at the Colombo Municipality, often interacted with British officers including leading businessmen. “This exposed his sons to the world of business and particularly my grandfather who had a strong sense of business from a very young age. With a silver coin given by his maternal uncle, he had bought a couple of ivory fans and sold them for a profit. He would also board large passenger ships that docked at the Colombo harbour with his uncle who was a successful gem merchant at that time.” NDH first learnt the ropes of the gem business, having apprenticed under his uncle. At 19-years of age, he went on to set up his own jewellery shop at the Bristol Hotel Building on York Street.
The Colombo harbour was the nucleus of all NDH’s business dealings. He was one of the few merchants who received exclusive permission to board ships in to sell gems and jewellery. He set up his own offices right across the harbour adjoining the St. Peter’s Church, (bordering the Grand Oriental Hotel) and moving there from the Bristol Building. “My grandfather had a cordial relationship with the church, so much so the church authorities agreed to sell their properties adjoining the church to him. He couldn’t have got a better place for business than No 40 Church Street where those disembarking could directly see his gems and jewels,” says Hussein.
NDH didn’t stop at that point. He went onto expand his business empire by building the iconic Ghaffoor Building which was completed by 1915. The four-storey wedged-shaped building with a striking dome, located on the corner of the present Sir Baron Jayathilaka Mawatha and Leyden Bastian Street in Colombo Fort not only changed the skyline of Colombo but also became a game-changer in business in the island’s commercial capital.
N.D.H Abdul Caffoor
Ghaffoor Building
Hussein, sharing the tale behind the uphill task of erecting the edifice by his grandfather says: “the entire block where the Ghaffoor Building stands today had been part of the Beira Lake then. Under the Lake Development Scheme reclamation work was done (Reclamation Rd nearby holds testimony to this) and as part of development, buildings were put up. I’m told by my father and uncles that due to water seeping in, no contractor came forward to erect the Ghaffoor Building until Walker Sons and Company took up the challenge.”
Describing it as ‘one of the largest and finest structures in Colombo’, Allister Macmillan in his Seaports of India and Ceylon (1928) goes onto note that NDHs’ ‘splendid jewellery emporium is located there.’ Macmillan further documents that, ‘Ceylon is famous for its precious stones and these are displayed in Mr. Gaffoor’s premises in great variety ranging from raw uncut jewels as they are found in the earth to polished gems worth a king’s ransom.’ Gazetted as a protected monument in 2000, the historical Ghaffoor Building which housed many eminent local and international business establishments from time to time is now a property of the Urban Development Authority.
International reputation
By the age of 26, NDH’s growing romance with gems and jewellery had reached dizzying heights locally and in other continents. In 1901 he was was invited to display his finest pearls, rubies, sapphires and other jewellery art to the Prince and Princess of Wales at the Kandy Pavilion during their Royal visit. Just two years later in 1903, he exhibited at the St Louis Exhibition, USA. Then again, he had a stall at the All Ceylon Exhibition in 1912, and the British Empire Exhibition in 1924. In 1925 he was present at the Wembley Exhibition where Her Majesty Queen Mary visited his stall and took a keen personal interest in the exquisite gems and jewellery he displayed. His final exhibition was at the Philadelphia Sesquicentennial Exposition in 1926, where he was awarded the Grand Prize for the biggest collection of gems ever displayed in the USA. His precious articles were sought by some of world’s richest men who specialized in antiquity including Harry Winston who was dubbed as ‘King of Diamonds’.
Interestingly, Abdul Ghaffoor or NDH eventually came to be known as Abdul Caffoor as the British found ‘Ghaffoor’ hard to articulate. “Subsequently, all his businesses were registered under the name Abdul Caffoor and today the business goes as N.D.H Abdul Caffoor (Pvt) Ltd,” explains grandson Hussein. A great enthusiast of the British architectural tradition, NDH got down British engineers and architects to design not only his offices but also his private bungalows. The Gem Museum he established at his Church Steet offices in 1929 was designed by the well known British architectural firm Edwards Reid and Begg. Several of his personal properties which are now occupied by his descendants around Green Path (present Anagarika Dharmapala Mw) and Ananda Coomaraswamy Mw mirror the British tradition. What he chose as his Kollupitiya residence- ‘Icicle Hall’ was no exception. Originally believed to have been a residence of Chief Justice Sir Alfred George Lascelles before NDH occupied it, this grand property was subsequently sold and became Siri Kotha or the headquarters of the UNP during Prime Minister Sir John Kotelawala’s time.
The York Building on Chatham Street which houses N.D.H Abdul Caffoor Jewellers today is another impressive building built by its founder. The present offices of the jewellery store had originally been a textile shop known as Ghaffoor’s says Hussein.
