Thursday Apr 30, 2026
Thursday Apr 30, 2026
Thursday, 30 April 2026 00:03 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
The Abans Group celebrated its first-ever Founder’s Day in 2026, marking a significant milestone on the eve of the 90th birthday of its founder, Aban Pestonjee, the visionary behind a legacy spanning more than five decades.
What began in 1968 in a closed economy, as a modest corner shop in Bambalapitiya has since evolved into one of Sri Lanka’s leading diversified conglomerates. In its early days, Mrs. Pestonjee sourced a limited range of appliances from embassy auctions, offering customers not only products but also after-sales service with a guarantee, which was an uncommon practice at the time. This customer-first philosophy continues to define the Group’s operations today.
When Sri Lanka embraced the open economy in 1977, major English companies held the lion’s share of brands. Yet, she persisted by consistently writing to to principals of major brands in demand at the time, until Electrolux responded to her request, visited the showroom and saw that she was offering after-sales services. This prompted the brand principal to sign on to become the first global brand available for sale under Abans. This was followed by other agencies, such as Belling, Hoover, Pyrex and Corning joining the Abans fray.
Over the years, the Abans Group has expanded its footprint across multiple sectors, including household electronics, retail, real estate development, environmental management, IT services, automobiles, and logistics. At the heart of this growth are the enduring values instilled by its founder: Honesty, Hard work, and Perseverance. Today, the Group stands strong with over 10,000 employees, united by a culture of trust, loyalty, and shared purpose.
The inaugural Founder’s Day served not only as a moment of reminiscence but also as a step toward the future. The event was held under the unifying theme, “One Legacy, One Vision, One Abans,” reinforcing a collective commitment to progress. In line with this vision, the Group unveiled its new tagline, “Better Way to Life.”
This new identity reflects the belief that a better way of life is built collectively across homes, businesses, communities, and generations. It underlines the Group’s commitment to creating meaningful impact across every sector it serves.
The occasion also marked the launch of the Abans Group Manifesto, which was ceremonially presented to the heads of its subsidiary companies. With a continued emphasis on sustainability and environmental responsibility, this manifesto will continue to affirm the Group’s dedication to its core purpose: enabling a Better Way to Life.
