Access celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, having become one of Sri Lanka’s leading conglomerates since beginning operations as the sole agent for Konika photocopiers in the country back in 1989. The company has steadily grown in capacity and diversified into many areas over the past 30 years, contributing significantly to the growth of the country’s economy. Today, with an employee base of approximately 6,000, Access operates in the fields of engineering, telecommunications, water, healthcare, education, property development, automotive, power, and renewable energy. The company has also expanded its global footprint by taking on projects in the Maldives, Africa, and the Middle East, and most recently setting up an office in Myanmar. Access Group Chairman Sumal Perera said: “Access began operations in 1989 with a seven-member team, a license to sell Konika copy machines, and a desire to actively contribute to the growth of the country’s economy. We have faced and overcome many challenges over the years, only to emerge stronger and more determined to achieve our goals and contribute positively to the development of our nation. Throughout all this, our biggest asset has been our people. I am proud to say that at least 20% of our staff has been with us for over 15 years. “Many who started out as sales personnel at the inception of the company have now risen through the ranks. We have learned that investing in the development of our employees and empowering them to grow not only improves the performance of the business, but also plays a key role in retaining the right talent. That is one of the strongest pillars of our 30-year success,” added Perera. Access has celebrated many milestones throughout its history, with the most significant being constructing and operating two business towers in the heart of Colombo, building two of the main flyover bridges in the city, investing in Ninewells hospital, which is the country’s leading private medical facility for women and children, investing in Horizon University – a tertiary education institute, and being recognised and awarded by United Nations “Water for Life”.