A business founded in Galle in 1878 has grown into one of Sri Lanka’s largest and most diversified corporate groups.

For the financial year ended 31 March 2026, The Hayleys Group, also known as Hayleys PLC, recorded its highest-ever annual revenue of Rs. 585.02 billion. The Group also reported profit before tax of Rs. 38.04 billion, total assets of Rs. 645.82 billion, and a workforce of more than 38,700 employees.

With operations across 14 sectors, a presence in more than 20 countries and products reaching over 80 markets, Hayleys represents one of Sri Lanka’s most significant business success stories. Its journey offers an inspiring example of long-term enterprise, diversification and global ambition : a story that Sri Lankans in the UK and across the diaspora can view with pride.

From Galle trading house to national business institution

The Hayleys story began in 1878 when British entrepreneur Chas. P. Hayley established a trading business in Galle.

At the time, Sri Lanka : then known as Ceylon : was an important centre of trade in the Indian Ocean. The new business initially imported goods while exporting valuable Sri Lankan products, including spices, coir yarn and essential oils.

This early import-and-export model connected local producers with international markets. It also established a foundation that would remain central to Hayleys’ future development: understanding Sri Lankan resources, building commercial relationships and responding to opportunities beyond the island.

The company’s beginnings were modest compared with its present scale. However, the original trading business had qualities that would become increasingly important over the following decades : adaptability, international outlook and a willingness to operate across different areas of the economy.

From its base in Galle, Hayleys gradually expanded into agriculture, plantations, manufacturing, logistics, consumer products and other industries. Over time, the business evolved from a traditional trading house into a diversified multinational group.

Further background on the company’s early development is available through the Hayleys heritage archive and its official history of the business.

A record financial year in 2025/26

Hayleys’ latest results demonstrate the scale of its transformation.

According to the Group’s official announcement, revenue increased by 19% year on year to Rs. 585.02 billion in the financial year 2025/26. Consolidated profit before tax rose to Rs. 38.04 billion, while profit after tax reached Rs. 22.22 billion.

The Group also reported total assets of Rs. 645.82 billion, reflecting the size of its operations and the range of businesses within its portfolio.

Other important figures from the year include:

• More than 38,700 employees
• Approximately US$800 million in foreign currency inflows
• A contribution of around 5% of Sri Lanka’s export income
• Rs. 55.36 billion paid in direct and indirect taxes
• Operations across 14 sectors
• A presence in more than 20 countries
• Products and services reaching over 80 international markets

These figures are important not only as corporate measurements. They show how a Sri Lankan-rooted company contributes to employment, exports, public revenue and foreign exchange generation.

The Group’s official financial year announcement said that every sector contributed positively to operating earnings during the year. The performance was supported by domestic businesses, while export-oriented sectors continued to demonstrate resilience in changing global markets.

Diversification as a long-term strategy

One of the most notable features of the Hayleys success story is the Group’s diversification.

Rather than relying on a single product or industry, Hayleys has built a broad portfolio that covers many parts of the economy. Its activities include:

• Consumer and retail
• Transportation and logistics
• Agriculture
• Plantations
• Textiles
• Hand protection
• Purification
• Construction
• Energy
• Leisure
• Manufacturing
• Export businesses
• Engineering and related services

This approach provides a degree of balance. When conditions are difficult in one sector, performance in another area can help support the wider Group. It also allows Hayleys to serve different customers, participate in multiple supply chains and respond to changing demand in Sri Lanka and overseas.

The Group’s export-oriented businesses are particularly important. Sri Lanka has a strong reputation for products such as tea, rubber, spices, coir and apparel. Hayleys has developed businesses that add value to these resources and connect them with international buyers.

This is a significant shift from simply exporting raw materials. It involves manufacturing, quality control, logistics, technology, branding and long-term customer relationships. These capabilities help Sri Lankan products compete in demanding global markets.

Supporting employment and the Sri Lankan economy

Large businesses have an influence that extends well beyond their own balance sheets.

With more than 38,700 employees, Hayleys is a major source of direct employment. Its wider supply chains also support farmers, plantation communities, manufacturers, transport providers, distributors and service companies.

The Group’s foreign currency contribution is another important part of its national role. The reported inflow of approximately US$800 million highlights the importance of export earnings and international operations to Sri Lanka’s economy.

Hayleys’ contribution of around 5% of Sri Lanka’s export income places the Group among the country’s most significant private-sector export businesses. Its activities help connect Sri Lankan production with consumers and companies around the world.

The reported Rs. 55.36 billion in direct and indirect taxes also demonstrates the wider public contribution associated with the Group’s operations. Taxes help support public services and national development, while employment and exports strengthen economic activity.

For Sri Lankans living overseas, these contributions offer a practical reminder that corporate success can have a national impact. A company that began in a historic trading town now participates in global commerce while continuing to create value in Sri Lanka.

A connection with the Sri Lankan diaspora

The Hayleys story has particular relevance for the Sri Lankan diaspora.

Sri Lankans in the UK, including British Sri Lankan families, students, professionals and entrepreneurs, often maintain a strong interest in the country’s economic progress. Business achievements provide a connection between heritage and the modern world.

The story also reflects important elements of Sri Lankan culture: enterprise, resilience, craftsmanship, agricultural knowledge and the ability to build relationships across communities and borders.

For younger members of the diaspora, Hayleys offers an example of how a company can grow from local foundations into an international organisation. Its history shows that global ambition does not require abandoning local identity. Instead, Sri Lankan knowledge, resources and talent can form the basis of businesses that compete internationally.

The Group’s international presence also creates opportunities for Sri Lankan professionals and businesses. Global operations require expertise in finance, technology, engineering, logistics, marketing, sustainability, manufacturing and management. As Sri Lankan companies expand, they can become important platforms for skills, investment and professional development.

Lessons from the Hayleys journey

The success of Hayleys offers several lessons for businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs.

Start with a clear commercial purpose

The original business focused on trade: bringing goods into Sri Lanka and taking Sri Lankan products to international markets. A clear purpose helped establish a sustainable foundation.

Build for the long term

Hayleys’ development took place over nearly 150 years. Its growth was not based on one short-term opportunity. It involved gradual expansion, investment, adaptation and the development of new capabilities.

Diversify carefully

Operating across several sectors can reduce dependence on one market. However, successful diversification requires knowledge, strong management and disciplined investment. Hayleys’ portfolio demonstrates the value of combining different businesses under a long-term strategic direction.

Create international value from local strengths

Sri Lanka’s agricultural, manufacturing and human resources can support globally competitive businesses when combined with innovation, quality and efficient distribution.

Invest in people

A workforce of more than 38,700 people is one of the clearest signs of the organisation’s scale. Sustainable corporate growth depends on employees, partners and communities.

A Sri Lankan business story with global significance

From a trading office in Galle to a global conglomerate, Hayleys has travelled an extraordinary distance.

Its latest results : including Rs. 585.02 billion in revenue, Rs. 38.04 billion in profit before tax and more than 38,700 employees : illustrate the scale of the modern Group. Its presence across sectors and international markets shows how a Sri Lankan-rooted business can develop into a major global enterprise.

For the Sri Lankan diaspora, this is more than a corporate profile. It is a story about what can be built through vision, adaptability and sustained effort.

As Sri Lankans in the UK and around the world continue to celebrate the country’s achievements in business, sport, culture and innovation, the Hayleys journey stands as a powerful example of Sri Lankan enterprise reaching across borders.

Readers interested in more stories about Sri Lankan business, heritage and global achievements can explore eLanka’s articles section, Sri Lankan newspapers in English and the publication’s wider community coverage.

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