Dulith Herath, the founder and chairman of Kapruka, is a pioneering entrepreneur who has transformed Sri Lanka’s e-commerce landscape. Known as the “Father of Sri Lankan E-commerce,” Dulith’s visionary leadership has positioned Kapruka as the country’s largest online store, serving millions of customers both locally and globally. His journey began in 2005 when he identified a gap in the market for an online platform that could connect Sri Lankans living abroad with their loved ones back home. This led to the creation of Kapruka, which initially focused on delivering gifts and expanded rapidly into a full-fledged e-commerce platform offering a wide range of products and services.
Dulith’s innovative approach to business is rooted in his early experiences. After graduating with a degree in Computer Science from the University of Kentucky, he worked for tech giants such as Microsoft in the United States. These experiences gave him a deep understanding of technology and its potential to disrupt traditional industries. Armed with this knowledge and a passion for entrepreneurship, he returned to Sri Lanka to build Kapruka from the ground up. What started as a small operation in his father’s garage has grown into a multi-million-dollar business that employs hundreds of people and partners with thousands of vendors across the country.
Under Dulith’s leadership, Kapruka has not only introduced convenience and accessibility to Sri Lankan consumers but also empowered small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) by providing them with a platform to reach a broader audience. The company’s innovative solutions, such as cross-border e-commerce and same-day delivery services, have set new benchmarks in the industry. Dulith’s commitment to customer satisfaction and quality has earned Kapruka a reputation as a trusted brand, making it a household name in Sri Lanka.
In addition to his work with Kapruka, Dulith is a passionate advocate for entrepreneurship and innovation. He has launched several initiatives to support budding entrepreneurs, including the “Start Up Hub” at Kapruka, which provides resources and mentorship for startups. Dulith is also an investor in tech-driven ventures, believing in the power of technology to drive economic growth and social change.
A recipient of numerous awards, including being named Sri Lanka’s Entrepreneur of the Year, Dulith Herath remains dedicated to pushing boundaries and redefining possibilities. His story is one of determination, resilience, and forward-thinking, inspiring a new generation of entrepreneurs to dream big and embrace the power of innovation. With his unwavering commitment to excellence and a clear vision for the future, Dulith Herath continues to play a pivotal role in shaping Sri Lanka’s digital economy.
