Establishment of Poly Gloves Lanka (Pvt) Ltd. in Negombo by founder Graetian Gunawardhana with ten employees.
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The story of Hands International Group is one of ambition, resilience, and purpose. Founded in 1987 by the late Graetian Gunawardhana, the Group began as a modest family venture that grew into one of Sri Lanka’s most respected and diversified conglomerates.
Before entering business, Mr. Gunawardhana served for over twelve years in the Sri Lanka Police Department, a tenure that shaped his discipline, leadership, and sense of duty. With the earnings from overseas employment, he invested his savings to establish Poly Gloves Lanka (Pvt) Ltd., a small glove manufacturing enterprise operating out of a family home in Negombo with another ten employees.
From the beginning, his mission was clear: build a business rooted in trust, quality, and opportunity. What began as a simple local operation soon evolved into a pioneering export company serving global markets.
The story of Hands International Group is one of ambition, resilience, and purpose. Founded in 1987 by the late Graetian Gunawardhana, the Group began as a modest family venture that grew into one of Sri Lanka’s most respected and diversified conglomerates.
Before entering business, Mr. Gunawardhana served for over twelve years in the Sri Lanka Police Department, a tenure that shaped his discipline, leadership, and sense of duty. With the earnings from overseas employment, he invested his savings to establish Poly Gloves Lanka (Pvt) Ltd., a small glove manufacturing enterprise operating out of a family home in Negombo with another ten employees.
From the beginning, his mission was clear: build a business rooted in trust, quality, and opportunity. What began as a simple local operation soon evolved into a pioneering export company serving global markets.
As demand for Sri Lankan industrial products grew, Mr. Gunawardhana’s business secured its first major international partnership with Edmond, an American glove manufacturer. With technical guidance from the partner (name?) and an unrelenting commitment to excellence, Poly Gloves Lanka expanded rapidly, transforming the backyard workshop into a fully operational industrial facility.
In 1996, the company underwent a major transformation with the establishment of Hands International (Pvt) Ltd., which unified all glove manufacturing operations under a single corporate entity. This marked the formal beginning of the Hands International Group and its transformation.
The company’s facilities expanded from one acre to over 20 acres in Seeduwa, employing more than 3,000 workers. Its exclusive partnership with Ansell Inc., a globally recognized manufacturer of protective industrial gloves, further elevated the Group’s international standing. For over 24 years of unwavering collaboration, Hands International has blossomed into one of Sri Lanka’s most prominent and influential exporters of industrial gloves, with a goal to make a lasting impact on the nation’s industrial landscape.
By 2014, the company had grown from an initial annual turnover of USD 1 million to over 30 times that value, demonstrating consistent and exponential growth.
As demand for Sri Lankan industrial products grew, Mr. Gunawardhana’s business secured its first major international partnership with Edmond, an American glove manufacturer. With technical guidance from the partner (name?) and an unrelenting commitment to excellence, Poly Gloves Lanka expanded rapidly, transforming the backyard workshop into a fully operational industrial facility.
In 1996, the company underwent a major transformation with the establishment of Hands International (Pvt) Ltd., which unified all glove manufacturing operations under a single corporate entity. This marked the formal beginning of the Hands International Group and its transformation.
The company’s facilities expanded from one acre to over 20 acres in Seeduwa, employing more than 3,000 workers. Its exclusive partnership with Ansell Inc., a globally recognized manufacturer of protective industrial gloves, further elevated the Group’s international standing. For over 24 years of unwavering collaboration, Hands International has blossomed into one of Sri Lanka’s most prominent and influential exporters of industrial gloves, with a goal to make a lasting impact on the nation’s industrial landscape.
By 2014, the company had grown from an initial annual turnover of USD 1 million to over 30 times that value, demonstrating consistent and exponential growth.
In 2014, Hands International entered a new phase of strategic evolution. Following an acquisition offer from its long-term partner Ansell, the Group transferred its glove manufacturing operations and workforce while retaining ownership of its extensive land and infrastructure.
This milestone marked the beginning of the Group’s diversification era. Guided by a clear vision for sustainable growth and national contribution, the company began investing in industrial real estate, commercial properties, and industrial parks to support Sri Lanka’s expanding manufacturing base.
