Harry Jayawardena, one of Sri Lanka’s most influential and formidable business magnates, rose from modest beginnings to become a dominant force in the corporate world. Born in the bustling heart of Colombo, Jayawardena came from a middle-class background that offered little in the way of luxury but plenty in terms of ambition and grit. His early life was shaped by discipline, perseverance, and a relentless desire to succeed. These qualities would come to define his career in the decades ahead. As a young boy, he exhibited a sharp intellect and a natural flair for leadership. These traits, combined with a strong work ethic, propelled him through the challenges of youth and ignited a lifelong pursuit of excellence.
Jayawardena’s foray into the business world began at the bottom rung. He started his career in the shipping industry, gaining hands-on experience that would later prove invaluable. It was during this time that he first demonstrated his business acumen and unyielding tenacity. Through determination and strategic thinking, he gradually worked his way up, building relationships and identifying key opportunities in the evolving post-independence Sri Lankan economy. His big break came with the founding of the Stassen Group in the 1970s, a venture that marked a turning point in his life and established him as a serious player in the corporate arena.
Under his stewardship, the Stassen Group expanded rapidly, diversifying into key sectors such as tea, telecommunications, finance, insurance, and energy. Jayawardena played a pivotal role in acquiring stakes in some of Sri Lanka’s largest and most iconic companies, including Lanka Milk Foods and Hatton National Bank. Perhaps one of his most notable achievements was his leadership of the Distilleries Company of Sri Lanka (DCSL), which he transformed into a highly profitable conglomerate. His strategic vision and often bold business moves earned him a reputation as a shrewd, sometimes feared, but undeniably successful businessman.
Jayawardena’s journey, however, was not without its challenges. He often operated in turbulent economic and political landscapes, navigating shifts in government policy, economic downturns, and competitive rivalries. His assertive business style and controversial boardroom tactics attracted both admiration and criticism. Yet, he remained focused, consistently prioritizing performance, profitability, and long-term growth over public opinion. It was this resilience, combined with his capacity for calculated risk, that helped him weather storms and emerge stronger each time.
The legacy Harry Jayawardena leaves behind is one of transformation and influence. He is credited with modernizing and revitalizing numerous traditional industries in Sri Lanka, introducing global business practices while maintaining a strong focus on local growth. He became a model of what entrepreneurial vision and determined leadership can achieve in a developing economy. To aspiring entrepreneurs and business leaders across the country, his story serves as a powerful example of rising above one’s circumstances through strategic foresight, discipline, and persistence. Even in a fiercely competitive world, Harry Jayawardena carved out a space uniquely his own, where ambition met action and a legacy was built from the ground up.