Introduction to Sri Lanka’s E-Commerce Pioneer
Dulith Herath stands as a towering figure in Sri Lanka’s entrepreneurial landscape, rightfully earning the title of the King of E-Commerce. As the Founder and Chairman of Kapruka.com, Sri Lanka’s largest e-commerce organization, Herath has transformed how millions of Sri Lankans shop online, blending global innovation with local needs. From the bustling streets of Colombo to remote villages, his ventures have made products accessible at the fingertips, fueling economic growth in a nation where digital adoption is rapidly rising. In a country with over 22 million internet users as of recent estimates, Herath’s story inspires aspiring entrepreneurs amid Sri Lanka’s booming digital economy, projected to grow exponentially in service exports and tourism-linked commerce.
Early Beginnings and the Birth of Kapruka.com
Dulith Herath’s entrepreneurial journey began with a simple yet visionary idea: helping Sri Lankan expats send gifts and essentials back home. Founded in 2003, Kapruka.com started as a flower delivery service targeting the tech-savvy Sri Lankan diaspora in the US and beyond. At a time when e-commerce was virtually nonexistent in Sri Lanka—long before smartphones became ubiquitous in Colombo’s cafés and Kandy’s markets—Herath leveraged his education in the US and experience with tech giants like Microsoft and Dell to pioneer online shopping locally[1][2].
What began as a niche service quickly expanded into Sri Lanka’s most comprehensive e-commerce platform, offering over 10,000 products and 30 distinct services. Today, Kapruka is a billion-rupee powerhouse, contributing significantly to the national economy by creating jobs and setting web-based benchmarks. Herath’s foresight tapped into shifting consumer behaviors in urban hubs like Colombo and suburbs, where busy professionals prefer doorstep delivery over crowded Pettah markets[2][3].
Overcoming Challenges in Sri Lanka’s Nascent Market
In the early 2000s, Sri Lanka’s infrastructure posed hurdles—limited broadband, payment gateway issues, and low digital literacy. Herath addressed these by initially focusing on diaspora customers accustomed to platforms like Amazon. His persistence paid off as local adoption surged, with e-commerce growing nearly 100% year-on-year, mirroring global trends but tailored to Lankan contexts like festival gifting during Vesak or Sinhala New Year[4].
Key Ventures and Innovations Driving Sri Lankan E-Commerce
Herath’s serial entrepreneurship extends far beyond Kapruka. In 2013, he launched Kapruka Global Shop, partnering with Amazon.com and eBay to bring over 50 million international products to Sri Lankan doorsteps. This innovation bridged the gap for locals craving global brands, from electronics to fashion, without leaving the island paradise[1][2].
Diversifying into logistics, Herath co-founded Grasshoppers, an e-commerce fulfillment network revolutionizing last-mile delivery across Sri Lanka’s diverse terrain—from Colombo’s high-rises to hill country estates. Securing Sri Lanka’s country account for Amazon in 2017 enabled local producers, like tea farmers in Nuwara Eliya or spice growers in Matale, to sell on global platforms, boosting exports and rural economies[1][3].
Not stopping at digital realms, Herath ventured into hospitality with Java Lounge, Colombo’s chain of coffee shops introducing Starbucks-quality brews. Located in prime spots like Liberty Plaza and Galle Road, these outlets blend Western coffee culture with Sri Lankan hospitality, attracting youth and tourists alike[1][3]. Herath’s hands-on approach shines through; even today, he codes personally, emphasizing innovation as the lifeblood of his businesses[3].
Empowering Local Brands on the Global Stage
Herath champions Sri Lankan products worldwide. Take Dilmah Tea: through Kapruka’s networks, it’s now accessible in international hotels, much like guests find it in Colombo’s five-star properties. His cross-border fulfillment has elevated local artisans, aligning with Sri Lanka’s service-oriented economy vision, where tourism and exports thrive[3][4].
Award-Winning Leadership and Recognition
Herath’s contributions have garnered prestigious accolades, underscoring his impact on Sri Lankan entrepreneurship. In 2010, he won Sri Lankan Entrepreneur of the Year, followed by the Asia Pacific Young Entrepreneur Award in 2013. He repeated the national title in 2017, alongside CSSL ICT Leader of the Year and selection as an Eisenhower Fellow by the US-based President Eisenhower Foundation[1][3].
Further honors include the 2018 Management Leadership Award from the Institute of Certified Professional Managers and Asia Pacific Entrepreneur Award in Retail. In 2019, the Ministry of Megapolis and Western Development named him a Yakada Miniha (Superhero) in the “Pannaraya” campaign, celebrating his role in urban development and digital transformation[1]. These awards highlight his blend of tech prowess and economic contributions, inspiring programs like Sri Lanka Unites’ “Outstanding Role Models” series[4].
Impact on Sri Lanka’s Economy and Future Vision
Herath’s ecosystem has created thousands of jobs, from coders in Colombo’s IT parks to delivery riders navigating Galle’s coastal roads. Kapruka’s success has spurred competitors, fostering a vibrant e-commerce sector vital for post-pandemic recovery. With Sri Lanka’s digital economy eyeing service exports, Herath envisions the nation as a hub, leveraging tourism—think online bookings for Sigiriya treks or Yala safaris—and e-commerce growth[4].
His advice to startups: innovate relentlessly, scale smartly, and fundraise strategically—be it banks, investors, or bootstrapping. Herath encourages Lankan youth to code, dream big, and export services, positioning Sri Lanka beyond manufacturing toward a digital future[3][4][6].
Lessons for Aspiring Sri Lankan Entrepreneurs
- Start Small, Think Global: From expat gifting to Amazon partnerships, Herath scaled locally rooted ideas internationally.
- Innovate Amid Constraints: Turning infrastructure limits into opportunities via logistics like Grasshoppers.
- Hands-On Leadership: Coding daily keeps him connected to tech’s pulse in Sri Lanka’s evolving startup scene.
- Diversify Wisely: E-commerce, logistics, hospitality—balancing risks in a tourism-dependent economy.
Herath’s legacy empowers Sri Lankans, proving entrepreneurship thrives in island nation’s unique blend of culture, resilience, and opportunity.
