Sumathi Holdings has celebrated its 70th anniversary, marking seven decades of business development in Sri Lanka with a special event held on 9 October at the Sangam Ballroom of ITC Ratnadipa in Colombo. The celebration brought together more than 500 guests representing the country’s business, government, financial and media sectors, reflecting the Group’s long-standing presence across multiple industries.
Held under the theme “70 Years of Sumathi Legacy,” the event honoured the Group’s journey from a single betting shop established in 1956 to a diversified business conglomerate with 11 principal businesses and a workforce of more than 2,000 employees. The Group’s origins trace back to founder U.W. Sumathipala, who opened the first Sporting Star betting shop on Maliban Street in Pettah, laying the foundation for what would become a multi-industry enterprise.
The anniversary celebration began with a drone display and fireworks over Galle Face, followed by an address and celebratory toast from Chairman Jagath Sumathipala. The programme also featured the unveiling of the Group’s 70th anniversary logo and speeches by Directors Chadu Sumathipala and Chathula Sumathipala. Musical entertainment throughout the evening included performances by vocalist Umara Sinhawansa, pianist and music director Soundarie David Rodrigo, and composer and singer Nadeeka Guruge, accompanied by a live orchestra.
The Group’s history is closely linked to the vision of its founder, U.W. Sumathipala, who developed Sporting Star into one of Sri Lanka’s leading bookmakers. His entrepreneurial interests extended beyond betting and horse racing to include cinema and the gem industry. Through his involvement in these sectors, he contributed to the development of several businesses while representing Sri Lankan gem trading internationally, including at The World Gem and Jewellery Exhibition in Milan.
Honesty and integrity, the principles that guided the founder, continue to shape the Group’s corporate philosophy. Following his passing in 1979, his son Jagath Sumathipala joined the business at the age of 19 and took on increasing responsibilities in its development. With guidance from his maternal uncle, Dharmasiri, he became involved in horse racing operations and was initially tasked with establishing the Group’s own race publication. That initiative subsequently developed into a commercial printing business.
Jagath Sumathipala also relocated the main office from Maliban Street to Chatham Street and continued the family’s involvement in the gem trade. When his brother, Thilanga Sumathipala, returned to Sri Lanka after completing his studies in 1986, Jagath handed over the racing operations to him, enabling the business to expand further under the latter’s leadership.
A series of innovations subsequently helped Sporting Star strengthen its position in the market. In 1987, the company introduced Sri Lanka’s first betting shop offering live commentary on individual horse races. The Group began broadcasting races in 1992 and, by 1998, was providing live race coverage across all its outlets.
Today, Sporting Star operates more than 200 outlets across Sri Lanka. Its business has also expanded into the digital environment through BetSS.com, an online platform launched in 2019, reflecting the Group’s efforts to adapt its operations to changing customer preferences and technological developments.
The Sumathipala family’s legacy also extends beyond commercial activities into social service and philanthropy. Mrs. Milina Sumathipala made a significant contribution to healthcare through the proceeds of her film Ganga Addara, released in 1980, which she donated in full towards the construction of a Neurosurgery Unit at Colombo General Hospital, now known as the National Hospital of Sri Lanka.
In 1981, she initiated blood donation campaigns and support for the Cancer Hospital, contributing to efforts through which more than 20,000 pints of blood have reportedly been donated over the years. Her public service extended to Buddhist community leadership as well, with her appointment in 2001 making her the first woman President of the All Ceylon Buddhist Congress.
A major restructuring in 2017 marked another important phase in the Group’s development. Under Jagath Sumathipala’s leadership and with the involvement of the third generation, Sumathi Holdings evolved into a diversified organisation comprising 11 principal businesses. Its interests span betting and gaming, healthcare, information technology, restaurants, security services, printing, renewable energy, investments and film.
Several businesses within the Group originated from operational requirements associated with Sporting Star. The need to protect betting outlets led to the establishment of Lokx Security Services, while the demand for printed racing publications contributed to the development of InPrint Solutions. Similarly, technology initially created to support betting operations has grown into Mainframe, the Group’s technology business.
Three companies within the conglomerate are also celebrating significant anniversaries in 2026, highlighting the development of businesses that have become established parts of the Group.
Great Wall Restaurants marks 35 years in business. Established by Jagath Sumathipala in 1991 on Chatham Street, the restaurant business was created to introduce authentic Chinese cuisine to Colombo. Over the years, it has become one of the Group’s established ventures in the food and hospitality sector.
Sumathi IT celebrates its 25th anniversary, having developed capabilities in network infrastructure, data communications and geospatial engineering. The company has also introduced DJI enterprise drone technology to Sri Lanka, supporting the adoption of advanced technological solutions across various applications.
LifeServ also marks 25 years of operations in the healthcare distribution sector. The company has built a strong presence in Sri Lanka’s drug-eluting stent market over the past two decades and expanded its operations with the establishment of an oncology division in 2025, strengthening its involvement in specialised healthcare solutions.
The third generation of the Sumathipala family continues to play a central role in shaping the Group’s next phase of growth. Chadu Sumathipala oversees the IT sector and founded Mainframe, bringing key technology systems in-house and developing BetSS.com. He has also been involved in establishing Sumathi IT’s drone division and its first research and development centre.
Meanwhile, Chathula Sumathipala leads the Group’s services cluster, with responsibilities that include the growth of LifeServ and the development of Sumathi Energy. The renewable energy business has undertaken projects such as the 5MW Wewila solar power plant, alongside battery storage initiatives in Monaragala and Wewila, reflecting the Group’s expansion into energy-related investments.
The 70th anniversary celebrations also recognised the contributions of the employees who have supported the Group throughout its development. On 8 October, Sporting Star’s head office held a staff celebration and presented long-service awards to more than 200 employees who had completed at least ten years of service. Among them, 31 employees had worked with the company for more than 30 years.
The longest-serving employee recognised was R.V. Ghanasena of Anuradhapura, who has dedicated 40 years to Sporting Star. The recognition highlighted the importance of employee loyalty and institutional knowledge in sustaining the Group’s operations across generations.
On 10 October, Sporting Star outlets across the island held their own anniversary celebrations, extending the milestone to employees associated with Great Wall Restaurants and presenting commemorative gifts to customers.
Reflecting on the anniversary, Chairman Jagath Sumathipala recalled how his father’s single betting shop had grown into a diversified business built on trust and personal integrity. He emphasised the contribution of the Group’s more than 2,000 employees and reaffirmed its commitment to developing businesses that will continue serving Sri Lanka in the decades ahead.
As Sumathi Holdings enters its eighth decade, its 70th anniversary represents both a celebration of its history and an opportunity to reflect on its future direction. From its beginnings in Pettah to its current presence across multiple industries, the Group’s evolution illustrates the role of long-term family leadership, business diversification, technological adaptation and employee commitment in building a lasting enterprise.
