Don Harold Stassen Jayawardena, better known as Harry Jayawardena, stands as a towering figure in the realm of Sri Lankan industry. Born on August 17, 1942, in Ja-Ela, Sri Lanka, his journey epitomizes the essence of entrepreneurial spirit and business acumen.
Early Career
Jayawardena’s foray into the world of commerce commenced when he joined a British-owned tea export firm in Colombo as a tea trader. This early exposure laid the foundation for his illustrious career. His trajectory took a significant turn when he assumed a pivotal role at the State Trading Corporation, popularly known as Consolexpo Ltd, overseeing the tea department during the 1970s, an era dominated by Prime Minister Sirima Bandaranaike.
Private Sector Maestro
Transitioning from the public to the private sector, Jayawardena founded Stassen Exports Limited in 1977, with a singular focus on exporting Ceylon Tea. This marked the genesis of his entrepreneurial journey, which would soon burgeon into a conglomerate spanning various industries. In 1988, his ventures acquired a substantial stake in Hatton National Bank, the country’s largest private commercial bank, signifying his growing influence in the economic landscape.
Diversified Ventures
Jayawardena’s acumen led his business empire to diversify into myriad sectors. Notably, in 1992, his conglomerate secured a controlling interest in the Distilleries Company of Sri Lanka PLC (DCSL), setting a record as the largest transaction in the Colombo Stock Exchange at the time. Under his stewardship, DCSL ascended to the apex, claiming the coveted title of the No. 1 listed company in Sri Lanka, as per the esteemed “Business Today” Top 10 rankings in 2007.
Business Interests
Jayawardena’s influence extends across various companies listed on the Colombo Stock Exchange, with him serving as Chairman of the board of directors for key entities such as Distilleries Company of Sri Lanka, Lanka Milk Foods, Madulsima Plantations, and more. His involvement underscores his commitment to driving growth and innovation across diverse sectors of the economy.
Accolades and Recognition
Jayawardena’s exceptional leadership hasn’t gone unnoticed. As Chairman of both Distilleries Company of Sri Lanka and Aitken Spence, he steered these entities to the pinnacle of success, earning them the distinction of being the first Sri Lankan companies listed on the Forbes List of best-managed companies outside the USA. Additionally, Distilleries Company of Sri Lanka PLC holds the distinction of being the sole Sri Lankan company listed in the Forbes List of Asia’s best 200 under a US$1 Billion.
Honorary Positions and Honors
Beyond his corporate endeavors, Jayawardena has served in honorary capacities, including as the Senior Adviser for International Trade and Foreign Investments to former Sri Lankan President Chandrika Kumaratunga. His contributions extend to his role as Chairman of SriLankan Airlines, the national carrier of Sri Lanka. In recognition of his remarkable contributions, he was honored with the title of Deshamanya by the President of Sri Lanka in 2005 and was appointed Knight of the Order of Dannebrog by Queen Margrethe II of Denmark in 2010 for his exceptional service as Honorary Consul General, fostering bilateral ties between Sri Lanka and Denmark.
Conclusion
Harry Jayawardena’s journey from a tea trader to a titan of industry exemplifies the transformative power of vision, perseverance, and strategic foresight. His legacy serves as an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs and underscores the immense potential for growth and innovation within Sri Lanka’s vibrant economic landscape. As he continues to leave an indelible mark on the business world, Jayawardena stands as a beacon of success and a testament to the limitless possibilities of enterprise and entrepreneurship.
