Sri Lanka Sikhamani Sunna Deniya Gunadasa (5 September 1931 – 6 July 2014) (known as S. D. Gunadasa or Dasa Mudalali) was a Sri Lankan business magnate who brought the concept of the supermarket to Sri Lanka in 1977.[1] He later became a garment manufacturer in Sri Lanka, and subsequently the Chairman and founder of DASA Group.[2][3][4]
S. D. Gunadasa | |
|---|---|
| Born | Sunna Deniya Gunadasa 5 September 1931 Talalla Gandara Matara |
| Died | 6 July 2014 (aged 82) |
| Resting place | Colombo |
| Nationality | Sri Lankan |
| Occupation | Businessman |
| Title | Sri Lanka Sikhamani |
| Partner | Srimathi |
| Parent(s) | S. D. Romanis Silva (father), M. D. Kaluhamy (mother) |
Early childhood
editGunadasa was born in the village of Talalla Gandara in Matara, the youngest of the three sons. In his early years, Gundasa was educated at a local village school in Gandara. Influenced by his mother's organising and delegation skills, he became an entrepreneur.[5]
Career
editGunadasa began his business career as a street hawker in Colombo, selling shirts, vests, and other clothing items. Some days, he would carry his products into the city in a basket on his head. On successful days, he would treat himself to a biriyani dinner as a reward.
As his enterprise grew, he was able to purchase his own premises. Later, he opened Sri Lanka's first supermarket and department store, a new type of store for the country at the time. Gunadasa focused on employee benefits, an area that other employers often overlooked. He provided free lodging and, reportedly, a barber for employees' convenience.
Gundasa later turned to garment manufacturing. He produced clothing under the brand name Duro, which was accepted by international markets in the United States and Europe.
Honours
editGunadasa was honored with the National Award of Sri Lanka Sikhamani by the government of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka in 1985.[6][7]
Death
editGunadasa died on 6 July 2014 at the age of 83 due to natural causes. His remains are located at the Borella General Cemetery in Colombo, Sri Lanka.[8]
References
edit- ^ "'Dasa Mudalali', Passed Away". Asian Tribunal. 8 July 2014.
- ^ "'Dasa Mudalali' No More". Asian Mirror. 7 July 2014. Retrieved 14 July 2014.
- ^ The Logic (8 July 2014). "Dasa Mudalali passes away". Daily Mirror. Retrieved 14 July 2014.
- ^ "Sunway to develop Dasa Group property". Daily News. 18 June 2010. Retrieved 14 July 2014.
- ^ "Dasa Mudalali – a Sri Lankan suc". Rootsweb.ancestry.com. Retrieved 14 July 2014.
- ^ "National Honours". Sunday Observer. 20 November 2005. Archived from the original on 24 September 2015. Retrieved 14 July 2014.
- ^ "National Awards Conferred by His Excellency the President of Sri Lanka". Presidentsoffice.gov.lk. 3 January 2013. Retrieved 14 July 2014.
- ^ The Logic (8 July 2014). "Dasa Mudalali passes away". Daily Mirror. Retrieved 14 July 2014.
- Ariyadasa, Edwin (10 September 2005). "Dasa Mudalali - a Sri Lankan success story". Daily News.
- "Door made of silver and gold to replace centuries old door". The Island. 5 July 2004.
- "Commander's Healthy Relations Fetch Cash Gifts to War Heroes". Sri Lanka Army. 18 May 2014. Archived from the original on 14 July 2014.
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