Enterprise: R.S. Wickramasinghe & Company (Pvt) Ltd.

Founder: Dilantha Rukshan Wickramasinghe

Industry: Crusher aggregates and manufacturing asphalt

Year it was founded: 2000

Location: Kebathigolleva

In order to succeed in the business world, one must have the ability to think about the future and make decisions today. So, taking the business from his father & drives it to the top, Let's talk to Mr. Dilantha Rukshan Wickramasinghe, the Managing Director of R.S Wickramasinghe & Company (Pvt) Ltd about his success story.

1.  Firstly, let's talk about your business and how it was started, shall we?

My father Mr. Ranjith Sunil Wickramasinghe started this crushing business in Medavachchi in the year 2000 and although the business gradually expanded to some extent, it could not continue as expected due to the economic, political and other factors that adversely affected that time. But due to his foresight, he had thought about the future and made investments in other fields of business. In 2016, I ventured into the business with the financial support of Commercial Bank with the fixed assets invested by my father and worked hard to bring our business among the leading companies in this industry in Sri Lanka. With my guidance, we also diversified the business into several sectors like tar, ready mix, agriculture, seafood and logistics to achieve higher returns and reduce the risk faced by each industry.

2. The business is very successful today, isn't it?

Yes, initially the business operations were limited to Medavachchiya and Kabithigolleva areas only and by now it has been extended to Mannar, Giriulla, Kalutara, Vavuniya and Jaffna. Also, there are 10 quarries and five crusher plants with a capacity of 1200 cubic meters per day.

In addition, we have an 80TPH asphalt concrete plant. Also, our group consists of around 170 employees, we own around 70 tippers and other vehicles and 15 excavators. We have also established a company in Cambodia as the next step to further expand our co-venture line.

3. On this journey, what were the most memorable for you?

It is a very happy and memorable moment for me to be selected as "Best Young Entrepreneur" in 2020 by Business World International (BWIO - USA) for my success.

4. How does your business differ from other competing businesses?

As business conditions continue to change, so must our market research. Otherwise, we run the risk of making business decisions based on out-of-date information, which can lead to business failure. So, we always analyze what the customers want and how they behave and optimize our marketing approaches to deliver exactly what they want.

5. What challenges have you faced in this journey and are you facing any recently?

The construction industry is a very volatile industry in Sri Lanka and due to adverse political, constant policy changes and unfavorable economic conditions in the country, it affects the entrepreneurs involved in this industry. Besides finding and retaining manpower is the other major challenge faced by this industry.

6. Let's talk about your future business dream, shall we?

Moving forward with more diversified activities in both domestically and internationally.

7. How was the support received from Commercial Bank during your journey?

In fact, we started our business renewal by engaging Commercial Bank as our financial partner. Currently, Commercial Bank is the main bank of our company. Commercial Bank not only provides financial assistance but also other guidance to enhance and run business activities smoothly. Commercial Bank acts as our closest and they always fulfill their duties for the betterment of our company.

8. What advice do you have for aspiring entrepreneurs?

Nothing is impossible if we work hard. My advice is, don't worry about being successful, work hard then success will certainly come to you. So, find your dream and plan to make it come true.

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