
Sri Lanka’s cinnamon is more than just a spice, it’s a symbol of heritage, craftsmanship, and global prestige. Yet in many of the world’s finest hotels and restaurants, the authentic taste of true Ceylon Cinnamon is often overshadowed by inferior substitutes. Determined to change that, two young Gen Z entrepreneurs, Rasesh Ekanayaka and Ranul Seneviratne, launched Cinnára Royal, a brand with a bold vision to position Sri Lanka’s finest cinnamon as a luxury experience on the global stage. Today, we speak with the founders about their journey, transforming timeless heritage into a bold global statement, and how they plan to make Cinnára Royal the ‘Rolex of Cinnamon.’
Q Why did you start Cinnára Royal, especially as Gen Z entrepreneurs? What inspired you to enter this space given Sri Lanka’s cinnamon landscape?
Cinnára Royal was more than just a business idea, it was a way to reconnect with a part of Sri Lanka’s identity that the world admires but often experiences in a diluted form. Despite producing the best cinnamon on the planet, many luxury establishments abroad still use lower-grade substitutes. As Gen Z founders, we’ve grown up in an era shaped by wellness culture, ethical sourcing, and sustainable luxury. We saw an opportunity not just to sell a spice, but to position Ceylon Cinnamon as a lifestyle, a global luxury experience. Beyond premium quills and powder, we’re developing cinnamon-infused soaps, oils, and gourmet blends that elevate how people interact with cinnamon. The potential is here, and we didn’t want to wait. Our goal? To make Cinnára Royal the ‘Rolex of Cinnamon,’ a brand that embodies heritage, excellence, and bold ambition for Sri Lanka in the 21st century.
Q What was the ‘aha’ moment that convinced you this could be a real business?
For me, it happened during a trip abroad. I ordered a cinnamon latte at a five-star hotel, beautiful setting, great service, but the taste was flat. No warm, delicate aroma like the cinnamon we grew up with. I asked the barista what they used, it was cassia, not even real Ceylon cinnamon. Yet they were charging premium prices for this so-called “luxury” experience. That was our lightbulb moment: if people are already paying for a subpar version, imagine the demand for the real thing, properly sourced, beautifully packaged, and positioned right. The gap was clear. The demand exists, the product is here, it just needed the right story and platform.
What does the name ‘Cinnára Royal’ mean? Cinnára blends cinnamon and aura, a name that evokes the refinement and presence we want our products to embody. Royal pays homage to Sri Lanka’s heritage as the birthplace of the world’s finest cinnamon and reflects our ambition to be the gold standard in the industry. Our crown logo is no coincidence, it symbolizes excellence, heritage, and our promise to always deliver the very best.
Q What makes Cinnára Royal different from other cinnamon brands in Sri Lanka?
It starts at the root; literally. We work directly with handpicked Sri Lankan producers, many of whom have cultivated cinnamon for generations. These relationships guarantee quality, ethical practices, and full traceability. But beyond sourcing, it’s about positioning. We see ourselves in the luxury space, offering elegant packaging and a strong brand narrative rooted in heritage and craftsmanship. We’re not just selling a spice, we’re curating an experience, a story, and a standard our customers can feel, see, and taste.
Rasesh
Q Can you walk us through your product range?
We currently offer two lines:
- Core Collection: Premium cinnamon quills and culinary-grade powder for chefs, hotels, and discerning home cooks seeking true flavour and aroma.
- Lifestyle Range: Cinnamon-infused soaps, lotions, and oils that bring the wellness benefits of cinnamon
- into daily routines.
We want people to experience cinnamon in its full spectrum, as a spice, as a ritual, and as a touch of luxury.
Q How do you ensure quality and authenticity?
We’re hands-on from the ground up. We only partner with farms that meet strict criteria, and every batch is tested for coumarin levels to guarantee it’s genuine Ceylon cinnamon. We adhere to proper grading standards and package our products in conditions that preserve aroma and freshness. By sourcing directly, we eliminate uncertainty, ensuring chefs, hoteliers, and home consumers alike receive exactly what we promise.
