Our History
History
The Wickramaratne Group remains committed to growth and diversification, while staying true to the family values that have shaped its success. The continued success of it is still in our people’s hands where their continuous commitment and dedication will keep the company growing. The best part of the group is its contributions that have led to substantial benefits for the Sri Lankan community. While profit remains at the heart, the Wickramaratne Group was able to establish many other contracts as well. In general, the group believes that sustainable, organic growth is the key to long-term success and will continue to expand long into the future.
The Founder – Wickramaratne Group of Companies
Mr. David Wickramaratne
The Founder - Wickramaratne Group of Companies
The founder Mr. David Wickramaratne is the sole reason for the development of Wickramaratne. He was the primary inspiration for those who followed where he came to Colombo from Matara with a vision of establishing a legacy that would survive him. It was to start off his entrepreneurial journey that began with a complete sole proprietorship and served the Sri Lankan armed forces.
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.
Within a short period, Mr. Nevil’s energetic and innovative leadership aggressively scaled the enterprise his father had founded. His sudden and untimely death in 1987 was a second devastating blow to both the family and the corporation. Yet, he left behind a modernized, diversified, and structurally sophisticated business entity, comprising a portfolio of thriving subsidiaries, perfectly poised for its next chapter of governance and growth.
Mrs Nanda Wickramaratne - Chairperson of Wickramaratne Group of Companies
Mrs. Nanda Wickramaratne
Chairperson of Wickramaratne Group of Companies
Mrs. 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 resiliency 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.
Mrs. Nanda’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, Mrs. Nanda 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. Mrs. Nanda’s leadership helped keep the family on the right track from 1976 onwards until her passing in the year 2024 creating a strong legacy.
Everything that was passed down through generations has been nurtured with extraordinary balance between family tradition and strong business direction.
Mrs. Nanda Wickramaratne
Chairperson of Wickramaratne Group of Companies