Wegapitiya Kattadiyalage Hemachandra Wegapitiya (W.K.H. Wegapitiya), 55, is the Founder Chairman of LAUGFS Holdings Limited, one of Sri Lanka’s largest diversified business conglomerates. Established in 1995, LAUGFS has grown into a trusted name across more than 20 industries, spanning power and energy, retail, industrial services, leisure, logistics, and real estate. With over 4,000 employees and an annual turnover exceeding Rs. 28 billion, the company has cemented its reputation as a leader and innovator both locally and internationally.
A Visionary Leader with Entrepreneurial Spirit
Wegapitiya is more than just a businessman—he is an entrepreneur, philanthropist, and thought leader, admired for his resilience, work ethic, and bold decision-making. Under his leadership, LAUGFS has continually seized emerging market opportunities, from pioneering Sri Lanka’s auto gas industry in 1995 to launching the country’s first Vehicle Emission Testing Centre in 2008. LAUGFS also commissioned Sri Lanka’s largest solar power project in 2017 and built one of South Asia’s largest LPG import and export terminals.
LAUGFS’ Expansion Beyond Sri Lanka
Wegapitiya’s strategic vision transformed LAUGFS into a multinational energy powerhouse. In 2001, LAUGFS became Sri Lanka’s first LPG downstream distributor, breaking a duopoly with a multinational giant. The company went public in 2010 with an overwhelmingly successful IPO on the Colombo Stock Exchange. In 2014, LAUGFS expanded into LPG logistics through LAUGFS Maritime, acquiring its first LPG vessel, MT Gas Challenger. A year later, it became the first Sri Lankan energy brand to go multinational by acquiring Petredec Elpiji Ltd, a leading LPG player in Bangladesh.
Education and Lifelong Learning
Wegapitiya holds a BSc in Business Administration from the University of Sri Jayewardenepura and an MBA from the Postgraduate Institute of Management in Sri Lanka. He has also pursued Energy Management studies at Oxford University and is currently completing his PhD at the Postgraduate Institute of Management. However, he attributes much of his success to the life lessons learned from overcoming hardships rather than just formal education.
Overcoming Challenges with Tenacity
Throughout LAUGFS’ journey, Wegapitiya has faced significant obstacles, including intense competition and economic challenges. Entering the LPG industry in 2001, the company had to compete against a global giant, testing its resilience. The tenacity and persistence he developed through these struggles shaped his leadership style, emphasizing bold decision-making and innovation.
A Culture of Innovation and Thinking Big
Wegapitiya strongly believes in the power of thinking beyond the ordinary. “Thinking small is a crime,” he asserts, emphasizing the importance of innovation. This philosophy has led LAUGFS to pioneer transformative industries, from auto gas conversions to developing one of South Asia’s largest LPG terminals. Internally, he has fostered an intrapreneurial culture, encouraging employees to innovate, take risks, and challenge norms.
A Strong Company Culture and Social Responsibility
Under Wegapitiya’s leadership, LAUGFS maintains a family-oriented corporate culture, where employees are valued as part of the LAUGFS family. He believes in engaging with employees personally, which has built trust and loyalty within the organization. His guiding philosophy extends to corporate social responsibility, ensuring that the company gives back to communities by supporting local initiatives, education, and sustainability efforts.
Inspiring the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs
Wegapitiya admires entrepreneurs who have built successful businesses without political or economic advantages. He believes that successful entrepreneurs require a strong vision, resilience, and the ability to seize opportunities quickly. His advice to young business aspirants is to think big, be passionate, and continuously learn. “Always stand out from the rest, invest in education, and once successful, give back to your community.”
A Future Focused on Sharing Knowledge
Despite his busy corporate life, Wegapitiya finds peace in gardening, painting, and music. Looking ahead, he plans to retire in ten years to focus on sharing his entrepreneurial knowledge, mentoring future business leaders, and writing a book about his experiences.
Wegapitiya’s journey from a rural village to leading one of Sri Lanka’s largest business empires is a testament to his unwavering determination, visionary leadership, and passion for innovation. Through LAUGFS, he has not only built an influential company but also inspired countless others to dream big and challenge the status quo.