An ardent horse rider, Abdul Caffoor taught all his sons to ride. “I’m told that he had his stables on present Dharmapala Mawatha. His eldest son Falil was a great polo player and he used to ride on Galle Face green with Prime Minister D.S Senanayake. Apparently on the fateful day the Premier fell off his horse, it had been Uncle Falil who had been the first informant of the tragedy,” recollects Hussein.
A great philanthropist
Abdul Caffoor married Ummu Nafeesa and together they had five sons and three daughters. As much as he was known for his achievements in the business world, he was also known for his piety and philanthropy. He was a great benefactor of numerous religious and educational institutions including the Deaf and Blind School (then known as the Deaf and Dumb School) in Ratmalana, Zahira College Colombo, Child Protection Society and many notable mosques. “His commitment to religious and other institutions transcending religious and ethnic divisions was remarkable. My grandfather was such a visionary who believed in the Sri Lankan identity. This was reflected in all his international dealings including coveted exhibitions at which he kept the Lankan flag flying high. He was also an unassuming man who did not want his left hand to know what his right did,” says his grandson.
Visionary Lankan
Ceylon Daily News
of November 2, 1948 reported on his death: ‘Mr. N.D.H Abdul Caffoor, the well-known gem merchant of Ceylon died at his residence ‘Icicle Hall’ Kollupitiya yesterday. The funeral will take place at the Maradana Mosque this morning. Mr. Caffoor started his business in 1894 and it was sheer merit that brought him success. At his own expense he took part in a series of world exhibitions which, while increasing his own reputation, brought publicity to the island.’
In 1993, the government honoured this trendsetting Lankan with a stamp belonging to the National Heroes series, having previously named a street in Kollupitiya ‘Abdul Ghaffoor Mawatha’.
Sir Henry Moore, Governor General in his tribute to this visionary published in the Ceylon Muslim League Senate, November 1, 1953 wrote: ‘Wherever he travelled, he maintained the highest traditions of business and promoted the best interests of Ceylon; but despite his great business acumen and the wealth he acquired by its exercise, he personally eschewed the luxuries of life and lived simply according the devout Muslim tradition.’
(Pic credit: Sujatha Jayaratne, Abdul Caffoor family archives)
Bernie Stefan is the Chairman and Managing Director of Nestlé Lanka Limited, overseeing Nestlé’s operations in Sri Lanka and the Maldives. He assumed this role in March 2023. Under his leadership, Nestlé has strengthened its footprint in Sri Lanka, touching individuals and families, communities and spearheading sustainable development.
Since taking charge in 2023, Stefan has brought with him over two decades of international experiences, steering the company with a clear focus on sustainability, innovation and long term growth.
Bernie describes the anniversary as a moment of pride and reflection on over a century of commitment to Sri Lanka and its people.
Under his leadership, Nestle has expanded its footprint while staying true to its mission: to improve lives by providing nutrition and wellness for all Sri Lankans. Beyond the commercial success, the company has focused on community impact – supporting local farmers. promoting sustainable practices and contributing to public health initiatives.
(Q) Nestlé has been part of Sri Lankan homes for 120 years. How has the brand evolved alongside the changing lifestyles of Sri Lankan families?
(A) We at Nestlé are extremely proud of our 120 year journey of enriching Sri Lankan lives. It has been a journey guided by purpose and working together for good – touching individuals and families, the community, and the planet. As lifestyles and needs have evolved, so, too, have our products – offering convenient, tasty and nutritious solutions that meet everyday moments, whether it’s energy on the go or a quick and tasty meal. A true symbol of this legacy is our flagship brand, Nestomalt – synonymous with power, strength and energy – which today is enjoyed as the first cup of the day by a majority of Sri Lankan households.
(Q) Many Sri Lankans have grown up with Nestlé products at their breakfast table or during tea time. How does the company stay emotionally connected with generations of consumers?
(A) Our product range caters to the nutritional needs of consumers from birth to old age. We always ensure that the consumer is at the centre of everything we do. This deep understanding of consumer preferences, ensures not only that our products deliver taste and nutrition but also our communication is in tune to the local context. Our brands have been deeply rooted in the lives of the Sri Lankan community over many decades – be it through Milo school sports programmes or Nestomalt marathons. Being an organisation that has been present in Sri Lanka for such a long time, it also means that consumers hold many nostalgic memories from their childhood with our products.
(Q) From childhood treats to everyday beverages, Nestlé products often carry nostalgic memories. How important is this sense of nostalgia to the brand’s identity?
(A) Brands need to evolve with time and remain relevant. Nostalgia does bring a deep bond and connect with consumers. However, through product and packaging renovations, we have successfully ensured that our brands remain relevant to consumers. One of our oldest Nestlé brands in Sri Lanka, Milkmaid , today, has an online recipe platform with over 300 recipes. This is another example where we have ensured that our brands are able to connect with today’s consumers.
