Soma Edirisinghe assumed control of EAP Holdings in 1974 following the sudden death of her husband, shifting from a domestic life to leading one of Sri Lanka’s largest business conglomerates. Despite initial expectations from peers that she would liquidate the organization, she expanded the firm into 25 diverse subsidiaries spanning broadcasting, finance, and cinematic production.
Early Development and Transition
Born in Meegoda in 1939 to a farming family, she attended Meegoda Government School, Dharmapala Vidyalaya Pannipitaya, and Samudradevi Balika Vidyalaya in Nugegoda. Her entry into the commercial sector occurred unexpectedly in 1974 after the passing of EAP Edirisinghe. Stepping into the role of chairperson, she navigated the complexities of managing a conglomerate that eventually included operations in gold jewellery, insurance, vehicle retailing, and land development.
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The media arm of the conglomerate grew to become a market leader in Sri Lanka, managing two television stations and three radio stations, including Swarnawahini, Shree FM, RanOne, and E FM. Beyond broadcasting, she became a prominent figure in Sinhala cinema. Over her career, she produced 20 feature films, including Seilama, Rosa Wasanthe, and Ira Madiyama. Her film work received multiple accolades, including several Sarasaviya Awards and a Presidential Award.
Philanthropic Engagement
Beginning her charity efforts during the 1961 floods, she expanded her social welfare work significantly after her husband's death. She founded the Janasarana Foundation to assist underprivileged populations through initiatives such as the Suwanetha Mobile Eye Care Clinic and the Punarjeewa Fund for heart surgeries. In the Lions Club, she achieved a milestone in 2003 by becoming the first woman elected as District Governor of District 306 C2. Her humanitarian contributions were recognized with the Deshabandu National Award and the Deshashakthi National award.
Fast facts
- Born: 5 July 1939, Meegoda
- Died: 5 November 2015, Colombo
- Education: Samudradevi Balika Vidyalaya
- Film productions: 20
- Lions Club position: District Governor (2003–2004)
- Autobiography: Memoirs of a Glorious Life (2011)
- Children: 4
Questions readers ask
How many films did Soma Edirisinghe produce?
She produced 20 Sinhala language feature films between 1994 and 2014.
What was the Janasarana Foundation?
It was an independent non-profit organisation founded by Edirisinghe to provide healthcare, housing, and financial aid to underprivileged sectors of society.
Achievements
- Educated at Samudradevi Balika Vidyalaya
