Sumathi Holdings journeys with heritage towards modern technology

Sumathi Holdings, a large and extensively diversified business conglomerate in Sri Lanka, began its monumental journey soon after Sri Lanka received independence in 1948. Backed by a rich history and heritage, U.W. Sumathipala & Sons was the brainchild of U.W. Sumathipala, a young entrepreneur, who stepped in to the business arena and made a profound impact and difference. 

Having commenced operations in the government supplies and construction industry, fuelled by his sharp business acumen and long-term vision for growth, he rapidly expanded into business territories such as turf accounting, film production and as a gem merchant created an indelible impression.  U.W. Sumathipala was the proud producer of ‘Ahasin Polowata’, which won the best movie award in 1978, at the Cairo International Film Festival and after his demise, his wife Milina Sumathipala produced ‘Ganga Addara’, which won the highest number of film awards in the history of the film industry in 
Sri Lanka.

In 1979, Jagath Sumathipala entered the business with Milina Sumathipala and consolidated all the business under Sumathi Holdings. Today Sumathi Holdings has journeyed successfully into the new era. The group has made several strategic investments and alliances in several key sectors of the economy. Overall operations are driven by Jagath Sumathipala, Chairman/Managing Director of Sumathi Holdings, along with Samantha Sumathipala, Director of the subsidiaries of Sumathi Holdings and their sons Chadu Sumathipala and Chathula Sumathipala, in the capacities of Executive Director and Director Strategy and Business Development, respectively.

The brand has built strong equity to its name and has created multiple strong alliances with leading global brands that are synonymous with quality, performance and sustainability. The group has diversified into many industries broadly categorised under key segments including IT, entertainment and hospitality, health sector, renewable energy and corporate services with each of the subsidiaries being individually managed by dynamic individuals with independent organisation structure and operation methodologies. 

Jagath Sumathipala, Chairman/Managing Director, sharing his views on the journey thus far commented, “We have always believed and stuck to our roots and origins, which have greatly helped us to reach the pinnacle of our success. Our strong heritage backed by integrity and a forward thinking attitude has helped us to venture into new territories and industries making us a multi-diversified group. We have transformed our operations over the years and today Sumathi Holdings is excelling in achieving growth, financial efficiencies and operational excellence.”