(Q) Has Nestlé adapted its products to suit modern lifestyles while still respecting local tastes?
(A) Our ability to cater to local taste preferences has been a crucial factor to the success of our brands. With the setting up of our local manufacturing operations in 1984, we now manufacture over 90% of Nestlé products sold locally. The deep consumer understanding our teams possess, combined with our global R&D expertise in the food and beverage sector, have given us the ability to tailor make our products to cater to the Sri Lankan taste palette while offering convenience. This is evident in the success of our Nescafe and Nestea 3-in-1 variants and the Ready-to-drink beverage range of Milo and Nescafe, that deliver convenience and great taste.
(Q) How is Nestlé aligning its practices to sustainability and mindful living?
(A) We are committed to reaching net zero carbon emissions by 2050. Promoting circularity is also a focus area in this journey. We have plans to be 100% plastic neutral this year. Our sustainability initiatives cover the entire value chain, from farm to fork. In Sri Lanka, we are focusing a lot on increasing yield and promoting regenerative agricultural practices across our dairy and coconut value chains. In our manufacturing operations, we have continuously striving towards reducing water and energy usage. We have also implemented numerous initiatives to reduce our carbon footprint in logistics, such as the adoption of rail transportation. We also focus on fostering behavioural change on responsible waste disposal amongst the youth through our School Waste Management Programme.
(Q) What moments or milestones best reflect its connection with everyday life in the country?
(A) Our ability to provide consumers with good food moments each and every day is something that I and the team are extremely passionate about. Also, the deep connect we have with the community, be it our dairy and coconut farmers, the numerous suppliers and trade partners, has been built on trust over the years. Today, we have farmers, suppliers and even employees from across generations and this speaks volumes about our business practices and the trust we have built in Sri Lanka for over a century.
(Q) Nestlé is known globally for innovation. How do you balance global expertise with the unique lifestyle and culinary culture of Sri Lanka?
(A) As I mentioned, understanding the taste palette, nutritional needs and the lifestyles of Sri Lankan consumers and ensuring our products fulfill these needs is key. Having access to one of the world’s leading R&D facilities gives us the unique ability to ensure our products deliver to these consumer needs and preferences. Further, it enhances our ability to ensure the freshness and bio-availability of certain nutrients contained in our products. We’ve also made significant strides in packaging innovation, where we use less plastic and materials that are better suited for recycling. The introduction of Coconut Milk Powder in 1986 was a first for Sri Lanka, and this is another great example of the deep understanding we have of local culinary culture.
(Q) How is the younger generation engaged with the brand today?
(A) Appealing to the discerning youth population will be key to ensuring the future success of our brands. Understanding the nuances of each generation is important. It is also evident that consumption patterns and lifestyles across generations are evolving rapidly. Staying abreast of these changes is something we are deeply committed to. In addition to delivering on taste and nutrition, being trendy and youthful – the purpose for which our brands stand for – is equally important. NESCAFÉ and MAGGI PAPARE BLAST are two brands that have developed a strong connect with Sri Lankan youth.
(Q) What vision do you have for the next chapter in Sri Lanka, especially in shaping lifestyle trends?
(A) Looking ahead, our vision is to continue enriching Sri Lankan lives by providing tasty and nutritious products and promoting healthier and active lifestyles. We will keep innovating to meet evolving consumer needs, while strengthening local sourcing and reducing our environmental impact. The next chapter is about deepening our positive impact – supporting communities, empowering youth and contributing to a resilient food system.
(Q) As the head of Nestlé Sri Lanka, what does celebrating 120 years personally mean to you?
(A) Celebrating 120 years in Sri Lanka is deeply meaningful to us, as it reflects the trust generations of Sri Lankan families have placed in Nestlé. This milestone is a testament to the dedication of our people and the strong partnerships we have built across the country. For me personally, it is both a moment of pride and a responsibility – to honour this legacy while continuing to work together for good, doing what is right for our consumers, our communities, and Sri Lanka.
By Zanita Careem
At a time when entertainment often overshadows education on television, K.C. Saranga has rewritten the script—securing a remarkable third consecutive win for Best Educational Programme at the Raigam Tele’es 2025.
His flagship programme, Jeevithayata Vidyawa (Science for Life), aired on Ada Derana, has not only dominated its category but also elevated the standards of educational broadcasting in Sri Lanka.
Reflecting on the milestone, Saranga described the win as more than a personal achievement. “Maintaining an award ceremony of this magnitude for 22 years is no small feat. Raigam Tele’es plays a pivotal role in uplifting the industry. By consistently recognising and rewarding Sri Lankan creators, it provides the necessary oxygen for television to evolve as a professional craft,” he said.
