Coffee was cultivated in Ceylon as early as the 1600s, but its commercial journey began under Dutch and then British colonial rule. By the mid-1800s, the island was among the world’s leading coffee producers, rivaling Brazil and Java. Yet, in the 1860s, a devastating fungal disease coffee leaf rust (Hemileia vastatrix) swept through estates, destroying much of the industry. Planters pivoted to tea, and for decades, coffee’s heritage remained largely forgotten. Now, a new era dawns. Smallholders, passionate roasters, and specialty coffee lovers are reigniting Sri Lanka’s coffee story. This revival isn’t just about replanting – it’s about honoring a legacy and reimagining it for the world.