*Sri Lanka LMS Deal Maker with State turned former JKH Chairman & Shareholder - Kandiah Balendran and Sri Lanka Insurance Deal Maker with State being Aitken Spence Group Chairman Liquor Baron Harry J who made both deals at Chandrika- Ranil regime passes away on the same day making a Histroic Mourning Day for Sri Lanka's Two Biggest Conglomerates* *Sri Lanka Bids Farewell to Two Titans of Business* In a poignant turn of events, Sri Lanka has lost two corporate giants who shaped its economic landscape with their visionary leadership, audacious risk-taking, and steadfast commitment to the nation’s progress. Harry Jayawardena: The Empire Builder Harry Jayawardena, the indefatigable chairman of the Stassen Group and a powerhouse of Sri Lanka’s corporate world, breathed his last, leaving behind a legacy that speaks louder than words. From exporting the finest teas to revolutionizing agriculture and hospitality, Jayawardena was the quintessential entrepreneur who thrived in transforming ideas into empires. Jayawardena didn’t merely manage companies; he orchestrated success stories. When the state opened its coffers of privatization, he turned state-owned laggards into industry leaders. The Distilleries Corporation, Ceylon Milk Foods, and Balangoda Plantations owe their modern success to his relentless ambition. For a nation that often struggles to balance state and private sector interests, Jayawardena was proof that privatization, when placed in capable hands, could work wonders. Honored as Deshamanya in 2005, he was a man Sri Lanka saluted for his unyielding service to its economic upliftment. Beyond borders, his role as Denmark’s honorary consul earned him the prestigious “Knight’s Cross of Dannebrog,” a rare recognition that symbolized his ability to bridge nations through business and diplomacy. Kandiah “Ken” Balendra: The Gentleman Leader If Jayawardena was the empire builder, Kandiah “Ken” Balendra was the master strategist, guiding Sri Lanka’s largest conglomerate, John Keells Holdings (JKH), into uncharted waters. As its first Sri Lankan chairman, Balendra broke barriers and laid the foundation for a new corporate culture—one that was distinctly Sri Lankan yet globally competitive. Born in 1940, Balendra carried himself with a quiet authority that belied his towering achievements. His leadership extended beyond JKH. At Brandix Lanka Ltd., he played a pivotal role in transforming Sri Lanka into a global apparel hub. As chairman of the South Asia Regional Fund of the Commonwealth Development Corporation, he wielded influence that transcended borders, advocating for regional growth and development. Balendra’s life was a masterclass in leadership—steady, thoughtful, and visionary. While many leaders chase numbers, Balendra built institutions. While some saw quarterly earnings, he envisioned generations of growth. Legacies Etched in the Nation’s Soul Sri Lanka now mourns the loss of two titans who embodied the very essence of its entrepreneurial spirit. Jayawardena, with his relentless drive to build, and Balendra, with his strategic genius to lead, were two sides of the same coin—men who understood that corporate success is inseparable from national progress. As the island bids farewell, one is left with a sense of profound loss, but also immense gratitude. They may no longer walk among us, but their legacies will echo through Sri Lanka’s boardrooms, factories, and plantations for generations to come. Their lives remind us of a truth often lost in the fray of modern business: leadership is not just about profits—it’s about purpose.