Cargills (Ceylon) PLC

In the heart of Colombo Fort, amid the colonial charm of the city’s old quarter, stands a striking red-brick building that has watched over Sri Lanka’s capital for more than a century — the Cargills (Ceylon) PLC building. Its elegant British Colonial architecture, designed by Edward Skinner and completed in 1906, conceals stories that stretch far deeper into Sri Lanka’s past. Long before it became the headquarters of a major Sri Lankan conglomerate, this site was home to a grand Dutch mansion belonging to Captain Pieter Sluysken, a military commander from the 17th century. Even the first British Governor of Ceylon, Sir Frederick North, briefly resided there, though he soon declared it “too hot and confined” and moved elsewhere. When Cargills & Co. purchased the property in 1896, they demolished the old Dutch buildings and began constructing a modern marvel of its time. By 1906, the new Cargills building rose proudly, fitted with unheard-of luxuries such as hydraulic lifts and electric fans, and was soon hailed as one of the finest commercial structures “east of Suez.” Yet, even amid its progress, traces of the past endured — including a mysterious wooden statue rescued from the old Dutch gable. Some believed it represented Minerva, the Roman goddess of wisdom and trade; others claimed it was Mars, god of war. Alongside it, a foundation stone dated 1684 still whispers reminders of Colombo’s colonial layers. Today, this once-grand commercial landmark serves a more everyday purpose. Behind its stately red façade, you’ll find a Cargills Food City supermarket, a KFC outlet, a liquor store, a pharmacy, and a bank. Though the interior may lack the grandeur of its exterior, the building remains a beloved symbol of Colombo’s enduring blend of old and new. Visitors often linger outside to admire its intricate architecture before strolling through the surrounding streets of Colombo Fort, where history seems to breathe through every brick and cobblestone. The company behind this landmark, Cargills (Ceylon) PLC, is one of Sri Lanka’s most influential corporations. Founded in 1844 by William Milne and David Sime Cargill, it began as a small trading firm but evolved into a vast conglomerate. Today, under the leadership of Louis Page and Ranjit Page, and as part of C T Holdings, Cargills dominates Sri Lanka’s retail, FMCG, and restaurant sectors. Its supermarket chain, Cargills Food City, is a household name; its food brands — Kotmale, Kist, Magic, and Supremo — are staples across the island; and it holds the local franchise rights for global giants like KFC and T.G.I. Friday’s. From a modest trading house to a modern business empire, Cargills’ journey mirrors Sri Lanka’s own evolution — a story of tradition meeting progress. And at 40 York Street, the company’s iconic red-brick home continues to stand as both a monument to its past and a beacon of its enduring legacy.

First Grocery store in Sri Lanka, that's history of the colonial, ambivalent past, it's a place with a strong atmosphere and an extremely gentle, exquisite staff. Great prices and the choice of a modern supermarket.

Cargills (Ceylon) PLC is a well-established and trusted name in Sri Lanka, offering a wide range of products through its supermarket chain and other ventures. Their outlets are usually well-stocked, and I appreciate the convenience of finding both local and international brands under one roof. The staff are generally helpful and the prices are quite competitive. One area that could be improved is the checkout process during peak hours, which tends to be slow at times. A bit more efficiency in customer service and faster billing would enhance the overall shopping experience. Overall, a reliable place for daily groceries and essentials. I continue to shop here regularly and would definitely recommend it.

The Cargills are like local Spar or mini Tesco supermarket. They have many around Colombo. Very handy if you're looking for standard stuff away from all the independent stalls and markets. Sugar etc is sold loose. Nearly all the milk is UHT in cartons. We couldn't find standard pasteurised milk

Cargills York Street, Colombo, is a true historic gem. Housed in a stunning colonial-era building dating back to the early 1900s, its red facade, arched windows, and preserved architectural details make it one of the most beautiful commercial landmarks in the city. The site itself has roots going back to Dutch and British times, and Cargills has done a great job maintaining that heritage while operating a modern store. Inside, the shopping experience is pleasant, the staff are friendly, and the atmosphere feels unique, like stepping into a piece of living history. It’s not just a supermarket, it’s an iconic landmark and a must-visit in Colombo Fort. Five stars without hesitation!

I rarely leave reviews, but after experiencing the same issue twice at this branch, I feel compelled to share. The customer service here is absolutely appalling. Once again, after paying my bill, I was told the money had not been transferred, even though it was clearly deducted from my bank account. Instead of handling the matter with urgency and professionalism, the cashier took my card and disappeared for nearly 15 minutes while I stood there waiting, watching her walk back as if she had all the time in the world. Not even a word of apology for the delay. What’s worse is the general attitude of the staff. Almost everyone here looks annoyed, unfriendly, and unwilling to engage as if customers are inconveniences rather than the very reason they have a job. Basic courtesy, efficiency, and even a simple smile seem like luxuries at this location. the only exception is the gentleman at the pharmacy, who at least demonstrates some professionalism and decency. This branch badly tarnishes the Cargills name. Management seriously needs to step in, retrain their staff, and instill even the most basic principles of customer service. Until then, this outlet will continue to drive customers away with its sheer negligence and lack of respect.

Beautiful old building that has seen better days. The original wooden shelves still there. I hope cargill continues to maintain the building and the original structures/flooring/etc. One day, they will be able to make a truly gorgeous building out of this.

Even though the building has historical value, the customer service is very poor. They treat their own customers as if they were thieves. Many people I know who visit this Cargills branch have faced the same issue. I sincerely hope the management takes appropriate action regarding the staff at this branch, otherwise they risk losing many customers and damaging their reputation among the public