Blue Ocean Group of Companies, one of Sri Lanka’s most professionally governed and diversified real estate and construction conglomerates, marks over a decade of sustained industry leadership shaped by disciplined growth, strategic acquisitions, robust governance, and rising international recognition.
Founded in 2009 at a pivotal moment in Sri Lanka’s post-conflict economic resurgence Blue Ocean Group was established by Sivarajah Thumilan with a long-term vision to contribute meaningfully to the nation’s-built environment. What began as a single construction-focused entity has since evolved into a multi-sector group with interests spanning real estate development, construction engineering, interiors, logistics, education, and advisory services.
Measured Growth and Market Expansion
Over the past decade, Blue Ocean Group has played a formative role in reshaping Sri Lanka’s residential property landscape. At a time when high-quality apartment development was largely concentrated within central Colombo, the Group adopted a forward-looking strategy by extending professionally managed luxury and semi-luxury residential developments into emerging urban and suburban locations.
This approach not only broadened access to quality apartment living but also supported the decentralization of residential development across the island. Today, the Group’s development footprint spans more than 20 cities, including Colombo, Mount Lavinia, Dehiwala, Nugegoda, Ja-Ela, Nuwara Eliya, Kandy, and Jaffna—strengthening investor confidence in regional markets and contributing to balanced urban growth nationwide.
Seamless Vertical Integration Powered by Link Engineering
A defining inflection point in Blue Ocean Group’s operational evolution was the acquisition of Link Engineering, a construction giant with more than four decades of experience in delivering the highest number of complex commercial, residential, and institutional developments as a major and specialist constructor in Sri Lanka.
This strategic integration places Blue Ocean Group among a select group of Sri Lankan developers with fully integrated, in-house construction and engineering capabilities. Through Link Engineering, the Group exercises direct oversight across architectural design, structural and MEP engineering, construction management, ready-mix concrete production, aluminum fabrication, interior finishing, landscaping, and quality assurance resulting in enhanced quality control, disciplined cost management, and consistent project delivery.
Design Excellence, Sustainability, and Governance
Blue Ocean Group’s developments are distinguished by contemporary architectural design, functional planning, and durable construction standards. The Group’s philosophy of delivering “affordable luxury” has enabled a broader segment of buyers (First Class, Business Class and Economy Class) to access premium living environments without compromising on quality.
Sustainability remains central to the Group’s development ethos. Energy-efficient systems, natural ventilation, water conservation initiatives, and responsible material selection are integrated across projects, aligning operations with global Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles and reinforcing long-term environmental stewardship.
Strengthening Our Foundation through Strategic Acquisition: Sisira Builders (2014)
Founded in 1982, Sisira Builders (Pvt) Ltd is a reputable and accomplished civil and electrical engineering firm in Sri Lanka with a solid track record spanning more than 40 years. Sisira Builders, a significant Blue Ocean Group subsidiary, provides complete construction and infrastructure solutions supported by excellent craftsmanship, precise engineering, and unwavering quality standards.
The company has gained the trust of government officials, financial institutions, and private sector clients throughout the island by successfully completing a wide range of historic projects, such as roads, water supply schemes, institutional buildings, commercial developments, and upscale residential projects. Sisira Builders continues to set standards for dependability, technical excellence, and sustainable growth thanks to its modern construction methods and results-driven culture.
Driving the Next Phase of Expansion: Kelsey Development PLC (2023)
As part of its long-term institutional and capital-market-orientated growth strategy, Blue Ocean Group has acquired Kelsey Development PLC, a landmark achievement for the group's portfolio, a publicly listed real estate development company. This transaction represents a defining milestone in the Group’s evolution from a privately driven enterprise to a professionally structured, institutionally governed organization.
Kelsey Development PLC brings with it a strong public-market pedigree, having been originally established under John Keells Holdings PLC and later acquired by Janashakthi Group. Throughout its history, the company has operated within a regulated capital-market framework, adhering to stringent governance standards, statutory disclosures, and regulatory oversight.
The acquisition significantly strengthens Blue Ocean Group’s governance framework, financial reporting discipline, and compliance architecture, aligning the Group with capital-market best practices. Strategically, it enhances the Group’s ability to access structured capital, undertake larger-scale developments, and operate within an elevated accountability and risk-management environment—reinforcing its commitment to prudent capital stewardship and long-term value creation.
A Milestone That Matters: Completed Deed Transfers
In a sector where legal clarity is paramount, Blue Ocean Group takes pride in the successful completion of deed transfers for several of its prestigious apartment developments an achievement that reflects its unwavering commitment to transparency, trust, and buyer assurance.
Completed deed transfers represent the highest level of ownership security in real estate, safeguarding buyers’ rights and confirming undisputed freehold ownership an essential consideration for both local and international investors. Owners at developments located at No. 45, Alfred House Gardens, Colombo 03; No. 121, Inner Flower Road, Colombo 03; No. 15, Lillian Avenue, Mount Lavinia; and No. 22, Boswell Place, Colombo 06 etc. can now enjoy absolute clarity and long-term confidence in their investments.
At Blue Ocean Group, deed transfers are not treated as administrative formalities but as strategic commitments delivered. Through meticulous legal coordination and proactive engagement with regulatory authorities, the Group ensures a seamless, stress-free ownership experience—reinforcing its reputation as a trusted long-term partner in real estate investment.
Source: The morning
Natasha