Biz leader, media baron Rajamahendran no more

Pioneering business leader, media baron and philanthropist Rajendram Rajamahendran (79) passed away yesterday due to COVID-19 at a private hospital.

He was the Co-Founder of the Capital Maharaja Group (formerly The Maharaja Organisation Ltd.) in 1967, whilst the Group’s origin can be traced back to 1930s. The Group, with its famous motto ‘Courage to be different’, has extensive interests in industrial products, tea, and services and media. Group brands such as Eva, S-lon, Rebecca Lee, Black Knight, Safe Guard, Sirasa, Shakthi, News 1st, Yes FM and Kevilton are not just household names in the Sri Lankan market, but carry pole position in their respective markets.

Rajamahendran was cremated yesterday itself as per COVID guidelines. Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa along with MPs S.M. Marrikar and Eran Wickramaratne were among those present apart from the immediate family members.

Condolences poured in following his death. Among those to issue statements were Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, UNP Deputy Leader Ruwan Wijewardene, Sri Lanka Muslim Congress Leader Rauf Hakeem and former longstanding senior management member and business leader Sumi Moonesinghe