Keells opens first store in Northern province

Keells announced the opening of its first store in the Northern province, bringing its commitment to quality, affordability, range, convenience and community development to Jaffna.  While this marks its first supermarket in Jaffna, Keells has been closely connected to the region since 2015. The Keells Collection Centre in Jaffna has been actively sourcing approximately 200,000 kilogrammes of fresh produce each month, ensuring a steady supply of high-quality goods while supporting local farmers.

Located in the heart of the Jaffna town near the Stanley Road and Clock Tower junction, the new store offers ample parking and easy accessibility from multiple entrances. 

A curated shopping experience with local specialties

The Keells Jaffna store offers an extensive selection of fresh produce, seafood, meats and specialty items sourced directly from the region. Customers can now enjoy:

• Selected fresh fruits, vegetables, meats and seafood from Jaffna, ensuring the best quality while supporting local farmers and suppliers.
• Special rice varieties, flour and spices in bulk.
• A state-of-the-art shopping experience, including self-checkout counters for added convenience. 
• Ease of online ordering and delivery. 
• Daily savings with many offers specially for Nexus loyalty members. 

Keells also introduced its popular Prepared Food range, offering breakfast, lunch and dinner options, alongside an indulgent selection of bakery delights, pizzas, burgers, roast chicken and sweet treats. The in-store Kafé, featuring coffees, milkshakes and waffles, provides a welcoming space for customers to relax and enjoy their favourite refreshments.

Empowering Northern province through employment and economic growth

Keells’ presence in Jaffna goes beyond retail:

• The store team of 80+ is entirely recruited from the Northern province, offering meaningful employment and career growth prospects.
• Continuous training and development programmes ensure employees gain valuable skills and professional advancement.
• The Jaffna Collection Centre continues to play a vital role in sourcing fresh produce, directly supporting local farmers and suppliers.
• Launch marketing campaign was in collaboration with Jaffna-based businesses and entrepreneurs, ensuring an inclusive and community-driven approach.

Commitment to sustainability and community development

Keells remains steadfast in its environmental, social and governance commitments, implementing initiatives to support sustainability and social welfare in Jaffna, including:

• Waste management and recycling programmes, with seven plastic recycling bin locations across Jaffna.
• Preschool meal programmes currently benefiting three schools supporting more than 100 children, with plans for further expansion.
• Additional CSR initiatives that align with Keells’ long-standing dedication to community well-being.

A warm welcome from Jaffna

Keells is deeply grateful for the warm welcome from the Jaffna community and looks forward to becoming an integral part of the region. The localised marketing campaign, launched in mid-February, successfully built anticipation and excitement for the store opening, which was celebrated with a grand ceremony featuring traditional Jaffna cultural elements and the presence of esteemed well-wishers.