Gamini Furniture Palace commemorates 100 years of continued excellence

Tuesday, 13 January 2026 00:04 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Founder D.M. Karunaratne

Gamini Furniture Palace marked a significant milestone on 19 December, celebrating 100 years of continued excellence. The first furniture store to open in Maradana, the company commemorated the centenary with religious rites held at the same premises its founder, D.M. Karunaratne, first rented for just Rs. 40 in the early 1900s.

The occasion served as a moment of reflection and gratitude, acknowledging the dedication of employees and the loyalty of generations of customers who have contributed to the company’s enduring success.

Like many long-established institutions, Gamini Furniture Palace is built on a remarkable story of perseverance. Born in southern Sri Lanka, Karunaratne left home at the age of 15 with only Rs. 21 in hand, walking from Weligama to Colombo alongside a caravan in search of opportunity. In the city, he explored several avenues for livelihood, beginning with a small tea kiosk, before discovering his calling in the furniture trade.

The business took shape through his early efforts in purchasing unfinished furniture at auctions, which he would painstakingly assemble, upholster, restore, and resell. These modest beginnings soon established him as the first furniture merchant in Maradana.

Over time, the enterprise evolved from restoration and resale into full-scale manufacturing, laying the foundation for what would become the oldest furniture establishment in the neighbourhood. The second generation, Upatissa Karunaratne, took over the business from his father in the 1970s. Since then, the company has expanded to open its own factory premises in Piliyandala, creating additional opportunities for skilled craftsmen and local youth.

Now in the hands of Dharshana Karunaratne, the third generation, Gamini Furniture Palace works with both individual homeowners and the construction industry on large-scale projects. Its in-house team of experienced craftsmen bring decades of expertise in woodwork, overseeing the design, creation, and finishing of each piece. In addition to furniture design and manufacture, Gamini Furniture Palace further provides value-added services, including timber seasoning for the construction industry.

The company also offers customisation services, enabling customers to translate their own design concepts into finely crafted furniture.

A strong commitment to quality underpins every stage of production. All furniture is manufactured with local timber under license from and the oversight of the Forest Department and the Central Environmental Authority, reflecting a responsible approach to sourcing and sustainability while supporting local industries.

As it celebrates a century in Maradana, Gamini Furniture Palace stands as a testament to how vision, resilience, and craftsmanship can transform a humble beginning into a lasting institution. Rooted in tradition yet responsive to modern needs, the company continues to shape Sri Lanka’s furniture landscape with confidence as it steps into its second century.