A tribute to the legendary Killi Rajamahendran 1943-2021

Legendary Tamil businessman Killi Rajamahendran, Chairman of the Capital Maharaja Group, worked tirelessly since the ’60s to build a globally-renowned business empire that stands proud and tall today, becoming one of the largest private conglomerates in South Asia. He also built the largest private media empire in Sri Lanka.

He stood the test of time, quite literally. The Maharaja Group was burnt down to ashes by violent racist mobs during the 1983 Black July riots in Sri Lanka, Maharaja Media was attacked by armed gangs multiple times for being fearless; exposing the corrupt, lives of Maharaja workers were threatened, journalists of Maharaja media were intimidated, orchestrated hate campaigns against the group were unleashed year after year, but late Killi Rajamahendran never wavered, he continued to build and re-build an empire that harboured no hatred or ill feeling towards any community.

He helped every community, every race and every religion. He was repeatedly targeted by all racist elements, just because he was an ethnic Tamil. Yet, he never showed any resentment towards anyone, or any community.

He built the largest public advocacy initiative in Sri Lanka, Gammadda, which touches the lives of thousands of Sri Lankans, building roads, bridges, classrooms, temples, making food and water accessible to villages, and more. Much more.

Corrupted politicians, stooges of kakistocracy, money laundering mafia and the wheeler-dealers of Colombo resented late Killi Rajamahendran, making him primary target of their evil, malicious and often dangerous attacks.

For six decades late Killi Rajamahendran stood firmly with a strong conviction to do what is right. He stood by the people, for the people.

He picked me when I was really a ‘nobody’ and helped me become ‘somebody’.

From the launch of News1st to handling multiples brands across the Capital Maharaja Group, to developing art hotels, to creating an art gallery in a war bunker, to numerous human rights and media rights campaigns, to anti-corruption initiatives, to campaigns against racism, to the last project of rebranding the Maharaja Organisation as CMG – Capital Maharaja Group, he gave me hundreds of chances to perform, I learnt the art of building sustainable brands, businesses, campaigns and experiences from him.

Just like he opened many doors for me whenever I was lost, he gave opportunities to hundreds of professionals from multiple sectors. He created many of us, professionals, businessmen, sportsmen, activists, journalists, technicians, politicians and more.

Many of us are what we are today because of late Killi Rajamahendran.

It is my greatest honour to have known him, and worked by his side.

I am what I am today, because of him. 

– S.D. Nishanka

Former Group Creative Director

CMG (Capital Maharaja Group)