October 16, 1984 - Present
From Nugegoda to Global Success: The Inspiring Journey of Samith Edirisinghe
The remarkable story of vision, dedication, and transformational leadership
Born and raised in Nugegoda, Sri Lanka, Samith Edirisinghe's journey from a passionate
student at St. John's College to a globally recognized entrepreneur stands as one of
the most inspiring success stories of modern Sri Lankan business. His story is not just
about building companies—it's about building dreams, empowering communities, and
creating lasting positive impact.
The Foundation: Education and Early Vision
From his early days at St. John's College, Samith exhibited an extraordinary passion
for construction and design. This wasn't just a childhood interest—it was the foundation
of what would become a remarkable entrepreneurial journey. After completing his Advanced
Level education, he demonstrated remarkable dedication by working as a teacher while
simultaneously pursuing studies in Civil Engineering and Draftsmanship.
A defining moment: His journey to the Sri Lanka Institute in the
United Kingdom wasn't just about education—it was about expanding horizons. There,
he not only continued his studies but secured a permanent position, developing an
architectural style that would later revolutionize Sri Lankan construction by
blending modern home designs with methods perfectly suited to the island's unique
landscape.
The Birth of a Vision: Edirisinghe Homes
On October 16, 1984, a vision was born. But it was in 2012, in the cultural heart of
Kandy, that this vision truly took shape with the establishment of Edirisinghe Homes
(Pvt) Ltd. The timing was perfect—Kandy lacked adequate modern housing designs, creating
the ideal opportunity for innovation.
Edirisinghe Homes Today
From sole proprietorship to industry leader
with 500+ employees
Global Expansion: A Vision Without Borders
What started in Kandy didn't stay in Kandy. Through innovative construction technologies
and collaboration with skilled engineers, Samith introduced revolutionary designs and
methods that transformed the regional construction landscape. The company's growth was
remarkable—from a single operation to owning all essential machinery and tools for
large-scale construction, with branches in both Kandy and Dehiwala.
2022: Global expansion begins with the establishment of a construction
firm in Malaysia
2024: International footprint extends to Melbourne, Australia
2024: Diversification into tourism industry and founding of H & R
Skills
Institute
Beyond Business: A Philosophy of Empowerment
What sets Samith apart isn't just his business acumen—it's his unwavering commitment to
empowerment. His approach to leadership is revolutionary: he recognizes and nurtures the
unique talents of his employees, providing them with resources and opportunities to
reach their full potential. This isn't just management—it's mentorship at scale.
His innovative management style, especially in construction technology, empowers
employees by entrusting them with significant responsibilities and fostering a spirit of
entrepreneurship within his team. The result? A workforce that doesn't just work for the
company—they grow with it.
Giving Back: The H & R Skills (Pvt) Ltd Vision
Perhaps most remarkably, Samith's entrepreneurial vision extends beyond profit to
purpose. The founding of H & R Skills (Pvt) Ltd represents a commitment to nurturing
young
Sri Lankan talent with a clear mission: to empower Sri Lanka's development by providing
world-class skills and opportunities, keeping the nation's brightest minds thriving at
home.
Supporting New Ventures: Samith has established a dedicated division
to help individuals start their own businesses, providing financial assistance,
initial salaries, and resources so aspiring entrepreneurs can focus on building
successful ventures without the burden of immediate profitability.
Sharing Knowledge: From Experience to Expertise
True to his teacher's heart, Samith continues to educate through his YouTube channel,
offering practical advice on home construction—from choosing the right plot of land to
minimizing building costs. His guidance reaches beyond his employees to benefit the
general public, embodying his philosophy that knowledge shared is knowledge multiplied.
A Legacy in Motion
Today, Samith Edirisinghe's story continues to unfold. From his humble beginnings in
Nugegoda to creating jobs for over 500 people, from transforming Kandy's construction
landscape to establishing international operations in Malaysia and Australia, his
journey exemplifies what's possible when vision meets dedication.
But perhaps most importantly, his story reminds us that true success isn't measured just
in profit margins or market expansion—it's measured in the lives transformed, the
opportunities created, and the lasting positive impact on communities. Through his
business initiatives and charitable efforts, Samith continues to inspire and empower
those around him, leaving a legacy that extends far beyond construction sites to touch
the very foundation of Sri Lankan entrepreneurship.
"To empower Sri Lanka's development by
providing world-class skills and opportunities"
- Samith Edirisinghe's
Vision
Share Your Thoughts