Q: How has the company evolved to become a leading diversified conglomerate operating across multiple industries?

A: Prior to my return to Sri Lanka in 1980, I began my career as an engineer with a German company, which marked the beginning of my association with German brands.

Initially, we provided comprehensive infrastructure for Distilleries Company of Sri Lanka (DCSL) and machinery for various industries, including biscuits, ceramics, food processing and machinery tools for leading institutions in Sri Lanka, which were sourced from reputed German companies.

Later, my focus shifted to the automotive sector. I initially represented BMW and with the acquisition of Land Rover by BMW, our representation transitioned to Porsche – a partnership we continue to maintain.

Our involvement extended to the beverage sector with breweries, where we facilitated the relocation of a company’s operations to Colombo. Leveraging technological advancements, we increased efficiency, transforming it from a small brewery with 400 employees into a highly automated facility producing over a million hectolitres with a fraction of that number of staff members.

Moreover, our commitment to technological innovation also influenced the ceramics sector, where we supplied machinery and raw materials.

As the largest supplier of German raw materials for quality products in Sri Lanka, we’ve played a major role in advancing technology across various sectors including automating beverage production, significantly reducing labour requirements while doubling capacity.

Additionally, we’ve been pivotal in introducing advanced technology to the tea industry, supplying machinery and materials for tea bag production.

I. W. Senanayake (Arthur)
Group Chairman

Q: As a German brand operating in Sri Lanka, what is your assessment of the country’s economic landscape and its impact on your field?

A: German machinery, while initially expensive, excels in both durability and efficiency. For instance, we currently operate machinery that has been in service for the past 15 years, maintaining an impressive 95 percent efficiency rate.

Although the initial investment may be higher, the long-term cost-effectiveness becomes evident – especially considering the substantial depreciation of the rupee against the US Dollar over the past decade. Investing now can prove to be three times more economical. However, it’s crucial to acknowledge competition from countries like China.

In contrast to competitors who may have sold three blocks of machinery due to replacements, our German machines have demonstrated exceptional reliability and long durability.

Our commitment to quality is further underscored by initiatives such as the frequency monitoring programme, implemented using cutting-edge technology from Germany – specifically, Rohde & Schwarz – ensuring operational stability especially during challenging times.

Q: What about your organisation’s brand philosophy for Sri Lankan operations?

A: Our aim is to provide the local industry with cutting-edge technology. Given economic constraints, frequent machinery replenishment is challenging due to high capital costs. Opting for German machinery entails a one time capital investment that proves sustainable over extended periods of 10, 20 or even 30 years.

Q: How has your organisation adapted to the local market over the years?

A: Initial convincing is often needed. Once businesses adopt our machinery however, the customers seldom consider alternatives.

With regard to our representation in the automobile industry, we represent Porsche, which signifies societal recognition with unique social acceptance while providing an exceptional 15 year warranty, unmatched by any other automobile brands.

Q: German brands are celebrated for their quality and product or service excellence. How do these qualities play out in your product portfolio?

A: We’re confident that our customers travel globally, and with the Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Sri Lanka (AHK Sri Lanka) providing opportunities for those interested in visiting German exhibitions, they gain a more comprehensive understanding of technology. Subsequently, these customers return to us for their purchases.

Moreover, some international buyers specifically prefer to procure German raw materials for their production needs due to the consistently high quality.

Q: How does your organisation capitalise on technological advancements to enhance operational excellence?

A: When it comes to automobiles, as you know the world is embracing electric vehicles (EVs) and accordingly, we are enhancing our service facility for electrification, recognising it as a crucial aspect for the future of the automobile market.

Porsche will enter with more affordable cars using EV technology. Therefore, we are preparing our facility for EV readiness for the future.

As for the machinery we provide, we will have PC-based technology to enhance operational expertise with the available IT and AI infrastructure.

Q: What are your organisation’s plans going forward?

A: IWS is always introducing innovative products to the market and as part of our future development, we will amalgamate our current aviation operational facilities in which we own and operate helicopters.

We also intend to enhance drone technology for commercial purposes.

IWS is presently contributing to provide and plans to infuse sustainable energy in the future. We also continue to be a technological communications provider to the country.

Telephone: 2910480 | Email: corporate@iwsholdings.com | Website: www.iwsholdings.com