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Some empires begin in towering offices. Others begin in moments of instinct.
For Otara Gunewardene, it began in the boot of a royal blue station wagon.
What started as a young woman selling export-surplus clothing to friends from her car would go on to become one of the most iconic business stories in Sri Lanka’s history. Her journey from a 300-square-foot boutique to the founder of ODEL, the country’s most celebrated retail brand, is a story of courage, creativity, and relentless vision.
Born in Colombo in 1964, Otara grew up in a family that valued compassion, ambition, and excellence. Her father, Norman Gunewardene, rose to become a respected corporate chairman, while her mother, Delysia, built one of Sri Lanka’s most admired schools for differently-abled children. From a young age, Otara showed both artistic talent and an unusual affection for animals—two passions that would later define her life’s work.
From Model to Mogul
Before becoming a business icon, Otara first made her mark as a professional fashion model, working with leading local and international brands.
Yet behind the glamour, there was something deeper: an entrepreneurial instinct.
In 1989, at just 24, she began selling surplus factory garments from the boot of her car. The response was immediate.
Seeing the potential, she borrowed a small amount from her mother and brother and opened the first ODEL store in 1990 on Dickman’s Road in Colombo.
It was just 300 square feet.
But it carried a vision far bigger than its walls.
Within a few years, ODEL expanded into multiple locations across Colombo, eventually opening its now-iconic flagship department store.
What made Otara extraordinary was not simply that she built a successful store.
She transformed shopping into an experience.
From visual merchandising and branded in-house collections to child-friendly spaces and curated lifestyle products, ODEL became Sri Lanka’s first true fashion and lifestyle destination.
Making History in Sri Lankan Business
In 2010, Otara made history.
She took ODEL public, making it the first fashion retail company listed on the Colombo Stock Exchange and becoming the first female entrepreneur in Sri Lanka to take a company public. The IPO was oversubscribed 64 times in a single day, a landmark moment in the country’s business history.
This was not merely a financial success.
It was a defining moment for women in leadership.
Her achievement inspired an entire generation of Sri Lankan women entrepreneurs to think beyond convention and lead boldly.
By 2014, at the peak of ODEL’s success, Otara made the bold decision to sell her stake and step away from the business empire she had built.
To many, it was surprising.
To her, it was purpose.
A Heart for the Voiceless
Long before corporate social responsibility became fashionable, Otara had already made compassion central to her brand.
Her love for animals, especially street dogs, led to the creation of Embark in 2007 — a fashion and advocacy movement dedicated to improving the lives of stray dogs in Sri Lanka.
Through adoption drives, sterilization programs, rescue efforts, and awareness campaigns, Embark has transformed thousands of lives.
Later, she expanded this mission through the Otara Foundation, focusing on animals, environment, and social impact.
This is what makes Otara truly inspiring.
She did not stop at success.
She turned success into service.
Awards, Recognition, and Legacy
Otara’s journey has earned her numerous local and international accolades, including:
Entrepreneur of the Year (FCCISL)
Zonta Woman of Achievement Award
Best Female Entrepreneur – US Stevie Awards
Echelon’s Most Powerful Woman in Sri Lanka
Woman of the Year Award
But perhaps her greatest achievement is not an award.
It is the legacy she leaves behind.
She proved that a woman with vision, style, and compassion could reshape an entire industry.
Today, Otara remains one of Sri Lanka’s most admired business icons — a symbol of fearless entrepreneurship and purpose-driven leadership.
