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  • 1864

    Shaikh Hebtulabhoy arrived in Sri Lanka. He was the first ancestor of the Akbarally’s in Ceylon.

  • 1880

    After the Great Blight destroys the Ceylon coffee industry, planters switch to tea. Shaikh Hebtulabhoy and his sons begin trading in tea, which has rapidly become the island’s leading export.

  • 1969

    Akbar Brothers was formed.

  • 1973

    Shaikh Akbarally Tyeabally, father of the three founding directors joined Akbar Brothers.

  • 1978

    Systematic diversification begins. Tourism and warehousing are the first two areas into which Akbar Brothers expands. The Welisara Purchasing complex commences operations.

  • 1979

    Quick Tea (PVT) Ltd was formed to undertake the processing and export of tea bags.

  • 1984

    Falcon Trading established. Akbar Brothers Exports established to handle the group’s exports of packeted tea.

  • 1992

    Akbar Brothers, becomes Sri Lankas largest tea exporter, exporting over 21 million kilograms of tea. Tea House was established to market specialty tea packs. Wattala warehousing complex was set up.

  • 1999

    Kelaniya Warehousing Complex established.

  • 2000

    Akbar Brothers still Sri Lankas largest tea exporter, achieves volume of over 31 million kilograms for the first time-an all time national record.

  • 2001

    Akbar Brothers Chairman, Mr. Abbas Akbarally, celebrates 50 years in the tea trade. Group receives five awards from the National Chamber of Exporters including “The best Sri Lankan Brand” for ALGHAZALEEN tea.

  • 2002

    Akbar Brothers celebrates its tenth consecutive year as Sri Lankas largest exporter of tea, shipping a value of 38.5 million kilos.

  • 2004

    Group diversifies into hydro power with acquisition of Situgala hydro power plant.

  • 2008

    First vehicle emissions tests in Sri Lanka performed by group subsidiary, Drivegreen.

  • 2009

    Akbar brothers receives Presidential Export Award for the 32nd time.

  • 2010

    Akbar Brothers diversifies further into the renewable energy sector through joint ventures in both wind power with Segavintivu, & Vidatmunai Wind Power (Pvt) Ltd.

  • 2012

    Lina Manufacturing a pharmaceuticals.manufacturer acquired. Lina Research lab set up in collaboration with University of Sri Jayawardenepura.

  • 2013

    Group invests in sustainable aquaculture with Oceanpick (PVT) Ltd.

  • 2014

    Purchases Flinth Commercial Park. After more than thirty years of expansion and diversification, Akbar Brothers is now a highly respected business group as well as one of Sri Lankas leading exporters.