We are about to speak about the name that brought international recognition to Sri Lankan mangoes and placed Sri Lanka on the shelves of supermarkets around the world. This is the story of the exceptional Sri Lankan who introduced this remarkable mango variety to the global market — Mr. Tom Ellawala — and the mango that carries his legacy.
Tom Ellawala was not merely a businessman. He was a visionary who loved nature, embraced innovation, and was never afraid to experiment with new ideas. Joining him on this journey was the renowned agronomist Mr. Juan Carlos. Together, they created a mango variety that would later become globally recognized as TJC.
The name TJC is derived from their initials:
T – Tom Ellawala
JC – Juan Carlos
The combination of these two names gave birth to the TJC Mango known worldwide today.
Behind every success story lies a long and challenging journey. In the 1990s, Tom Ellawala set out with a clear vision: to introduce a high-quality mango variety grown in Sri Lanka that could compete in the international market.
His research began in dry-zone regions such as Anuradhapura. After years of dedication and experimentation, he succeeded in developing a mango variety perfectly suited to Sri Lanka’s climate. The fruit was large, fleshy, visually attractive, and exceptionally delicious. The distinctive taste of TJC mangoes soon made them highly sought after across global markets.
There are several reasons why TJC mangoes are so popular. When ripe, they develop a beautiful golden-yellow color. They are larger and heavier than most regular mango varieties. They are very low in fiber and offer a rich, sweet, fleshy texture.
One of their most outstanding qualities is their longer shelf life compared to other mango varieties. This characteristic has positioned TJC as a leading variety in the export market.
Today, TJC mangoes are sold in supermarkets across many countries in the Middle East, Europe, and Asia under the “Product of Sri Lanka” label. What began as the effort of one individual has grown into a project that provides economic strength to thousands of farming families.
Mr. Tom Ellawala did more than operate a business. He introduced the concept of branding to Sri Lankan agriculture. He demonstrated the highest potential at which Sri Lankan agricultural products can be marketed to the world.
When discussing mangoes, a common question arises: Is the TJC mango the same as the Alphonso? The simple answer is no. Although both are considered premium mango varieties, there are clear differences between them.
Alphonso is a mango variety originally developed in India. In contrast, TJC is a Sri Lankan mango variety introduced to the global market under the leadership of Mr. Tom Ellawala.
In terms of size, Alphonso is typically medium-sized, while TJC mangoes are often large. A single TJC fruit can weigh between 600 grams and 1 kilogram.
Alphonso is known for its strong, room-filling aroma. TJC, on the other hand, has a milder fragrance but stands out for its stringless, buttery, and extremely flavorful flesh.
When ripe, Alphonso develops a deep golden-orange color. TJC mangoes display a pleasing golden-yellow shade, often compared to the color of gold.
Some vendors use the name Alphonso to market TJC mangoes in order to attract customers. However, TJC is a Sri Lankan pride, recognized for its superior quality and its strong position in the premium export market.
In the global market, Alphonso leads in overall demand due to India’s large-scale cultivation and export capacity. However, TJC commands higher value and premiumness.
TJC mangoes have a specific and high-end market demand. They are especially popular among premium consumers seeking top-quality produce. In simple terms, TJC mangoes are purchased by some of the wealthiest consumers in the world. Their larger size and fiber-free texture give them a clear advantage over Alphonso. Furthermore, the growing preference among international buyers for easy-to-eat, fleshy mango varieties has accelerated TJC’s popularity.
However, Sri Lanka faces a significant challenge: insufficient production to meet global demand. The country has not cultivated TJC mangoes in quantities large enough to compete with Alphonso exports. In other words, supply does not match demand.
If policymakers pay proper attention to this sector, Sri Lanka could modernize traditional cultivation methods, expand export capacity, and significantly increase foreign exchange earnings through TJC mango production. Nevertheless, careful planning is essential to avoid repeating past setbacks experienced with crops such as Bibile oranges and Sri Lankan apples.
It is important to speak about such talented individuals in our country and their innovations. Highlighting their contributions serves as encouragement to the younger generation who aspire to create something new. TJC mangoes represent not only agricultural excellence but also a valuable opportunity to earn foreign income for Sri Lanka.
Have you tasted a TJC mango?