Over time, the Group diversified into multiple sectors, including real estate, apparel and manufacturing, agriculture, food and beverage, construction, insurance, IT solutions, trading, investment, and client ventures. Each sector operates under the Group’s principles of integrity, innovation, and value creation, reflecting its enduring entrepreneurial spirit.
Hands International Group continued to thrive through global challenges and shifting market conditions. The company’s investments were strategically aligned with future growth sectors and national priorities, balancing heritage with innovation.
In the apparel sector, the Group focused on high-quality manufacturing, technological advancement, and ethical production standards. In agriculture, it invested in export-oriented and sustainable farming, while in IT and AI, it began driving digital transformation for modern businesses. Its future roadmap includes expansion into travel and tourism, education, and AI-driven business solutions, reflecting a forward-thinking approach to diversification and value creation.
This evolution embodies the Group’s long-term philosophy which is to build enduring enterprises that serve both economic and social progress.
Hands International Group continued to thrive through global challenges and shifting market conditions. The company’s investments were strategically aligned with future growth sectors and national priorities, balancing heritage with innovation.
In the apparel sector, the Group focused on high-quality manufacturing, technological advancement, and ethical production standards. In agriculture, it invested in export-oriented and sustainable farming, while in IT and AI, it began driving digital transformation for modern businesses. Its future roadmap includes expansion into travel and tourism, education, and AI-driven business solutions, reflecting a forward-thinking approach to diversification and value creation.
This evolution embodies the Group’s long-term philosophy which is to build enduring enterprises that serve both economic and social progress.
Founder
Hands International Group
The success of Hands International Group remains a tribute to the vision of Graetian Gunawardhana, who was awarded the ‘Asia Pacific Entrepreneur of the Year 2013’ by the Asia Pacific Enterprise Awards (APEA). His leadership transformed a single idea into an industrial empire. His entrepreneurial courage, moral integrity, and belief in empowering people laid the foundation for generations of growth.
Beyond building factories and businesses, he also created livelihoods, strengthened communities, and inspired countless individuals to dream beyond boundaries. His life’s work continues to guide the Group’s values, emphasizing stewardship, unity, and the responsibility to create positive change.
Today, his legacy is carried forward by a new generation of leadership that upholds his principles while steering the Group toward new frontiers of innovation and excellence.
Founder
Hands International Group
Co-Founder
Hands International Group
Mrs. Sriyani Gunawardhena, Co-Founder of Hands Group, played a vital role in building the organisation alongside her husband, Graetian Gunawardhana. Together, they established a foundation rooted in compassion, service, and a strong sense of responsibility toward society with principles that continue to define the Group’s ethos.
Her commitment to community upliftment extends beyond the Group through her role as Chairman of the Lion Graetian Gunawardhana Kidcare Trust, where she continues to champion child welfare and long-term social development initiatives. Her quiet leadership and enduring dedication have been instrumental in ensuring that social impact remains an integral part of the Hands Group story.
Establishment of Poly Gloves Lanka (Pvt) Ltd. in Negombo by founder Graetian Gunawardhana with ten employees.
Partnership formed with Edmond, USA, leading to rapid industrial expansion and export growth.
Incorporation of Hands International (Pvt) Ltd. and amalgamation with Poly Gloves Lanka.
Expansion to a 20-acre industrial complex in Seeduwa, employing over 3,000 workers and supplying exclusively to Ansell Inc.
Founder Graetian Gunawardhana recognized as Asia Pacific Entrepreneur of the Year by the Asia Pacific Enterprise Awards (APEA).
Sale of glove manufacturing operations to Ansell Inc.; Group transitions to industrial real estate and diversified investments.
Expansion into apparel, agriculture, construction, IT, insurance, trading, and food and beverage sectors.
Hands International Group emerges as a diversified Sri Lankan conglomerate with strategic growth plans in tourism, education, and AI-driven solutions.
Establishment of Poly Gloves Lanka (Pvt) Ltd. in Negombo by founder Graetian Gunawardhana with ten employees.
Establishment of Poly Gloves Lanka (Pvt) Ltd. in Negombo by founder Graetian Gunawardhana with ten employees.
Establishment of Poly Gloves Lanka (Pvt) Ltd. in Negombo by founder Graetian Gunawardhana with ten employees.