A veteran with over 25 years in the industry, Saranga—currently General Manager (News and Current Affairs) at TV Derana and Head of the Ada Derana News Channel—has seamlessly transitioned from hard news to impactful educational programming. His success underscores a broader vision: to harness television’s full potential as an audio-visual learning tool.
“There is a significant void in Sri Lankan television when it comes to high-quality educational productions,” he noted. “Television is an audio-visual medium; its true power lies in its ability to show, not just tell. We use multimedia elements—graphics, animation, and dynamic presentation—to grip the viewer’s attention.”
Saranga emphasised that his goal was to match global benchmarks. “If world-class science documentaries are available in English, our mission was to bring that same global standard to the Sinhala-speaking audience,” he said.
Through Jeevithayata Vidyawa, complex scientific concepts—from aerodynamics to cyclones—are presented in a manner that is both accessible and engaging, redefining the notion of “edutainment” in local television.
Expressing gratitude, Saranga credited his team and network for the continued success.
“This achievement is a result of a shared vision. My deepest gratitude goes to the management of Ada Derana. In an industry often driven by conventional ratings, they have consistently provided a sanctuary for creative freedom, allowing ‘out-of-the-box’ ideas to flourish,” he said.
He added: “To my incredible production team—this trophy belongs to you. Your technical skill and commitment have transformed simple ideas into a national standard. Finally, thank you to our viewers; your curiosity is our ultimate motivation. We will continue to prove that learning is an inspiring journey.”
Saranga’s hat-trick stands as a testament to the power of innovation in educational broadcasting—proving that knowledge, when presented with creativity and purpose, can captivate audiences just as effectively as mainstream entertainment.
By Ifham Nizam
The event “Style Surge,” organised by the Lions Club Elevate, was an evening filled with glamour, leadership and purpose collided in a spectacular fusion. The grand Ballroom at Galle Face Hotel became a canvas of fashion; every detail, from the floral centrepiece to the curated lighting, whispered elegance, while glamour set the stage, purpose was the back bone.
The show featured a curated selection of Sri Lankan designers, each bringing their signature styles to the stage.
The designers captivated the audience with bold, contemporary silhouettes that fused modern trends with traditional influence, creating pieces that were both sophisticated and wearable.
The batik ensembles by doyen of Batiks, Eric Suriyasena, were masterpieces, demonstrating the designer’s mastery in balancing artistry and practicality. Each piece told a story, highlighting the cultural nuances of Sri Lanka, while contributing to the glamour of the event.
The hair and make up for the models were curated by Salon Avra by Thushari de Silva and was nothing short of perfection,
From sleek, modern looks to elegant textured styles, Salon Avra ensured every model complemented the designer’s vision, highlighting the intricate details of each ensemble. The artistry on stage reflected a seamless collaboration between fashion beauty and presentation.
Style Surge unfolded an evening of elegance, creativity and purpose. It brought together Colombo style conscious crowd, social leaders and fashion enthusiasts and transformed the venue into a vibrant celebration of couture and compassion.
As the lights dimmed,the runaway came alive with a striking showcase of designs, ranging from contemporary chic to timeless sophistication, by designers like Eric Suriyasena, Anushko, Azeena Sulaiman and Jaywanthi Panibharatha. Leading fashion brands showcased were Aluminium, Disala, Eriq and Elegant Closet, and they presented a blend of contemporary and traditional fashion. Jewellery for the show was designed and sponsored by Blue Majestara Ceylon, . The Chief Guest was District Governor Lion Mahesh Borolugoda and his wife Lion Lady Sunethra Borolugoda.
Beyond glamour, this event, Style Surge, carried a meaningful mission to help rennovate two schools and improve educational facilities for future students
Lions Club of Colombo Elevate district 306D6, the organisers of this event, have been long synonymous with community development .The event underscores the power of fashion as a force of good.
Proceeds and awareness generated though the evening will be directed towards the clubs ongoing humanitarian initiatives, reinforcing its commitment to uplifting communities while engaging the public in an inspiring way.
In every sense, the event was more than a fashion show, it was a statement. This event reaffirms that glamour can also carry a purpose, creativity can spark compassion, and a runaway that can become a powerful platform for social change. This fashion show was graced by distinguished guests of honour , including designers Aseka Wijewardena, Michael Wijesuriya, Yolande Aluwihare, and Shyara Mendis
This event was organised by Lion Diana Nilanthi, Shen, Lion Thushari de Silva and Lion Shashika Hettiarachchi, whose commitment to creativity and attention to detail transformed the event into a truly memorable evening. They were the driving force that brought the vision of the show to life. Their meticulous planning, conceptualising the theme, coordinating the designers ensured the show ran seamlessly, from start to finish Pix by Thushara Attapathu
By Zanita Careem
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- Thushari de Silva
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- Kamal Addiarachchi
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- Azeena with a guest
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- Enjoying the Kamal Addiarachchi night of style
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