Ebert Silva, Sri Lanka tourism pioneer and legend remembered – The Island

On March 28, 2023, Ebert Silva Holidays organized several religious and corporate social responsibility events with the Ebert Silva Foundation in memory of the late Chairman of the Ebert Silva Group , 11th anniversary of the death of founder Ebert Silva.

Ebert Silva, born on 2 November 1932, is a pioneer and legend in Sri Lankan tourism. Ebert Silva’s father, Nomis de Silva (1894 – 1953), founded a passenger transport company in 1925 with the first bus running from Colombo to Matara. He later named it “Ebert Silva Omni Bus Company Limited” after his eldest son. However, in 1953, Ebert Silva, a 21-year-old student at St Peter’s College in Colombo, was forced to take over the company due to his father’s untimely death.

One of the youngest entrepreneurs in the era of bus companies spanning some three decades, Ebert Silva has successfully expanded and operated model transport services meeting high standards of quality and service. His determination, resilience and commitment made the “Ebert Silva” brand the sole survivor of the nationalization of 36 bus companies in 1958. After the tragic loss of the Omni Bus Company almost overnight, he nurtured the Ebert Silva Touring Company and founded the company as a young 22 year old catering to tours. His shrewd and visionary leadership is a success story that has stood the test of time and spawned a national brand that has made an enduring contribution to pioneering tourism in Sri Lanka.

Ebert Silva was a pioneer in domestic tourism. As a young entrepreneur, he initiated many tour packages to lesser known and touristy parts of the island and was one of the first to launch ‘package tours’ to promote historically significant and scenic places in Sri Lanka. Under his leadership and vision, the company has built a name synonymous with tourism in Sri Lanka, receiving numerous awards and honors including the President’s Award for its quality service and contribution to the industry.

A pioneer in the tourism industry in Sri Lanka, he has contributed generously to the development and promotion of tourism and he also serves as the Chairman of the Sri Lanka Association of Travel Agents. In recognition of his lifetime contribution to Sri Lankan tourism, he was awarded the President’s Award in 2009 as a “Legendary Man” in Sri Lankan tourism. Ebert Silva was also one of the legends honored at the Sri Lanka Tourism Golden Jubilee Celebration for his outstanding contribution to the development and growth of the tourism industry over the years.

Chevrolet convertible bus

The “Ebert Silva” brand, dating back to the 20’s, stands out for its proven contributions intertwined with the island’s long history of transport and tourism. Now, 9 years later, his vision has enabled Ebert Silva Holidays to contribute another unique travel experience to the industry. The company, in partnership with the Sri Lankan Tourism Board, operates open-deck city tours, a feature of every major tourist destination in the world.

Ebert Silva has written an important and illustrious chapter for the Sri Lankan tourism industry amidst many hurdles and daunting challenges. The commitment and vision of legendary pioneers such as Ebert Silva have brought the industry to its current heights and played a key role in the development of Sri Lanka’s economy.

On the 11th anniversary of Ebert Silva’s passing on March 28, he is remembered with great love, honor and gratitude by his family and employees.