My name is Kanagasingam Suganthon, and I am the Managing Director of Venkadeshwara Agro Industry based in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Introduction

My name is Kanagasingam Suganthon, and I am the Managing Director of Venkadeshwara Agro Industry based in Colombo, Sri Lanka. I was born on February 12, 1982, in Jaffna, and my entrepreneurial journey began at the age of 22 when I moved to Colombo in 2001, driven by a deep passion and determination to succeed.

Starting from scratch, I established a small oil refinery in Colombo 12 and a retail shop in Pettah. With resilience and vision, I nurtured this humble beginning into what is today a recognized national brand in the edible oils and fats industry.

Factory Establishment in Jaffna (2018)

In 2018, I launched a state-of-the-art edible oil manufacturing plant in Achchuveli, Jaffna.

This factory is one of the largest in the region and includes advanced machinery for oil extraction and processing.

It also marks a significant step in our commitment to sustainability, as we integrated a 1 MW solar  panel system to power operations using renewable energy.

World Bank Recognition (2020)

One of the milestones I am most proud of came in 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. With Sri Lanka facing import restrictions on essential goods like edible oils, I developed a LKR  400 million project proposal to locally produce rice bran oil. I submitted this proposal to the World Bank,  and after reviewing its impact and feasibility, they granted me LKR 100 million to support the project. This achievement was not just a business win — it was a step toward national self-sufficiency  and sustainable food production.

Transport Sector Contribution (2010)

Apart from agro-industries, I also contributed to solving transportation challenges in Sri Lanka.

In 2010, I founded the Venkadeshwara Express bus service, which connected Jaffna and Colombo at an affordable rate,  during a time when travel between north and south was limited and expensive. The buses offer luxury seating, women’s safety, and are supported by a 24/7 hotline for bookings and customer support.

Entrepreneurial Vision & Values

Throughout this journey, I have built and led three self-made brands, all grounded in the core values of  quality, trust, and sustainability. I am committed to continuous innovation and to setting new benchmarks in the industry —  not just for business growth, but to create meaningful, lasting impact.

Reflections and Gratitude

Looking back, I am grateful for the sleepless nights, the loyal team that stood by me, and the challenges that shaped my journey. What began as a young man’s dream in 2001 has grown into a thriving enterprise that I hope inspires others. After more than 24 years in the edible oils and fats industry, I remain as passionate and dedicated 

as ever to growing, innovating, and giving back.