Veteran businessman Hubert Jayakody passes away
View(s):Veteran businessman Hubert Jayakody, 84, one of the pioneers of a group of Sri Lankans who made Japan their investment base and second home, passed away on December 2, his family said. His funeral was held in Japan, where he resided for most of his business life.
Mr Hubert Jayakody with his daughter, Shiranee.
Mr. Jayakody, whose son Rohan is married to Dulanjali – daughter of late President Ranasinghe Premadasa, founded Huejay International in 1974, which began by exporting gems and jewellery from Sri Lanka to all over the world, including Australia, the UK, and Japan, his second home for over 40 years.
“Through his vision, Huejay soon successfully expanded into other areas such as spices, catering, and cut flowers. Huejay was the pioneer in the growing and exporting of carnations and cut flowers from Sri Lanka, and became the biggest company in the Sri Lankan horticulture sector. Not only has Huejay brought considerable foreign exchange into Sri Lanka, but it sustains the current livelihoods of over 1000 people, and over time, has provided a pathway for the success of many more,” according to Sanoj Jayakody, a grandson of the late Mr. Jayakody.
Family members said that the late Mr. Jayakody was a friend of the current Japanese Emperor Naruhito’s brother and one of his last visits, before he died, was to the emperor’s palace where he was introduced to the emperor. The Imperial House sent a condolence message to the late Mr. Jayakody’s family.
The late Mr. Jayakody was the longest serving Commissioner General of the Sri Lankan Pavilion at more than eight international expos all over the world.