COYLE Sampath Bank Leadership Forum engages a packed audience

The sixth consecutive COYLE Sampath Bank Leadership Forum ended on a high note last week showcasing three respected entrepreneurs who shared their success stories to a packed hall.

Starting off was Capital TRUST Holdings Group of Companies Chairman/CEO Tushan Wickremasinghe, sharing his journey from investment banking to diversifying into real estate, education and transport. He talked about taking chances with the stock market and anticipating negative and positive outcomes which then enabled him takeovers and mergers. His foray into education was a collaboration with his mother and his venture into real estate is a partnership with his wife.

idac Ltd. Chairman and Managing Director Dr. Rohitha Silva owes his success to his ability to network, both on the sports grounds and business circles. He got his first big break at age 28 but did not have $ 2 million capital. 

“My childhood friend came to my rescue and through his connection with the General Manager of Toyota Japan, organised the money to be paid without any collateral, but on trust and friendship,” he said. From there on, Dr. Silva never looked back and after 25 years in the industry, he is ready to provide total air solutions for every home, office and beyond.

As the youngest Chairman of Durdans Hospitals, Ajith Tudawe had his own share of problems. As Chairman of Ceylon Hospitals PLC (Durdans Healthcare Group) and Senior Director of Tudawe Holdings Ltd., Tudawe took risks during the height of Sri Lanka’s civil war, borrowed, built and turned Durdans into one of the most significant healthcare institutions in the country. His succession plan includes family that will be governed by a charter to ensure total accountability, transparency and a sustainably successful structure.

Welcoming the guests, COYLE Chairman Aminda Rodrigo said that according to recent statistics, Sri Lanka has just over 225,000 employers or business owners – which accounts for just over 2% of its working population. 

“This is not enough and is indicative of a dire need of more entrepreneurs to boost our economy. We need a fivefold increase in entrepreneurs and SMEs to fuel economic growth and with reasonable support from the Government with regard to business friendly policies and also from the financial sector, entrepreneurship could grow in Sri Lanka ushering a new era of economic development and prosperity,” he averred.

Also speaking of his incredibly successful journey was another industry veteran, Capt. M.G. Kularatne, founder and visionary of Maga Engineering. Having established Maga Engineering in 1984 through strategies in construction management, he is proud to hold top spot in the industry. 

The interactive panel discussion was moderated by Peter D’Almeida, who engaged the panelists and the audience with his wit and wisdom. 

Nanda Fernando, Managing Director Sampath Bank, the title sponsor of the event, reiterated the bank’s commitment towards building a nation of entrepreneurs through financing and expertise. COYLE Organising Committee Chairman Dan de Silva gave the vote of thanks. 

The Chamber of Young Lankan Entrepreneurs (COYLE) is an organisation that reflects a new way of thinking as well as a youthful energy that is much needed for a dynamic private sector. 

While keeping true Sri Lankan values, COYLE has staunchly safeguarded the interest of the local entrepreneurs of Sri Lanka and acts as a link between the local entrepreneurs and the ruling government. COYLE is the only chamber where 116 controlling shareholders or chairmen sit and advocate together and its membership contributes over Rs. 600 billion per annum to the economy of Sri Lanka.