By: Staff Writer
September 30, Colombo (LNW): Hanif Yusuf, a distinguished businessman and former CEO of Expolanka Holdings PLC, officially assumed his role as the Governor of Sri Lanka’s Western Province, marking a significant moment in his career. Appointed by President Anura Dissanayake,
Business leader Yusuf brings extensive business experience and a reputation for excellence to his new role. His appointment also highlights the contributions of the Memon community, to which he belongs, recognizing their role in driving Sri Lanka’s economic development.
Yusuf, who has built a global business empire across 40 countries, emphasized that real progress is measured by the welfare of the underprivileged, not just the accumulation of wealth by the rich.
He highlighted the need for an inclusive approach to development that benefits all sections of society. He also stressed the importance of tackling corruption and called for collective efforts to bring about the change that citizens demand. “Eliminating corruption is difficult but not impossible if we work together,” he said, committing to use his skills to address this challenge.
Reflecting on his new role, Yusuf acknowledged the complexity of the task ahead but remained optimistic, stating that his extensive experience in business and leadership positions him well to contribute meaningfully to the province’s progress. “This is not something I can do alone,” he noted, underscoring the need for collaboration among stakeholders.
Yusuf’s journey from a local entrepreneur to a global business leader is inspiring. Born in the bustling district of Kollupitiya, Colombo, his family traces its roots back to Gujarat, India. His father was granted Sri Lankan citizenship in 1953, under Prime Minister John Kotelawala, and the family has been deeply committed to their adopted homeland ever since.
Yusuf received his education at the prestigious Royal College in Colombo, and later co-founded Expolanka Holdings in 1978. Under his leadership, the company grew from a small family business into a multinational enterprise spanning logistics, leisure, and information technology sectors, operating in over 39 countries.
Yusuf’s achievements have been recognized with numerous awards, including the ‘Legend of Logistics’ award in 2022 and the ‘Asia Pacific Entrepreneurship Special Achievement Award’ in 2013. These accolades highlight his pivotal role in shaping Sri Lanka’s logistics industry and his commitment to excellence.
As he embarks on his new journey as Governor, Yusuf’s appointment not only honors his personal achievements but also serves as a recognition of the Memon community’s contributions to Sri Lanka’s economy. His leadership symbolizes resilience, entrepreneurship, and innovation, inspiring future generations to continue building on this legacy.
In his new role, Yusuf promises to foster development and innovation while prioritizing the welfare of the people. His leadership is expected to bring positive changes to the Western Province, driving growth and inspiring others to contribute to the nation’s progress.
