SANKEN GEN Established as Independent International Group Following Five Decades of Construction Delivery Across Three Continents
COLOMBO, October 19, 2026 — SANKEN GEN has been established as an independent international group, bringing together the Group’s overseas construction operations, real estate interests and associated ventures under a single, restructured holding company. As part of this transition, Sanken Overseas (Private) Limited has been rebranded as SANKEN GEN (PRIVATE) LIMITED, marking an important milestone in the Group’s evolution and building on nearly five decades of experience across international markets.
The Group traces its origins to 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 fully to Sri Lankan professionals. Over the decades, the Group has delivered civil engineering, commercial development and construction projects across markets including the Maldives, Seychelles, India, Bangladesh and Kenya, building a strong track record in international project delivery.
At an event recently held in Colombo, SANKEN GEN (PRIVATE) LIMITED outlined its vision for the future and reflected on its achievements, showcasing landmark projects that highlight its track record across international markets. Over the past five years, the company has executed a project portfolio valued at approximately USD 900 million across seven countries, generating valuable foreign exchange earnings for Sri Lanka.
The new structure adopts a radial model, positioning each operating company as a partner within a broader network, supported by a shared centre of expertise, governance and strategic direction. This model is designed to strengthen collaboration, facilitate the sharing of knowledge and expertise, and provide a common framework for strategic alignment across the Group.
The name SANKEN GEN reflects the Group’s forward-looking vision while remaining rooted in its heritage. “GEN” represents generations of people, knowledge and principles that continue to shape the organisation. It also draws inspiration from the Japanese word gen, meaning source or origin, symbolising the foundations on which the Group will build its next phase of growth.
Throughout the Group’s five-decade journey, Eng. Maj. Ranjith Gunatilleke has remained a constant presence, contributing to its evolution and helping preserve the principles that have shaped its identity. As Chairman of SANKEN GEN, he represents a continuing link between the Group’s heritage and its ambitions for the future.
“The Sanken spirit is built on the trust and confidence we share with our clients, partners and consultants,” he said, reaffirming the importance of upholding the core principles that have guided the Group over the past five decades and will continue to underpin its growth over the next 50 years.
Eng. Mevan Gunatilleke, Chief Executive Officer of SANKEN GEN, highlighted the importance of its people in driving progress, alongside the need to embrace technological advancements to strengthen its capabilities and remain future-ready. He also outlined ambitions to expand its global footprint and diversify beyond construction into multiple sectors, creating new avenues for sustainable growth.
Today, SANKEN GEN has an international presence spanning 10 countries across the Indian Ocean region, East Africa and Asia-Pacific, with interests in construction, real estate, hospitality and associated services. Building on its established foundations, it aims to deepen collaboration across its operations and pursue opportunities across its markets.
