SANKEN GEN has been established as an independent international group, consolidating its overseas construction operations, real estate interests and associated ventures under a newly restructured holding company. As part of the transition, Sanken Overseas (Private) Limited has been renamed SANKEN GEN (PRIVATE) LIMITED, marking a significant new chapter in the organisation’s development and reflecting nearly five decades of experience in international markets.
The Group’s journey began in 1977, when it commenced operations in Sri Lanka as the local arm of Japan’s Mitsui Construction Company. By 2020, ownership and leadership had transitioned entirely to Sri Lankan professionals. Since its inception, the Group has undertaken a diverse range of civil engineering, commercial development and construction projects across several international markets, including the Maldives, Seychelles, India, Bangladesh and Kenya.
At a recent event in Colombo, SANKEN GEN (PRIVATE) LIMITED presented its vision for the future while highlighting key achievements and landmark developments that demonstrate its international project delivery capabilities. Over the past five years, the company has executed projects with a combined value of approximately USD 900 million across seven countries, contributing to foreign exchange earnings for Sri Lanka.
The newly established Group structure follows a radial operating model, positioning individual companies as partners within a connected network, supported by shared expertise, governance and strategic direction. The approach is intended to encourage closer collaboration, strengthen knowledge sharing and create a consistent framework for strategic alignment across the Group’s businesses.
The name SANKEN GEN reflects the organisation’s ambition to move forward while preserving the values and experience that underpin its heritage. The term “GEN” represents generations of people, knowledge and principles that have shaped the Group throughout its history. It also draws inspiration from the Japanese word gen, meaning source or origin, symbolising the foundations from which the organisation will pursue its next phase of growth.
Throughout the Group’s nearly five-decade journey, Eng. Maj. Ranjith Gunatilleke has played a significant role in its development, helping maintain the principles and values that define its identity. As Chairman of SANKEN GEN, he represents a vital connection between the organisation’s established legacy and its future ambitions.
“The Sanken spirit is built on the trust and confidence we share with our clients, partners and consultants,” he said, emphasising the importance of preserving the core principles that have guided the Group over the past five decades and will continue to support its ambitions for the next 50 years.
With its new independent structure, SANKEN GEN aims to build on its international experience, strengthen collaboration across its businesses and pursue future opportunities while remaining firmly grounded in the values that have shaped its development since 1977.
SLPA Plans New Logistics Hub at Colombo Port After Scrapping Previous Joint Venture Proposal
The Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) has decided to develop a new logistics hub within the Port of Colombo under a Public–Private Partnership (PPP) model after shareholders agreed not to proceed with the previously proposed joint venture involving China Merchants Port Holdings Company Limited, through its wholly owned subsidiary, and Access Engineering PLC.
The earlier initiative aimed to establish a modern logistics facility through a joint venture company named South Asia Commercial and Logistics Hub (SACLH). Established in 2023, SACLH comprised three shareholders: China Merchants Port Holdings Company Limited, through its wholly owned subsidiary, with a 70% equity stake, while the SLPA and Access Engineering PLC each held a 15% stake.
The proposed development envisaged an investment of approximately USD 280 million and a planned floor capacity of around 150,000 square metres. The project was intended to expand the Port of Colombo’s logistics capabilities and strengthen its position as a leading regional maritime and logistics centre.
However, after considering prevailing external conditions, commercial factors and the interests of the respective shareholders, a decision was made to discontinue the proposed joint venture.
Under the agreed arrangements, the three shareholders will receive refunds of their respective equity contributions, subject to applicable regulatory requirements and operational expenses. SACLH is expected to refund a total of approximately USD 29.8 million, distributed among the shareholders in proportion to their respective equity stakes.
Despite the decision to discontinue the earlier project, the SLPA remains committed to expanding and modernising logistics infrastructure within the Port of Colombo to address the changing demands of international maritime trade and global supply chains.
As part of its alternative strategy, the SLPA will pursue the development of a new logistics hub through a competitive bidding process under a PPP framework, subject to the necessary approvals. The proposed facility will occupy a substantial area within the Port of Colombo and is expected to accommodate a broad range of port-related and value-added logistics services.
The development is intended to support the Port of Colombo’s evolution beyond its traditional role as a container transshipment hub towards becoming a more comprehensive maritime and logistics centre. The initiative is expected to enhance the range of services available to shipping lines, cargo owners, logistics operators and other participants in the international supply chain, while creating opportunities to strengthen the port’s regional competitiveness.
SANKEN GEN Emerges as an Independent International Group After 50 Years of Construction Excellence Across Three Continents
