Since its inception in July 1986, Douglas & Sons (Pvt) Ltd (DSL) has evolved from a modest auto parts importer into a pioneering leader in the automotive sector. Initially focusing on the import and distribution of tires and batteries, DSL diversified its offerings to include the manufacturing of soft toys for export, earning the prestigious status of a BOI-approved enterprise.
Today, DSL stands at the forefront of the industry, celebrated for its unwavering commitment to quality and reliability across a diverse range of products. The company’s strategic expansions into industrial power tools, agricultural equipment, and innovative transportation solutions such as solar-powered and electric scooters reflect its dedication to both growth and sustainability in response to ever-changing consumer demands.
This commitment to excellence was recently reaffirmed through the prestigious Great Place to Work® certification. This accolade not only underscores DSL’s dedication to creating a positive workplace culture but also highlights the company’s alignment with international standards to boost employee morale and productivity.Starting with a Trust Index© score of 78% in 2021, DSL earned the Great Place to Work® Certified™ status for the first time. The company built on this success by raising its Trust Index© score to 85% in 2022, while maintaining its certification. In 2023, DSL further validated its dedication to employee experience with a remarkable Trust Index© score of 92%, and secured a position on the list of the 50 Best Workplaces™ in Sri Lanka for 2024, ranking 5th in the Small Category.
In 2021, DSL embarked on its journey to enhance employee experience with its first Great Place to Work® Trust Index© survey. This assessment revealed key strengths, areas for improvement, and demographic groups needing attention. DSL used these insights to set benchmarks, conduct focus group discussions for deeper understanding, and provided culture coaching for the leadership team. The company continued to refine its practices through ongoing surveys and focus group discussions in 2022 and 2023, implementing targeted enhancements based on the feedback receive
Pradeep Gamage, Assistant General Manager – HR (People & Culture) at DSL, emphasized the company’s forward-looking strategy centered on building an inclusive workforce. “By attracting and nurturing a diverse talent pool that integrates both seasoned professionals and fresh perspectives, we are positioning ourselves to drive growth and innovation,” Gamage said. He credited the Great Place to Work certification for helping DSL identify key areas for improvement and implement initiatives that enhance employee experiences, fostering a collaborative and productive environment.
Udara Viduranaga, Assistant General Manager – HR (L&D) at DSL, added that the Great Place to Work certification has had a profound effect on the company’s performance. “Aligning with these principles has enabled us to implement flexible work arrangements, promote work-life balance, and offer career development opportunities,” Viduranaga explained. “These efforts have created a culture of openness and innovation that has significantly boosted our productivity.”
Mr. Suren Rajanathan, Group Executive Director at DSL, articulating the core principles guiding the company’s future direction. “Our values of communication, competency, collaboration, and consistency will be our compass as we navigate towards future growth,” Rajanathan , emphasized that these principles are crucial for fostering a culture of excellence and driving sustainable success.
Looking to the future, Mr. Saroj Perera, Chairman and Managing Director at DSL, outlined ambitious plans aimed at reinforcing the company’s market position and ensuring long-term growth. “Our strategy focuses on building brand pride, aligning employees with our core values, and investing in training to develop future leaders,” Perera said. He also highlighted the importance of digital transformation in enhancing efficiency, productivity, and customer satisfaction. Through these initiatives, DSL aims to continue its legacy of innovation and excellence. With these forward-thinking strategies, DSL stands poised for continued success in the automotive sector and beyond, demonstrating the power of workforce inclusivity and growth in achieving sustainable business excellence.