Pour yourself a cup for this one: In the heart of Kandy, Sri Lanka, a small cafe is rewriting the country’s coffee story. Dilshan “Arty” Ranaweera, founder of Cafe Secret Alley, started with zero coffee knowledge in 2017—Sri Lanka’s coffee culture was nonexistent, reduced to bitter brews for studying or staying up late. But his vision wasn’t for locals; it was for tourists. After the 2009 civil war ended, backpackers flooded the island, and Kandy, with its colonial charm and misty hills, became a hotspot. Yet, no cafes existed there. Arty saw a gap. “We started with smoothie bowls and coffee,” he recalls. “We didn’t know anything about coffee, so when a guy suggested a capsule machine, we said, ‘Sure, why not?’”
The experiment worked, but the coffee didn’t. A customer’s comment—“step it up”—ignited a transformation. Arty traveled to Bali, studied Indonesian cafes, and enrolled in Specialty Coffee Association courses. His shop evolved: grinding and brewing upgrades, partnerships with local roasters, and a focus on freshness. Now, Sri Lankan locals flock to Secret Alley, their orders reflecting a growing coffee IQ. Arty sources beans from local producers and international roasters, balancing diversity with strategy. “I know how stock moves,” he says. “I’ll ask for an aerobic this month, a carbonic maceration next. They roast for our needs, and we keep the freshness.”
This fall, Arty will roast at the cafe. He’s a Q Grader now, a badge of expertise in a country still finding its footing. “This is the very beginning of the specialty coffee boom here,” he says. “We’re small, but we’re booming. The future is bright—if we survive.” His concern? Political and economic instability threatening farmers and cafes. “We need to build a future in this industry,” he insists. “We’re not just selling coffee; we’re sustaining livelihoods.”
Key points: Arty’s shift from tourist to local clientele reflects Sri Lanka’s evolving coffee culture. His sourcing strategy—mixing local and global roasters—keeps offerings fresh and diverse. The Q Grader certification signals a commitment to quality in a nascent specialty market.
What role do you see Sri Lanka playing in the global specialty coffee scene.
What role do you see Sri Lanka playing in the global specialty coffee scene?
Questions & Answers
What makes Cafe Secret Alley unique?
Cafe Secret Alley blends Sri Lankan heritage with modern coffee culture, offering a cozy atmosphere and locally sourced ingredients in its menu.
How does Dilshan “Arty” Ranaweera inspire others?
Arty inspires through his passion for community and sustainability, encouraging others to embrace local culture and ethical practices in business.
Information sourced from industry reports and news outlets.
