Softlogic Holdings PLC, rated as one of Sri Lanka’s most dynamic and reputed conglomerates, commenced operations in 1991 as a software developer with just 12 employees; now has expanded its footprint holding leading positions in domestic growth oriented sectors such as ICT, Healthcare, Retail, Financial Services, Automobiles and Leisure. The Group now provides employment to over 8,000 individuals generating a turnover of more than USD300 mn. The Group’s representations and strategic alliances with reputed global institutions and large multinational corporations confirm its unparalleled local stature.
The story begins when a young enterprising IT executive with his group of friends started a business of their own in a small office outfit and they recruited 12 employees to spearhead their plans. The troupe ran on a secret formula of success placing greater weight on their ability, determination and wit so as to be the best in business. Softlogic’s fast traction into growth areas catapulted Ashok Pathirage to establish an empire in the corporate world with diversified business interests by strategic decision making and acquisitions. The Group’s IT sector was the first to be born, with Softlogic being successful in obtaining the Dell authorised distributorship which Softlogic has retained over the years.
The telco venture started when Softlogic in collaboration with Dialog Axiata PLC offered corporate and individual Dialog GSM packages in 1998. Softlogic still has maintained its position to stand as one of the leading business partners for Dialog Axiata PLC till now. Year 2000 holds an important landmark for Softlogic when the exclusive national distributorship of ‘Nokia’ was obtained. Softlogic is now synonymous to Sri Lanka’s telecommunication sector with Nokia leading the mobile handset market. The telco market of Softlogic stands strong with over 2,000 island wide retail points priding itself on its commitment and quality customer service. Years of stringent business mapping towards innovation, creativity and taking those products to unmatchable levels sums up the rest of the chapters.
This three-year period was indeed a time of strategic and focused growth for Softlogic which helped elevate its corporate image to new heights. It is during these three years that Softlogic embarked on its momentous journey into the Retail sector with the acquisition of Uni Walkers (Pvt) Ltd. This development initiated the acquiring of several global heavyweight brand names across the sub sectors of Consumer Electronics, Branded Apparel and Furniture, which helped expand our overall international brand portfolio. Our Retail operations across the Consumer Electronics sub sector have had superlative growth to now possess an impressive network of over 160 Softlogic Retail outlets island wide, covering the length and breadth of the country. The expansion drive is aggressively continuing to bring the network upto 220+ showrooms by the end of 2013. Panasonic, Samsung, Nokia, Dell, Apple, Candy, Russell Hobbs, Kelvinator are some of the giant global brand names within its fold of Consumer Electronics for which Softlogic was appointed authorised distributor. Parallely grew the Branded Apparel sub sector which captured premium identity in Sri Lanka having acquired the authorised distributor status for the world famous iconic jeanswear brand ‘Levis’ in 2009.
