Alerics Ice Cream has been a cherished part of Sri Lankan life since it was founded in 1949 by Aleric De Silva Wimalaratne. He made his first batch with a simple mission, to bring joy to every Sri Lankan.
It began as a small venture at Piccadilly Café, Sri Lanka’s first ice cream parlour at No 45, Galle Road in Colombo, and quickly was treasured by a nation. Piccadilly Café’s warm, retro charm, complete with a green jukebox playing Western classics, and its iconic glass-fronted design made it a beloved spot for families to gather, share laughter and enjoy an affordable scoop of vanilla, chocolate and strawberry ice cream, made from fresh cow’s milk, a scoop cost just 25 cents at the time, offering “affordable indulgence” and creating lasting memories.
Beyond the café, Alerics reached more people through its travelling ice cream van, which visited fairs, carnivals and local gatherings, bringing joy to communities across the island. Even in the 1950s, Alerics was ahead of its time in sustainability, opting for eco-friendly cardboard packaging. This practice reflected its commitment to quality and environmental responsibility long before it became common.
In 2021, new management infused the brand with fresh energy, introducing modern touches while honouring Alerics’ legacy. Stylish, retro-inspired packaging was designed to appeal to a new generation, alongside various new flavours like Cool Mint Choc Chip and Chunky Rocky Road. This reinvigoration balanced the nostalgic warmth that longtime fans loved with a fresh, vibrant look.
Alerics remains committed to local sourcing, incorporating Sri Lankan ingredients such as strawberries from Jagro, mangoes from TJC Farms and honeycomb from local producers. This dedication to purity is evident in its all-natural fruit popsicles, made from pure fruit pulp with no additives. The company continues to honour its heritage while innovating for modern tastes, offering classic favourites like the Ice Choc Popsicle, Butterscotch and Ceylon Vanilla, alongside bold new creations such as Strawberry Cheesecake and Passionfruit Pavlova.
Alerics is widely available across Sri Lanka, sold in supermarkets and through delivery platforms such as PickMe Food and Uber Eats. This expansion ensures Alerics reaches both its long-time fans and a younger audience. Despite changing times, the brand’s core mission remains unchanged: to spread happiness with each scoop and preserve the tradition, simplicity and joy that have made Alerics a Sri Lankan icon for over 75 years.
Alerics Ice Cream embodies the taste of quality and the enduring love of family traditions and shared moments. From its humble beginnings at Piccadilly Café to its present-day renaissance, Alerics remains a testament to the timeless joy of ice cream and the beauty of memories shared across generations.
