Milina Mathru Abinandhana: A Glowing Tribute to the Late Mrs. Milina Sumathipala

The main hall of the BMICH was filled with reverence and emotion on May 28, 2025, as friends, family, and dignitaries gathered to mark the 90th remembrance of the late Mrs. Milina Sumathipala, the beloved mother of Mr. Jagath Sumathipala, Chairman of Sumathi Holdings. The commemorative event, titled “Milina Mathru Abinandhana,” was a heartfelt celebration of a remarkable woman whose legacy continues to inspire generations.

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The event, held from 2.30 PM to 6.00 PM, drew a distinguished gathering, including veteran actors and actresses, Buddhist monks, authors, singers, film directors, businessmen, friends, and relatives. Each attendee came together not only to remember Mrs. Milina Sumathipala but also to honor her enduring contributions to Sri Lankan culture and society.

A key highlight of the afternoon was the launch of the book “Milina Novuu Milina,” penned by renowned author Dharmashri Thilakawardena. The book captures the untold stories and personal reflections of Mrs. Sumathipala’s life, painting a vivid picture of her values, sacrifices, and lasting impact.

In a deeply moving gesture, Mr. Jagath Sumathipala awarded Rs. 1 million each to two iconic figures in the Sri Lankan entertainment industry songstress Latha Walpola and actress Wasanthi Chathurani  as a mark of appreciation for their immense contributions over the years. The audience responded with heartfelt applause, acknowledging the significance of preserving and celebrating the legacy of cultural pioneers.

The event was also enriched with live singing performances and traditional dance items, paying tribute to Mrs. Sumathipala’s passion for the arts. A special documentary film showcased her life journey, chronicling her path as a devoted mother, a guiding light within her community, and a patron of cultural values.

In a powerful demonstration of corporate and personal philanthropy, Sumathi Holdings donated Rs. 4 million to the Milina Sumathipala Foundation, a contribution collected from the employees’ one-day salary. Additionally, Mr. Jagath Sumathipala made a personal donation of Rs. 30 million to support the preservation of Buddhist historical sites, the Sinhala-Buddhist literary heritage, and the conservation of ancient Pus Kola Poth (manuscripts).

The “Milina Mathru Abinandhana” was not only a tribute but a living reminder of how one person’s life can touch so many others. Through music, literature, community, and generosity, the event embodied the values Mrs. Milina Sumathipala upheld throughout her life love, gratitude, service, and cultural pride.

Her memory lives on, not just through the heartfelt words and performances of the day, but also through the lasting initiatives now launched in her name, ensuring her legacy continues to uplift and inspire the nation for generations to come.

Mr. Jagath Sumathipala Powers Up a Greener Future with Launch of Sumathi Energy (Pvt) Ltd

Continuing his legacy of visionary leadership and national development, Mr. Jagath Sumathipala, Chairman of Sumathi Holdings, has officially launched a major renewable energy initiative through his newest venture, Sumathi Energy (Pvt) Ltd. The centerpiece of this initiative is a 2-megawatt solar energy farm, marking a significant step forward in Sri Lanka’s transition to clean and sustainable energy.

This newly established solar power plantation, which is now under development, will contribute directly to the national grid generating 5MW of clean electricity capable of powering thousands of homes and businesses while reducing reliance on fossil fuels and cutting carbon emissions.

Speaking at the launch of the project, Mr. Jagath Sumathipala emphasized his commitment to environmental sustainability:

With Sumathi Energy, we are taking a proactive step toward creating a greener Sri Lanka. The 5MW solar farm is just the beginning of a long-term vision to support our country’s energy needs through responsible, renewable solutions.

The project site was strategically selected for its optimal solar exposure, ensuring efficient energy production year-round. The power generated will be integrated into Sri Lanka’s energy infrastructure, directly supporting national sustainability targets and energy diversification.

Beyond environmental impact, Sumathi Energy also aims to stimulate local economic development by creating job opportunities in solar technology, engineering, and maintenance. The company plans to invest in training and upskilling local talent, laying the foundation for a skilled renewable energy workforce in Sri Lanka.

This initiative supports both Sri Lanka’s target of 70% renewable energy by 2030 and global sustainability goals, notably the United Nations SDGs 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and 13 (Climate Action).

As Sri Lanka continues to face rising energy demands and environmental concerns, the entry of Sumathi Energy (Pvt) Ltd into the renewable energy sector marks a historic moment demonstrating the role that private sector leadership can play in shaping a more sustainable and energy-secure future.

The 5MW solar farm is scheduled to be fully operational in the coming months, with Mr. Sumathipala hinting at future expansions under Sumathi Energy, solidifying his position not only as a business leader and philanthropist but also as a pioneer of clean energy in Sri Lanka.

Reviving a Legacy: Jagath Sumathipala’s Lifelong Commitment to Billiards in Sri Lanka

Among the many roles he has embraced as a businessman, philanthropist, media pioneer, and cultural advocate Mr. Jagath Sumathipala’s dedication to sports, particularly billiards and snooker, remains one of his most impactful and often understated contributions to Sri Lanka.

His journey with cue sports began in the 1980s, during a time when billiards and snooker were considered niche sports, with limited access to international platforms. Determined to change that, Mr. Sumathipala took bold steps to bring global attention to Sri Lanka’s emerging talent and passion for the game.

A Historic Milestone: Hosting the 1988 Asian Snooker Championship

In 1988, under his leadership and personal involvement, Sri Lanka hosted the 5th Asian Snooker Championship a landmark event that brought some of Asia’s finest cueists to Colombo. This historic tournament placed Sri Lanka on the regional snooker map and inspired a new generation of players to pursue the sport professionally.

Support for National Icons: Championing Muhammad Lafir

Mr. Sumathipala was also one of the key supporters of Muhammad Lafir, Sri Lanka’s first world billiards champion. Recognizing Lafir’s talent and legacy, he sponsored international tours and events, giving Lafir the platform he deserved to showcase his skills and represent the nation proudly.

This personal and financial backing reflected not only Mr. Sumathipala’s love for the game but also his belief in empowering individuals who bring pride to the country.

Sustained Development of Cue Sports

Beyond individual contributions, Mr. Sumathipala has consistently advocated for the development of billiards and snooker at grassroots and professional levels. His efforts helped establish better training infrastructure, organized tournaments, and created awareness about the sport among youth.

His vision has always been clear: to elevate cue sports from a pastime to a respected discipline within Sri Lanka’s sporting ecosystem.

Sustained Development of Cue Sports

Today, many of Sri Lanka’s top cueists acknowledge the role Mr. Sumathipala has played in their journeys through infrastructure, exposure, and encouragement. His involvement with the sport spans over threedecades, and his influence continues to resonate in every cue strike played in local clubs and national competitions.

As Sri Lanka looks to the future of sports, Mr. Jagath Sumathipala’s legacy in billiards remains a shining example of how vision, leadership, and personal passion can transform entire sporting disciplines.