In 1963, Sri Lanka witnessed a groundbreaking moment in its industrial history. On the 4th of April, a remarkable innovation was introduced to the island nation: the first Sisil refrigerator. This milestone was not just a triumph of technology but a testament to the vision and engineering brilliance of a Sri Lankan named Jerry Wijesinghe.
A Vision Born from Experience
JW’s journey towards creating the Sisil refrigerator began far from the shores of Sri Lanka. Employed by General Electric (GE) in England, Jerry gained invaluable experience and insight into the manufacturing processes that produced high-quality refrigerators in Europe. His time at GE ignited a vision within him—he wanted to provide the people of Sri Lanka with a product that matched the standards of any refrigerator made in the West. This was a bold ambition for a young engineer returning home from abroad
The Birth of Sisil -Jerry Wijesinghe
Upon his return to Sri Lanka, Jerry set to work on realizing his dream. With determination and a deep understanding of engineering, he began the process of manufacturing his own refrigerator. However, dreams of this magnitude often require the support of others. Enter Sir Cyril de Zoysa, a man who not only believed in Jerry’s vision but was also willing to invest in it. With Sir Cyril’s financial backing, the first Sisil refrigerator was born—a locally manufactured product that stood as a symbol of Sri Lankan ingenuity and self-reliance.
The brand name “Sisil” itself carries a personal touch; it was the brainchild of Jerry’s wife, Doreen Wijesinghe. Under this name, the refrigerator quickly became a household essential, offering Sri Lankans the luxury of preserving their food and drink with a high-functioning cooling device. Sisil became the first and only brand of refrigerator in Sri Lanka, dominating the market as the best-selling refrigerator in the country until the late 1990s.
Beyond Refrigeration: The Metalix Engineering Company
JW talents extended far beyond refrigeration. He was a man of many innovations, a fact evidenced by his founding of the Metalix Engineering Company. Starting from scratch, Metalix became a powerhouse in manufacturing, producing a variety of products including instrument boxes for schools, electrical kettles, domestic equipment, and office furniture.
However, the company’s contributions didn’t stop there. Metalix Engineering went on to become the leading manufacturer of bridges in Sri Lanka, further showcasing Jerry’s diverse engineering capabilities. They also pioneered the introduction of MSC BS for power installations in Sri Lanka and grew to be the largest producer of electrical distribution panels in the country.
A Legacy That Endures
JW passed away in 2007 at the age of 82, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire. His contributions to Sri Lanka’s industrial landscape are immense, yet many in the younger generation are unaware of the man whose experiment laid the foundation for an entire industry.
The story of JW is not just about a refrigerator; it’s about vision, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. His work, whether in refrigeration or electrical engineering, stands as a testament to what one individual can achieve with determination and support. Today, as we look back on his achievements, we are reminded that the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship is not bound by geography—it is the result of vision, hard work, and a commitment to making the world a better place.
JW may no longer be with us, but his legacy lives on, both in the Sisil refrigerators that were once a staple in Sri Lankan homes and in the enduring success of the Metalix Engineering Company. His life is a reminder of the power of engineering, innovation, and the impact one Sri Lankan man can have on an entire industry.