Q What’s your take on the current cinnamon industry in Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka undeniably produces the world’s best cinnamon. But the industry hasn’t fully leveraged this reputation. Inconsistent branding, fragmented marketing, and a lack of traceability have opened the door for cheaper substitutes in key markets. The recent tourism boom presents a huge opportunity. Every visitor is a potential ambassador for Ceylon Cinnamon. By weaving authentic cinnamon experiences into hotels, restaurants, and tours, we can create lasting impressions that ripple outward globally. The solution? What happened with Ceylon Tea decades ago, a unified front that pairs quality with strong, consistent branding. That’s our mission with Cinnára Royal: to ensure ‘Ceylon Cinnamon’ becomes not just a label, but a mark of excellence recognised around the world.
Q How do you plan to tap into the luxury hospitality and wellness sectors?
We design our products with these sectors in mind, from elegantly packaged cinnamon quills for in-room experiences, to bulk gourmet-grade supply for fine-dining kitchens, and exclusive blends tailored for luxury spa menus. But beyond the product itself, we offer something even more valuable: a story. When a hotel or wellness brand tells its guests that its cinnamon is ethically and sustainably sourced from Sri Lanka, it elevates their brand as much as ours. It’s an experience, not just an ingredient.
Ranul
Q Which markets do you see as your biggest growth opportunities abroad?
Europe is a major focus, thanks to its strong culinary culture and deep respect for provenance. The Middle East is another, its luxury hospitality industry is booming and seeks premium, story-driven products. Then there are wellness-conscious markets like Japan and Australia, where the health benefits of cinnamon resonate strongly. Each market offers a unique opportunity: fine dining in Europe, luxury hotels in the Gulf, and wellness integration in Asia-Pacific. The beauty of cinnamon is that it fits all of these spaces naturally.
Q What has been your biggest challenge so far?
As young founders, gaining trust in a traditional industry has been a real hurdle. Many buyers and suppliers are used to working with legacy businesses that have been around for decades. But we’ve met that challenge with professionalism, consistency, and a product that speaks for itself. Deliver once, and they notice you. Deliver consistently, and they trust you.
Q How do you balance being friends and business partners?
We’ve defined our roles clearly and built a deep respect for each other’s strengths. That’s made decision-making smoother and keeps our focus on what’s best for the brand, not individual opinions. We also make space to simply be friends, often over a good cinnamon chai. That balance keeps us grounded.
Q Where do you see Cinnára Royal in five years?
In five years, we see Cinnára Royal as a globally recognised name in premium cinnamon, featured in Michelin-starred restaurants, luxury hotels, and top-tier wellness brands. Locally, we aim to be the go-to choice for premium cinnamon in Sri Lanka. But more than that, we want to set a benchmark for how Sri Lankan heritage products can be reimagined, inspiring other young entrepreneurs to elevate traditional exports to the global stage.
Q Do you plan to expand into other products beyond cinnamon?
Eventually, yes. We’re exploring other Sri Lankan spices and wellness products that share the same heritage value. But for now, we’re focused on one thing: making Cinnára Royal synonymous with premium cinnamon. Once that foundation is strong, we’ll expand, without ever losing our core identity.
Q What role can Gen Z entrepreneurs play in reshaping Sri Lanka’s export industry?
Gen Z brings a new mindset, we’re digital-first, globally aware, and unafraid to question the norm. We understand branding, storytelling, and the power of social media and e-commerce. If we apply those tools to traditional sectors like spices, tea, or craft, we can completely shift how Sri Lankan products are perceived globally. It’s about moving beyond just quality and telling a story the world wants to hear. That’s how our generation can redefine Sri Lanka’s export legacy.
Q qIf someone watching this interview wants to support Cinnára Royal or the Sri Lankan cinnamon industry, what’s the one message you’d like to leave them with?
Choose authenticity. Whether you’re a chef, hotelier, retailer, or just someone who loves great food and wellness products, look for real, traceable Ceylon Cinnamon. When you choose authenticity, you support Sri Lankan farmers, preserve centuries of tradition, and help brands like ours show the world what Sri Lanka can truly offer. And to any young entrepreneur reading this article, don’t wait for the “perfect time.” The opportunity might already be in front of you. If you believe in your product and your vision, start now. That’s how Cinnára Royal began with a simple idea, and the courage to make it real.