A Legacy of Excellence and Innovation since 1878
For over 145 years, Hayleys has shaped industries, inspired generations, and transformed lives in Sri Lanka and beyond. Our journey is one of pioneering vision, resilience, and relentless innovation. Explore some of the milestones that define our remarkable story.
A Legacy of Excellence and Innovation since 1878
For over 145 years, Hayleys has shaped industries, inspired generations, and transformed lives in Sri Lanka and beyond. Our journey is one of pioneering vision, resilience, and relentless innovation. Explore some of the milestones that define our remarkable story.
1878
The Origins of Hayleys
The Vision of Chas P. Hayley
In 1878, a young British entrepreneur, Chas P. Hayley, established himself as a trader in Galle, laying the foundation for what would become one of Sri Lanka's most iconic conglomerates. From trading coir and essential goods to building enduring relationships, Hayley’s entrepreneurial spirit set the stage for a legacy that endures to this day.
This era marked the birth of trust and innovation, values that continue to define Hayleys.
1900s
Early Beginnings
The Birth of a Giant
With its beginnings rooted in Galle, the business moves into Colombo and other urban areas, setting up its foundations for what will eventually become a blue-chip conglomerate.
Milestones of Progress
- Hayley & Kenny, a partnership formed between W.W. Kenny and Charles P. Hayley, opens in Colombo
- Hayley & Kenny purchases Thurburn Stores at 400 Deans Road, which has remained the corporate head office to this day.
- Hayleys Ltd becomes a public company.
1950s-1980s
Building a Nation, Shaping a Legacy
A Transformative Era
As Colombo emerged as a bustling hub of commerce, Hayleys started expanding its presence and influence into transformative industries and stood at the forefront of Sri Lanka’s economic progress, building partnerships and seizing new opportunities.
Milestones of Progress
- Trailblazing Leadership: Visionary leaders, including former Chairman D.S.Jayasundara, propelled the company into new industries, laying the groundwork for its diversified future.
- The Start of Hayleys Advantis: Recognising the power of logistics in driving commerce, Hayleys entered the transportation and logistics sector, laying the foundation for Hayleys Advantis, a market leader today.
- Haycarb Begins Operations: Haycarb was established, pioneering activated carbon solutions for a cleaner future.
- Dipped Products Commences Its Journey: DPL was founded, later becoming a global leader in hand protection solutions.
- Coir Fibre Operations Scale Up: Developing eco-friendly products for global markets.
1980s - Early 2000s
Going Global
From Strength to Strength
The dawn of the new millennium marked Hayleys' expansion into global markets and diversification into key industries. Strengthened by internationally-recognised partnerships and certifications, the corporate unveiled a new visual identity to reflect this evolution.
Milestones of Progress
- Advancements into foreign markets
- The Employee share scheme, one of the first in the country is launched
- Steps into power generation, collaborating with AES Corporation of USA to launch first mini hydropower plant
- Enters into textile, leisure and plantations industries.
Fibre: Developing eco-friendly products for global markets.
Activated Carbon: Pioneering sustainable solutions for a cleaner future.
Gloves: Becoming a global leader in hand protection solutions.
The Start of Hayleys Advantis: Recognising the power of logistics in driving commerce, Hayleys entered the transportation and logistics sector, laying the foundation for Hayleys Advantis, a market leader today.
2010s
Accelerated Growth
Strengthening Our Diverse Portfolio
This era heralded rapid diversification into a number of industries through a series of strategic acquisitions, driving Hayleys to the top of Sri Lanka’s version of the Fortune 500, as the country's number one public listed corporate.
- Strategic Expansion
Through strategic acquisitions such as The Kingsbury PLC, Alumex PLC, Amaya Leisure PLC, Hayleys Fentons Limited, SINGER (Sri Lanka) PLC, Sri Lanka Shipping Company Limited, Hayleys has strengthened its footprint across key industries, driving accelerated and diversified growth.
- Hayleys Unveils
Sri Lanka’s largest capacity solar power plant in Welikande
2020 Onwards
Full Steam Ahead
A Vision for Tomorrow
The 2020s challenged the world to reimagine and pivot itself. For Hayleys, this era marks a shift toward creating long-term value by evolving our business from within - integrating purpose, ESG and digital-first thinking into everything we do.
- Commitment to ESG
With the launch of the Hayleys Lifecode in 2022, we embedded Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles into every facet of our operations, championing sustainable development and inclusive growth, going on to win the coveted Best Corporate Citizen title six times.
- Our Journey Continues
From humble beginnings in 1878 to becoming a Sri Lankan icon, Hayleys stands as a beacon of resilience, progress, and purpose. As we look to the future, our commitment to shaping a thriving world remains stronger than ever.
