McLarens Group, a name synonymous with Sri Lanka’s maritime industry, marked its 75th anniversary in December 2024, a significant milestone in its journey of vision, growth, and excellence.
What began as an entrepreneurial endeavor by John Duncan McLaren, a Scottish gentleman who sailed to Sri Lanka in 1935, soon evolved into a thriving enterprise formally registered in 1949 as J.D. McLaren and Co. Initially focused on serving the interests of international shipowners as shipping agents and coal suppliers, McLarens has since grown into a diversified conglomerate with a strong presence in maritime and logistics, as well as new sectors such as petroleum and energy, manufacturing and distribution, property and strategic investments, and leisure.
McLarens staff from early years
A legacy rooted in Maritime excellence
In its formative years, McLarens represented several renowned liner principals, including Bank Line Ltd., United Yugoslav Line, D.D.G. ‘Hansa’ Line, and American Export Lines, among others.
The turning point in the company’s history came in 1972 when it was acquired by Hubert de Silva, a seasoned professional and former Chairman of the Port of Colombo, then known as the Port Cargo Corporation.
Under his leadership, McLarens diversified into shipping ancillary services and the tourism sector by construction and operation of hotels complex in the heart of Kandy under the names Hotel Topaz and the Tourmaline.
Strategic Growth and Expansion
The next generation of leadership saw Rohan de Silva, son of Hubert de Silva and current Chairman, joining the company in 1982.
Rohan played a pivotal role in driving strategic growth, forging key partnerships, and establishing McLarens’ first joint venture with GAC to provide ship supply services.
The 1990s saw the establishment of a holding company to streamline and unify the group’s diverse operations across shipping, logistics, hotels, manufacturing, and beyond.
In the early 2000s the turning of the millennium marked the restructuring of McLarens with the entry of Shehara de Silva, the third generation of the family and the current Managing Director, ushered in a new era of governance and modernisation.
During this period, McLarens implemented a professional board of directors, introduced cutting-edge systems and processes, and undertook a strategic restructuring that solidified its position as a market leader across multiple sectors maritime and beyond.
A Modern Conglomerate with a Global Footprint
Today, McLarens stands as a formidable conglomerate, representing several global brands, including Fortune 500 companies such as ExxonMobil and 3M.
The company’s legacy is not only defined by its business ventures but also by the dedicated individuals who have contributed to its success.
From its humble beginnings to its current status, McLarens has remained committed to excellence, innovation, and contributing to Sri Lanka's economic development.
The group’s initiatives have played a significant role in attracting foreign investment and driving economic growth.
Notably, McLarens was a pioneer in developing the ship supply market off the Port of Galle, which has since become a major source of foreign income for the entire shipping industry.
Celebrating 75 years of excellence
Reflecting on the milestone, Shehara de Silva, Group Managing Director, remarked, “This 75-year celebration is not just a milestone for us but also a celebration of resilience, collaboration, and vision. From our maritime roots to our evolution into a multi-industry powerhouse, McLarens has consistently set new standards in every sector we operate in. As we celebrate this journey, we honor the partnerships, innovations, and dedicated teams that have shaped our success.”
Celebrating 75 years of excellence at McLarens MDs Awards 2024 held in November 2024. Present from left are Hastie Smith (Grandson of Thomas Hunt), Jayden Jayawardena, Yaanik Jayawardena, Shehara de Silva, Rohan de Silva, Oshan Fernando, Ravi Edirisinghe and Seonaid Smith (wife of Hastie Smith)
Looking Ahead: The future of McLarens
While celebrating the past, McLarens remains focused on the future.
With a strong foundation, strategic alliances, and a relentless commitment to innovation, the group aims to continue shaping industries, empowering communities, and redefining excellence both in Sri Lanka and on a global scale.
As McLarens embarks on the next phase of its journey, it remains dedicated to upholding its core values of loyalty, empowerment, personal touch, flexibility, family, and passion values that have been instrumental in shaping the organisation into what it is today.
With an eye on the future, McLarens is poised to further its legacy of excellence, continuing to be a driving force in the industries it serves and contributing to the nation's growth and prosperity.
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