Dharmadasa 65 yrs in business

by Thulasi MUTTULINGAM

The Nawaloka Group, celebrated a quarter century of excellence of their trademark unit, the Nawaloka Hospital, as well as the achievements of more than half a century of their Founder Chairman, H.K Dharmadasa, June 15, at the BMICH.

Nawaloka hospital, was founded in 1985. The birthday of its founder is June 17.

One of the highlights of the function was the launch of the English translation of the biography of Dharmadasa, authored by Bandara Eheliyagoda titled Son of the Soil Nawalowa Nawahiru . Eheliyagoda had spent two years researching for the book which was released in 2008. The translation was due to the many requests received from across the country, including embassies.

Known popularly as Nawaloka Mudalali Dharmadasa has been in business for more than 65 years.

Dharmadasa rose to the position of chairman of the large conglomerate which includes industries in construction, medicare, automobiles and hotels from very humble beginnings. As a young boy of twelve, he had to fend for himself without any formal education, after his father passed away.

Speaking at a press conference to announce the celebrations, actor/politician Ravindra Randeniya said the biography could be an inspiration to others on how much one could develop oneself individually against great odds and be an asset to society.

The patron of several charities as well as his own foundation, (the H.K Dharmadasa Foundation), he is a well-known philanthropist. "People all over the country know of him and identify him as a philanthropist, which is another of his achievements," said Randeniya.

Asked which particular achievement of his, gave him the most pleasure amongst all his achievements, Dharmadasa's answer was, "Nine out of ten people who come to my hospital in a critical condition are able to walk out again. That sustenance of life is what gives me the greatest satisfaction. Also the fact that I am able to give direct employment to so many people and sustain their livelihood."

There are 7000 direct employees of the Nawaloka Group with many more indirectly employed.

One other aspect for celebration, according to Deputy Chairman of Nawaloka Hospital Jayantha Dharmadasa, was the provision of free heart surgery to 12 persons awaiting surgery at government hospitals.