Over the course of 156 years, Aitken Spence has grown from a modest trading company in 19th-century colonial Ceylon into one of Sri Lanka’s leading conglomerates. Founded in 1873, the company attributes its legacy to an ability to build lasting relationships and trust with every partner.
In 1876, the company marked its first major milestone by forming a partnership with Lloyd’s of London, solidifying its position in the maritime sector. Over the following decades, Aitken Spence diversified into hospitality, logistics, and power generation, steadily expanding its reach.
Aitken Spence today spans 17 business sectors with a presence in over 10 countries, reflecting its multi-sector strength. Alongside evolving global dynamics, Aitken Spence seeks to adapt, innovate, and lead, not only within its core industries but in its approach to sustainability, and this ethos has helped Aitken Spence grow significantly in recent years. These shifts have brought with them new responsibilities, particularly the growing need to adopt sustainable practices across industries.
The Group has been a signatory of the United Nations Global Compact for over 20 years and was among the first companies globally to sign the Women’s Empowerment Principles. Conservation is important to the team at Aitken Spence, and it factors into all of the company’s actions. It has actively engaged in efforts to protect biodiversity, empower local communities, support tourism-linked livelihoods, and preserve cultural heritage. This is illustrated through Aitken Spence Hotel Group’s flagship resort hotel, Heritance Kandalama, designed by the late master-architect Deshamanya Geoffrey Bawa. The company has also led the way in sustainable innovation with Sri Lanka’s first and only Waste-to-Energy power plant, which opens a new path that unifies waste management with power generation.
Aitken Spence’s legacy, built on lasting partnerships, can be seen in its relationship with international brands, such as TUI, Singapore Airlines, Western Union, and OTIS. The cornerstone of these partnerships is a focus on governance practices, fostering adaptability, and growth without compromising the core values that have guided Aitken Spence for more than 150 years.
Responsible corporate governance is a principal belief at the company. Similarly, progress is balanced with responsibility towards its employees, communities, and the environment. Recognised for excellence in corporate citizenship, Aitken Spence entered the Hall of Fame as the Best Corporate Citizen of 2024 and received the distinguished Grand Slam Award for winning the overall title five times at the Best Corporate Citizen Sustainability Awards (BCCSA). It is the only Sri Lankan company ranked among the Top 10 Corporate Citizens for 19 consecutive years.
Aitken Spence’s focus as it moves forward will be to expand its multifaceted and multidisciplinary team while maintaining a link to its history and legacy. Above all, the company’s purpose is to “inspire to create great futures for all.”