Jacob De Mel

Lakshapathiya Mahavidanalage Jacob De Mel also simply known as V. Jacob De Mel (1839-1919) was a Sri Lankan businessman, philanthropist and entrepreneur who is still regarded as one of the finest entrepreneurs of the century to have emerged in Sri Lanka.[1] During colonial times in Ceylon (now called as Sri Lanka), he dominated the business and agricultural fields with making a revolution in the Sri Lankan economy. His 100th death anniversary was remembered in Sri Lanka on 1 April 2019, coinciding with April Fools' Day.[2]

For the related same name, see Lakdasa De Mel.
Lakshapathiya Mahavidanalage Jacob De Mel
Born19 August 1839 (1839-08-19)
Moratuwa
Died1 April 1919 (1919-05) (aged 79)
NationalitySri Lankan
EducationS. Thomas' College, Mount Lavinia
Royal College, Colombo
Occupationbusiness personality, entrepreneur
Known forPhilanthropy, Entrepreneurship
Spouse(s)(Dona) Helena Ferdinando (m. 1869-1906)
Children14 (9 daughters & 5 sons including Henry De Mel)
RelativesJames Peiris (son-in-law)

Personal life

Jacob De Mel was born on 19 August 1839 in Moratuwa when British ruled Sri Lanka (British Ceylon). He was born the fifth son in his family to Francisco De Mel and Telge Leonara Peiris.[3] It is believed that his family could trace their lineage back to 1534 and were noted to have held position in the court of King Parakramabahu VI of Kotte Kingdom. The family had converted to Christianity in 1637. He pursued his primary and secondary education at Royal College, Colombo in Colombo as well as at S. Thomas' College, Mount Lavinia in Mount Lavinia.[2]

He married Dona Helena Ferdinando on 10 November 1869 in Moratuwa and the couple had 14 children including 9 daughters and 5 sons.[4] One of his daughters, Grace De Mel was married to veteran Sri Lankan politician who involved in independence movement James Peiris.[5] He died on 1 April 1919 at the age of 79.[4]

Career

The son of Francisco De Mel, a successful businessman and entrepreneur, Jacob followed his father's example in entrepreneurship combined with charity.[6] It was an era where both entrepreneurship and charity went hand in hand without looking for personal gain. He began his early career after foreseeing the potential of the plumbago industry pioneering it and subsequently became a businessman after acquiring the Ragedra mine in the district of Kurunegala.[7][8] Around 1880s, he owned one of the largest commercial houses in the nation employing a labour force of approximately 3000 employees in his mines. He also carried his interests on agriculture and started planting coconut, cinnamon and tea.[9]

In 1870, he established H. L. De Mel & Company (Private) Limited inorder to manage his plantations and other operations. The company was named after his eldest son, Sir Henry Lawson De Mel.[10] After his retirement, Henry De Mel continued the management of the company. During his tenure, he implemented a concept on 'business model' which is still being followed at the Colombo University.[11]

References
  1. Wright, Arnold (1999). Twentieth Century Impressions of Ceylon: Its History, People, Commerce, Industries, and Resources. Asian Educational Services. ISBN 9788120613355.
  2. "Remembering Jacob De Mel, a century later". Daily News. Retrieved 2019-04-01.
  3. "The Karava Marriage "Cartels" – De Fonseka". defonseka.com. Retrieved 2019-04-01.
  4. Fernando, Edith M. G. (1989). Journey of a Family. R.F.S. De Mel.
  5. "Grace De Mel". www.myheritage.com. Retrieved 2019-04-01.
  6. "Francisco De Mel and Jacob De Mel". archives.dailynews.lk. Retrieved 2019-04-01.
  7. "Appreciations". The Sunday Times Sri Lanka. Retrieved 2019-04-01.
  8. Royal Asiatic Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Ceylon Branch: Journal of the Ceylon Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society. Publication date 1888, p. 200-201.
  9. "CEYLONESE PARTICIPATION IN TEA CULTIVATION". www.historyofceylontea.com. Retrieved 2019-04-01.
  10. "satmag02". www.island.lk. Retrieved 2019-04-01.
  11. "Remembering Jacob De Mel, a century later". www.dailymirror.lk. Retrieved 2019-04-01.
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