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August 22, 2023
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Sandamini Perera – Discover how she co founded and built Prime Lands into Sri Lanka’s top real estate brand, sharing her journey, challenges, and advice for women entrepreneurs.
In Sri Lanka’s ever-changing business landscape, the story of Prime Lands is remarkable not only for its scale of success but also for the determination and vision of its founders. At the heart of that story is Sandamini Perera, a pioneering female entrepreneur who helped transform a small start-up into the country’s leading real estate brand.
Over the years, Prime Lands has become synonymous with trust, innovation, and customer-first service in Sri Lanka’s property market. Today, the company is recognised as an industry leader, having diversified into housing, apartments, luxury projects, and even the Prime Lands Residencies, a name now listed on the Colombo Stock Exchange. Behind that growth stands a woman whose resilience and leadership continue to inspire a new generation of Sri Lankan entrepreneurs.
In this candid face-to-face conversation, Sandamini shares her journey from the humble beginnings of Prime Lands to building one of the country’s most respected business empires, along with her insights for aspiring women leaders.
Can you take us back to the very beginning of your journey with Prime Lands?
“My first step into this industry wasn’t glamorous at all. We started very small, with limited resources, but a big dream. I believed in creating something that would last and make a real impact on people’s lives. The main thing was that we started.”
“When we founded Prime Lands in the mid-1990s, Sri Lanka’s real estate sector was still evolving. People were cautious, and many had little faith in new developers. We had to work twice as hard to prove ourselves. But what drove us was the belief that land ownership was part of every Sri Lankan’s dream and we wanted to make that dream accessible.”
What were some of the early challenges you faced?
Sandamini says that the challenges were endless. Access to capital was difficult, convincing people to trust us was even harder. “There were days when setbacks felt overwhelming, but I held on to the belief that if you work with integrity, people will recognise it. That trust became the foundation for everything we built later.”
“In the early days, many questioned whether we could survive in such a competitive market. We didn’t have the luxury of big advertising budgets or established networks. Instead, we relied on word of mouth. Every successful customer story became a stepping stone. We made sure that every deal was transparent, every promise kept. That reputation carried us forward, and to this day, Prime Lands is known for delivering on its word.”
Prime Lands has grown into a household name today. How did you manage that growth?
“Growth doesn’t happen overnight. We focused on discipline, consistency, and always putting the customer first. I also believe in empowering the people around me. Leadership is not just about giving instructions, it’s about creating an environment where your team feels ownership and pride in the work.
“As Prime Lands grew, we diversified. We moved from just selling land to offering housing projects, apartments, and even luxury residences. With Prime Lands Residencies, we entered the vertical living segment, giving Sri Lankans modern homes in prime locations. It was not an easy transition, but we had built the credibility to expand.”
“I’m proud to say that today, Prime Lands is not just a company it’s a brand that people trust. We’ve won awards, been recognised as one of Sri Lanka’s most respected corporates, and listed our housing arm on the Colombo Stock Exchange. But the real achievement is that we’ve been able to make thousands of families homeowners. That impact is what drives me.”
What does being a woman in leadership mean to you?
“For me, leadership is about responsibility. When I entered this industry, real estate was seen as a male-dominated field. But I never let that discourage me. Instead, I focused on the work. I think when people see results, gender becomes less important.”
“That said, I also believe women bring unique strengths to leadership. We are detail-oriented, empathetic, and resilient. Those qualities have shaped the way I lead at Prime Lands. I encourage more women to see themselves as leaders not just in business but in every sphere.
What would you say to young women in Sri Lanka who want to follow in your footsteps?
Sandamini believes that financial integrity and discipline is vital for successful entrepreneurship. It is a discipline to be cultivated from the start, she adds.
“Believe in yourself, even when others doubt you. Don’t wait for perfect conditions start with what you have. Most importantly, don’t be afraid of hard work. Success doesn’t come from shortcuts; it comes from persistence and integrity. Women have the strength and vision to achieve extraordinary things, and I want to see more of them stepping forward.”
“I often meet young women who hesitate because they fear failure. My message is simple: failure is part of the journey. Every obstacle is a lesson. If I had given up at the first challenge, Prime Lands would not exist today.”
Looking back, what do you see as your greatest achievement?
“Without doubt, it’s the trust we have built. Prime Lands has become part of the lives of so many families in Sri Lanka. To know that we helped someone own their first plot of land, their first home, or their dream apartment that is my greatest reward.
As for the future, I want to see Prime Lands continue to grow, not just in scale but in impact. Sustainability, innovation, and customer-centricity will define the next chapter. And personally, I want to keep mentoring and inspiring young entrepreneurs, especially women, to take that first step.
Sandamini Perera’s journey reflects the grit and vision needed to succeed in business. From a modest start-up to Sri Lanka’s leading real estate brand, Prime Lands stands today as a symbol of perseverance and trust. For women across the country, her story is more than inspiration, it is a practical roadmap for building something meaningful, no matter how small the beginning.
As she reminds us, success is not about shortcuts. It is about consistency, courage, and believing in yourself. In her own words: “Women have the strength and vision to achieve extraordinary things.”
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