24/08/2026
Success does not always begin with academic brilliance. Sometimes, it begins with failure, humility, hard work and the courage to choose a different path.
The remarkable life of Tilak de Zoysa, one of Sri Lanka's respected business leaders, is a powerful example. A member of the distinguished de Soysa family and nephew of legendary businessman and philanthropist Sir Cyril de Zoysa, he went on to become a leading figure in Sri Lanka's automobile industry, chairman of 11 companies, a global humanitarian leader and a diplomat.
Tilak was the fourth son of V. T. de Zoysa, the only brother of Sir Cyril. As children, they affectionately called Sir Cyril "Loku Pappa." Although Sir Cyril was strict, he was deeply affectionate towards his nephews. Tilak remembers him not only as a successful businessman but as a man who dedicated much of his wealth to society. The Kalutara Bodhiya, Colombo YMBA, homes for the elderly and many other institutions reflected his commitment to the country.
Despite growing up in a wealthy and influential family, Tilak never believed that inherited privilege should define him. He often emphasised that whatever he achieved was earned through his own work.
As a student at Royal College, Colombo, Tilak was far more interested in sports than academics. He became the Royal Primary Wrestling Champion and later played cricket and rugby.
He decided not to pursue the conventional university route. Instead, his real university became the plantation sector.
For seven and a half years, he worked in the tea plantations of Maskeliya. He experienced everything from planting and maintaining tea bushes to plucking, weighing, drying and sending tea to auction. More importantly, he dealt directly with workers and difficult labour issues.
Living in an isolated bungalow, sometimes without electricity after 10 p.m., he faced situations that even put his personal safety at risk. But these experiences transformed him. He learned humility, discipline and, above all, the importance of respecting workers.
Before becoming a senior executive, Tilak experienced ordinary working life. In 1966, he began as a clerk at Commercial Engineering Company.
Later, he joined his brother's refrigerator business and worked in sales and after-sales service. By 1971, he had become Sales and Service Manager.
In 1978, his father asked him to return to the family business, Associated Motorways (AMW). The company was facing difficult times, employing around 1,400 people while business remained weak.
Tilak travelled to Japan with his father and began developing relationships with Nissan. His efforts helped strengthen international partnerships and grow the business. He eventually became Deputy Chairman and Managing Director of AMW.
One of his greatest professional achievements was helping introduce CEAT tyres to Sri Lanka. When CEAT's Managing Director visited Sri Lanka, Tilak took him to AMW's tyre-rebuilding facility in Kalutara and then to the Kalutara Bodhiya. During those few hours, he demonstrated not only AMW's business potential but also its history and credibility.
The response was immediate. The CEAT executive told him, "Okay, let's work together." Within two weeks, they travelled to India and signed the agreement. Tilak also played a key role in securing major international brands and agencies including Maruti, Suzuki, Yamaha and Renault.
His career eventually extended far beyond the automobile industry. He served as Chairman of HelpAge Sri Lanka for 13 years and became the first Asian Chairman of HelpAge International in England. He also served as its Global Ambassador.
His humanitarian work became one of the most meaningful parts of his life. During the 2004 tsunami, he was involved in the transparent distribution of millions of pounds in international aid. His integrity earned international trust and recognition. In 2004, he received the prestigious Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon, one of Japan's honours awarded to foreign nationals.
Tilak also served as chairman of companies including Carson Cumberbatch, CG Corp Global's Sri Lankan operations, Associated CEAT, Jetwing Zinc Journey, Dutch Lanka Trailers, Amaya Radisson, Trinity Steel and Wipro International. In total, he chaired 11 companies.
He also served as Chairman of both the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce and the National Chamber of Commerce, a distinction achieved by only a handful of Sri Lankans. He served on numerous corporate boards and was appointed to the Monetary Board of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka. He also served as Consul of Croatia for many years.
Despite these achievements, his management philosophy remains remarkably simple: listen to both sides, remain impartial, take responsibility and give people the freedom to make decisions.
He believes a good leader should build independent people not employees who constantly depend on the boss. And when someone under a leader achieves something valuable, that person should receive the credit.
His philosophy of success is equally simple: "Just do whatever you do properly."
The greatest lesson from his story is that your academic results, family background or early failures do not determine your future.
What matters is what you do with the opportunities life gives you.
Be humble. Work hard. Respect people. Give credit to others. Protect your integrity. And above all, let your work speak for you.
That is the enduring legacy of Tilak de SlZoysa.
AMW After Sales AMW Lubricants - Castrol Distributor Sri Lanka AMW Capital Leasing and Finance PLC AMW Automall
