• When an umbrella becomes part of ‘you’

Rainco is one of those quiet household brands. We don’t think of them that much, but for decades, we have used their umbrellas to brave monsoons, school runs, office commutes, and blistering afternoons; often without much fanfare. 

A Rainco umbrella is often just a part of life – They are a part of life dependable. Practical. Almost invisible in their functionality.

But now, Rainco is making a bold statement: it wants its umbrellas to be seen.

With the launch of its new sub-brand, Be by Rainco, the company is stepping into a fresh era, one where an umbrella is no longer just something to shield you from the weather, but something that reflects your identity. It’s a shift aimed squarely at younger consumers who treat accessories as an extension of their personality rather than a necessity tucked away at the bottom of a bag.

At the launch event, Avarna Ventures Group General Manager – Marketing and Innovation Gayani Gunawardena explained that this move grew out of watching how the new generation interacts with everyday items. “We realised that younger customers don't just carry things, but they curate their day-to-day objects,” Gunawardena said. “That insight pushed us to rethink what an umbrella could feel like, not just how it should work.”

She added that Be by Rainco was designed to bring a touch of personality into an item people often overlook. “These designs are bold, fresh, and made with intention. We wanted every umbrella to feel like something you'd choose because it reflects you, not because you simply needed protection from the weather,” she explained.

Gunawardena noted that the collection is as expressive as it is functional.

“For us, this is about giving people the confidence to stand out. Even on the dullest, rainiest day, your umbrella can say something about who you are, quietly, playfully, or even with a little edge,” she shared. 

A legacy brand takes a contemporary turn

Backed by the Avarna Group, one of Sri Lanka’s leading diversified conglomerates, Rainco has built its name on durability and consistently reliable craftsmanship. For many, it’s the brand that simply ‘works’. Yet the company recognised that today’s younger consumers look for more than performance, they look for personality.

The team saw an opportunity: turn the everyday umbrella into a style marker. A mood-lifter. Something that signals who you are without saying a word.

Be by Rainco blends the company’s durability with a distinctly contemporary design language inspired by the fast-paced, image-driven lifestyle of Gen Z and the modern urban crowd. From colour palettes to patterns to compact silhouettes, every detail is intentional.

Gunawardena noted that this design-led shift is part of Rainco’s broader evolution.

“We’re continuing to grow through purposeful craftsmanship,” she shared. “Be by Rainco is a fresh expression of that mindset, combining our long-standing technical expertise with a new design-forward approach.”

The Be by Rainco range

The collection features four distinctive ranges, each crafted with its own personality. While stylish, Rainco hasn’t compromised on functionality, most designs still emphasise durability, and UV-coated options cater to Sri Lanka’s relentless heat. Each range has its own personality, but the underlying idea is consistent: an umbrella can be as expressive an accessory as jewellery, shoes, or bags.

Style Canopy – Created for everyday use yet stylish enough to subtly enhance an outfit, these umbrellas bring together protective strength and aesthetic appeal. Gunawardena explained that this range was inspired by the rhythm of urban life. “We wanted something people could carry from office corridors to evening outings without switching styles,” she said. “Style Canopy is for those who like a clean, polished look that still feels effortless.”

Carry Easy – Compact, lightweight, and effortlessly portable, this range is ideal for those who want a dependable umbrella that slips neatly into a handbag or backpack. “Carry Easy was born out of watching commuters, where everyone juggling phones, bags, keys, and a dozen little things,” Gunawardena shared. “We thought, why not make the umbrella the easiest item in that mix?”

Take a Pic – Pastel tones, floral prints, and soft visual charm define this range, made for special occasions, brunches, and picture-perfect moments. “We leaned into colours that photograph beautifully,” she explained. “Take a Pic is for the moments you want to freeze, I think it’s soft, romantic, and unmistakably cheerful.”

Cloud Tears – A playful collection featuring chic transparent canopies designed for a little rainy-day whimsy. Think puddles, reflections, and soft city lights. “There’s something magical about seeing the rain while staying dry,” Gunawardena remarked. “Cloud Tears captures that feeling: a bit of fun, a bit of nostalgia, and a lot of charm.”

Fashion, function, and a bit of joy

The appeal of Be by Rainco lies in its balance. The umbrellas are fresh enough to stand out yet familiar enough to feel like a natural evolution of what Rainco has always done best; make dependable products.

Be by Rainco transforms one of the most overlooked accessories in Sri Lankan wardrobes into something joyful, purposeful, and personal. Gunawardena noted that the team wanted to shift how people relate to a rainy-day essential.

“Why should an umbrella be the dullest thing you carry?” she said. “If anything, it should brighten your day, both literally and figuratively.”

The company describes the collection as a “powerful symbol of personal expression; bold, confident, and uniquely you.” Gunawardena added that this sense of individuality was central to the design process.

“At the end of the day, this brand is an invitation,” she shared. “An invitation to choose something that feels like you, not just something that keeps you dry.”

With Sri Lanka’s weather patterns growing increasingly unpredictable, umbrellas are needed more than ever. But now, there’s room for a little self-expression too, whether it’s through a pastel canopy for a garden event or a striking transparent design that brightens a gloomy day.

The full Be by Rainco range is now available at leading fashion retail outlets islandwide and through online platforms, inviting a new generation to bring style into even the rainiest moments.