History
November 25, 1972, marked a historic milestone for Sinhala businessmen in Kandy with the establishment of Mahanuwara Sinhala Welada Peramuna (SWP). This significant date traces its roots to a pivotal meeting held upstairs at Henry Amarasinghe and Company. With a modest gathering of 12 participants, this momentous assembly heralded the birth of an organization dedicated to uniting and empowering Sinhala businessmen in Kandy, Sri Lanka.
Guiding this inaugural assembly was Mr. D.S. Keerthisinghe, esteemed owner of Cycle House, assuming the esteemed role of the first President. Alongside him were Mr. H.M. Aberathna, owner of Kandy Agencies, as the initial Secretary, and Mr. Wimaladasa Weerarathne, proprietor of Chmpa Stores, appointed as the pioneering Treasurer. These visionary leaders, accompanied by distinguished business personalities such as Mr. D.S.E. Weihena, Mr. P.D. Pathirana, Mr. Sirisena Nanayakkara, Mr. Henri Amarasinghe, Mr. Ariyawansa Jayaweera, Mr. R.M. Nelson, Mr. K.D.K. Jayawickrama, Mr. R.P. Karunarathna, and Mr. Dayananda Weerarathna, collectively laid the groundwork for SWP’s enduring legacy. Their collaborative efforts established the cornerstone for SWP’s continued dedication to empowering and unifying the Sinhala business community, leaving an indelible mark on Kandy’s business landscape.
During this landmark meeting, a consensus emerged, crystallizing the essential conditions for SWP’s membership. The unanimous agreement stipulated that all members had to be Sinhala Businessmen, fostering a sense of cultural unity and shared identity within the organization. Additionally, a nominal membership fee of 2 rupees per month was established, ensuring accessibility for all prospective members. It was at this historic gathering that the organization was formally christened “Sinhala Welada Peramuna,” signifying its dedication to serving the Sinhala business community.
SWP’s inception marked the beginning of a journey characterized by unity, collaboration, and mutual support among Sinhala businessmen. Each member, driven by a shared commitment to the organization’s principles, played a crucial role in shaping SWP’s trajectory. As the organization gained momentum, the inaugural committee’s guidance and dedication were instrumental in steering SWP towards its mission of fostering solidarity and advancement within the Sinhala business realm.
Over the decades, SWP’s legacy has been defined by its unwavering dedication to uniting and uplifting the Sinhala business community. From its humble beginnings at Henry Amarasinghe and Company to its present stature, SWP remains a beacon of unity, resilience, and collective progress, embodying the spirit of cultural solidarity and entrepreneurship in Kandy and beyond.
