Our History
History
The Wickramaratne Group has a strong dedication and a commitment to growing and diversifying their business while continuing to adhere to the same family values that have contributed to the success they have attained over the years with consistent growth over time. The continued success of the Group is the result of the efforts of its employees, who are dedicated to supporting the Group’s long-term growth.
In addition to achieving commercial success, The Wickramaratne Group also takes pride in the significant contributions that it has made to Sri Lankan society, providing both social and economic benefits. While its focus is primarily on profit, The Wickramaratne Group has developed numerous partnerships and contracts that have strengthened its position in the marketplace. As The Wickramaratne Group continues to develop new products, it will be capable of creating added value for all stakeholders through an increasingly viable business model based on sustainable and organic growth.
The Founder – Wickramaratne Group of Companies
The founder, Mr. David Wickramaratne, laid the foundation for the growth and success of the Wickramaratne Group. He was the primary inspiration behind the organization’s journey, arriving in Colombo from Matara with a clear vision to build a lasting legacy. His entrepreneurial path began as a sole proprietorship, driven by determination and purpose, with the company initially serving the Sri Lankan armed forces. This humble beginning marked the start of what would become a respected and enduring business enterprise.
Through this foundational work, he was able to establish the company’s early reputation on the principles of both trust and quality. This laid a very strong foundation of respect and dependability within the market.
In a relatively short period, Mr. Wickramaratne was able to develop his business through a methodical process of nurturing, comparing the process of growth to a seed that will grow into a mature tree. All in all, his overall leadership skills were not only guided by the patience he had, but through the skill of thoughtful planning, and an unwavering dedication he showed to the values he believed in.
The unexpected passing of our founder in 1976 was indeed a huge loss. But most importantly, the legacy he left us was not just a business, but an enduring institution based on strong relationships and outstanding operational performance. By his guidance, we were created and will continue to provide a sustainable successful environment for many future generations to come.
Mr. David Wickramaratne
The Founder - Wickramaratne Group of Companies
Mr. Nevil Rohan Wickramaratne - Managing Director, Wickramaratne Group of Companies
Mr. Nevil Rohan Wickramaratne
Managing Director, Wickramaratne Group of Companies
After the passing of the company’s founder, an exciting era commenced under the leadership of Mrs. Nanda Wickramaratne as Chairperson and her elder son, Mr. Nevil Rohan Wickramaratne, as Managing Director. This period was marked by a drive to grow and diversify the company, transforming the family-owned establishment into a complex commercial group.
In line with Mr. Nevil’s vision, the company underwent a significant transformation in its organisational structure, creating a new model for growth. He developed a number of spin-off businesses, each focusing on a specific segment of the market, designed to achieve maximum success. With an innovative approach, Mr. Nevil launched ventures targeting vehicle imports and large-scale import/export operations, greatly expanding both the international trade and local distribution networks of the Mother Company.
By introducing an energetic and innovative leadership style, Mr. Nevil quickly developed and expanded upon his father’s vision to grow the business of which his father was the founder. Unfortunately, Mr. Nevil’s unexpected passing at the age of 46 in 1987 was indeed difficult for everyone. However, Mr. Nevil had succeeded in creating a modern, diverse, and well-structured enterprise with a portfolio of successful subsidiaries and with the strategic intent to grow and develop into the next generation of leadership and growth capabilities.
Desha Keerthi Nanda Wickramaratne - Chairperson of Wickramaratne Group of Companies
Desha Keerthi Nanda Wickramaratne’s Leadership began in 1976 following the death of her husband, Mr. David Wickramaratne. As the first Chairwoman of the company, she took hold of the responsibilities and provided the company with a stable vision, determination, and guidance to enable it to maneuver through its initial transition from inception to existence as a business entity. Her legacy is determined by the impact of her leadership skills through her many years of hard work and resilience as a businesswoman. Her tenure as a chairwoman was greatly influenced by her ability to persevere, as she endured the second tragic loss when her son and Managing Director Mr. Nevil passed away in 1987.
Desha keerthi Nanda Wickramaratne’s strong commitment towards her family and the future of her business is reflected in how she has managed to take care of her 5 children while building a large, successful conglomerate.
For almost 50 years, Desha keerthi Nanda Wickramaratne has been an inspirational leader, blending a passion for non-profit work with the aim to develop the company further. Her combined compassion, market-driven ambition, and tireless work ethic has resulted in building an impressive legacy that has benefited thousands of people involved under the Wickramaratne group.
Under her vision, the company consolidated multiple subsidiary businesses to diversify its operations adding layers of growth for the Wickramaratne group. Desha keerthi Nanda Wickramaratne’s leadership helped keep the family on the right track from 1976 onwards until her passing in the year 2024 creating a strong legacy.
Desha Keerthi. Nanda Wickramaratne
Chairperson of Wickramaratne Group of Companies