Arthur Senanayake, often described as an oak-hearted visionary, has built one of Sri Lanka’s largest private business conglomerates by recognizing overlooked potential. Before returning to Sri Lanka, he spent 15 years in Europe, gaining expertise in CNC machinery, consultancy, high-tech training, and engineering across South Asia and ASEAN. When he set foot back in Sri Lanka, his keen eye saw immense value in the nation’s resources and its people’s capabilities.
The Birth of IWS Holdings
Senanayake capitalized on Sri Lanka’s 1979 open economic policy, fearlessly investing in new business ventures. Armed with global knowledge and experience, he founded his company in 1980 and instilled a culture of business ethics, innovation, and continuous improvement among his employees.
IWS Holdings rapidly expanded, diversifying into industries such as food and beverage processing, industrial solutions, communications, transportation, trading, shipping, logistics, automobile dealerships, engineering services, leisure, television broadcast, satellite transmission, and IT services. The company’s two-dimensional strategy—balancing traditional business activities with technological innovation—was key to its success.
Expanding into Finance and Banking
Senanayake’s ambitions extended beyond IWS Holdings. In 1987, he entered the finance sector by establishing Sampath Bank. He later invited Neptune Orient Lines (NOL), a Singaporean global shipping company, to operate in Sri Lanka and became the Chairman of NOL/APL. His leadership in banking continued as he served as Deputy Chairman of Sampath Bank in 1998 and its Chairman from 2008 to 2011. He later took ownership of APL Lanka Ltd. with a USD 2.4 billion investment and was appointed as an honorary trade consul for Singapore.
A Global Business Leader
Today, IWS Holdings stands as a leader in Sri Lanka’s business landscape, offering opportunities for its people while maintaining strong international alliances. Leveraging Senanayake’s global network, the group has developed partnerships in Germany, the USA, the UK, Switzerland, Sweden, France, Korea, Singapore, Thailand, Australia, and China. This international outlook has allowed IWS to play a pivotal role in advancing Sri Lanka’s economic and technological capabilities.
A Legacy of Giving Back
Beyond business, Senanayake has remained dedicated to his community. His contributions include establishing a Computer Centre and a Daycare Centre in Kataragama to provide education for underprivileged children. In memory of his late son, he also built Sri Lanka’s first golden temple in the same region.
Senanayake could have easily pursued a career in developed nations, but his decision to return home and invest in Sri Lanka reflects his deep-rooted commitment to its people. His journey from a young entrepreneur to a business icon is an inspiring testament to leadership, innovation, and unwavering dedication to national progress.
