The Founder
The story of the Group's founder, Dr Sanjaya Sedara Senarath - doctor, entrepreneur, public-sector executive, sports administrator and professional motorsport racer.
Dr Sanjaya Sedara Senarath
Dr Sanjaya Sedara Senarath founded the Sedara Senarath Group of Companies. A medical doctor, entrepreneur, public-sector executive, sports administrator and professional motorsport racer, his career extended well beyond business and reflected a broad involvement in the economic, sporting and social life of southern Sri Lanka.
Education
He was educated at Rahula College, Matara, where he served as Head Prefect and President Scout, and received both School Colours and National Colours. He later became President of the Colombo Branch of the Rahula College Old Boys' Association.
After his Advanced Level examinations he entered Sri Lanka Law College, before receiving a scholarship to the Peoples' Friendship University in Moscow. There he obtained a medical degree together with a degree in Russian Language Teaching, served as Secretary of the International Student Council, and in 1995 was recognised as the university's most outstanding student in the overseas category. He later obtained a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Management and Finance Control from the School of Business Management in Moscow.
Medicine and business
After graduating he returned to Sri Lanka and worked as a Medical Officer at General Hospital, Matara.
In 1991 he founded the Sedara Senarath Group of Companies. His early business activities included tea trading in Russia, followed by expansion into shipping, and later the operation of a hospital. The Group then diversified into fuel and transport, licensed retail, commercial property and hospitality. His education and years in Russia shaped the outward-looking approach that characterised his business career throughout.
Public service
Dr Senarath held senior responsibilities at the Sri Lanka Ports Authority, joining its Board of Directors in April 2007 and later serving as Executive Director. His responsibilities included Director Observations of the Port of Galle and Chairman of the Colombo Port Integrated Land Development Project. His official biography credits him with international experience in business management, with attracting foreign-exchange investment to Sri Lanka, and with involvement in social-welfare projects, particularly in the South.
Sport
Sport was a significant part of his life. He competed in motorsport professionally and administered it: he served as President of the Southern Motor Sports Club and represented the club on the Council of Sri Lanka Automobile Sports, the national governing body for the sport.
His wider contribution to sporting and civic life included service as Chairman of Matara Sports Club, Chairman of the Hambantota District Cricket Association and Chairman of the Ruhunu Cultural Society, together with involvement in cricket administration at national level connected with the Executive Committee of Sri Lanka Cricket.
His legacy
Dr Sanjaya Sedara Senarath passed away in 2025. What he left behind is a diversified group of businesses, a record in medicine and public service, a long contribution to sport and motorsport, and a commitment to community welfare that the Sanjaya Foundation continues through its annual medical camps, charitable giving and disaster relief.
The Group is carried forward by his family - Mr Vinuk Sedara Senarath, Dr Manjula Sedara Senarath and Ms Tharuki Sedara Senarath - who manage it in the way he built it: for the long term.