W. S. Hemantha Sapumohotti and Linda Gray | Emerald Isle Manpower & Travel Services
Ever thought how many conversations happen behind the scenes to fill a single job? In the bustling world of manpower and recruitment, it’s estimated that recruiters often have dozens of calls and interactions just to find the right fit for one open position—a testament to the intricate human connection at the heart of this industry.
A significant force in Sri Lanka’s contribution to this global arena is Emerald Isle Manpower & Travel Services, a leading and award-winning recruitment agency with over three decades of service. Founded by the dynamic duo of W. S. Hemantha Sapumohotti (CEO) and Linda Gray (Talent and Culture Director), the company’s inception in 1995 was rooted in understanding the challenges faced by Sri Lankan workers wanting overseas employment. Seeing firsthand instances of mismatched placements and mistreatment, their vision was to build an agency that do ethical practices and connects the right employee with the right employer, ultimately uplifting lives. From a modest start, Emerald Isle has grown into a trusted partner for over 10,000 employers worldwide, facilitating the successful placement of more than 35,000 Sri Lankans in international roles. Furthermore, the establishment of the Emerald Isle Retail Training Center (EIRTC) showcases its dedication to skill development and expanding opportunities for Sri Lankans.
“True leadership isn’t about numbers—it’s about the lives you transform. W. S. Hemantha Sapumohotti and Linda Gray have not only built a globally respected brand but have also redefined what ethical recruitment means for Sri Lanka’s future.”
In the spotlight are the influential leaders behind Emerald Isle Manpower & Travel Services, Mr. W. S. Hemantha Sapumohotti (CEO) and Ms. Linda Gray (Talent and Culture Director), in an interview for our “The 10 Most Influential Sri Lankan Entrepreneurs Driving Innovation in 2025” edition. Join us as we read about their entrepreneurial journey, their aim for empowering Sri Lankans, and the invaluable lessons they give to aspiring entrepreneurs wanting to make a huge impact.
Prime Insights: Can you share your entrepreneurial journey and what inspired you to start your company?
My journey started from humble beginnings—as a communication technician working overseas. I saw firsthand how many skilled Sri Lankans were being mistreated—not because of incompetence, but due to mismatched placements. That’s what inspired me to create a company that connects the right employee with the right employer. It was a slow start—we took a year to get our first client—but with hard work, Emerald Isle was born. Today, we’re an award-winning recruitment agency with over 30 years of impact.
Prime Insights: What is the mission of your business, and how does it drive innovation in your industry?
Our mission is simple: match people with meaningful jobs that improve their lives. That helps us to constantly innovate—using smart recruitment tools, market insights, and personalized service. Whether it’s a skilled technician or an aspiring caregiver, we make sure that the job suits both skill and spirit.
Prime Insights: What unique challenges did you face as an entrepreneur, and how did you overcome them?
As a first-generation entrepreneur, everything was a learning experience—getting licenses, building trust, and creating credibility. The pandemic brought uncertainty, as overseas job orders were canceled and borders closed. But we chose not to panic. We stayed connected with clients, prepared candidates, and waited for the right moment.
Prime Insights: Can you highlight a groundbreaking innovation or idea that your company has introduced recently?
We’ve introduced enhanced candidate-job matching algorithms and market-specific pre-departure training modules. In a post-pandemic scenario, we adapted quickly—working with clients in Europe and the Middle East to know workforce shortages early and preparing Sri Lankan workers to fill those gaps.
Prime Insights: How do you foster a culture of innovation and creativity within your organization?
We give our people ownership. From our recruitment officers to the admin staff, we encourage ideas, open discussion, and feedback. Innovation doesn’t always come from the top—it comes from those closest to the problem. We’ve had a culture where creativity is not only welcomed but expected.
Prime Insights: What role does technology play in your business model, and how are you using it for growth?
Technology helps us move faster and smarter. We’ve digitized application tracking, built responsive databases, and kept a social media presence to stay connected with job seekers globally.
Prime Insights: How has your business helped in the socio-economic development of Sri Lanka?
We’ve helped thousands of Sri Lankans to earn better, live better, and dream bigger. Our reach—from Colombo to remote towns—has opened doors for those who never imagined international employment was in their reach. We’ve served over 10,000 employers worldwide and have placed more than 35,000 Sri Lankans in overseas jobs, improving the lives of countless families. That’s real impact. We remain humble in our mission to help our people enhance their earning potential.
Prime Insights: What strategies do you use to stay ahead of market trends and consumer expectations?
Constant engagement—with clients, candidates, and market data. We study trends, attend international fairs, and adapt recruitment strategies accordingly. We also listen deeply to feedback. Staying ahead is not about guessing—it’s about learning and responding quickly.
Prime Insights: Have you worked with any other industry players? If yes, how have such partnerships driven innovation?
Absolutely. We have active partnerships in Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Africa. Working with other agencies has helped us to exchange best practices, expand our reach, and make sure our candidates meet changing global standards. These collaborations are important for our growth and continuous innovation.
Prime Insights: What CSR initiatives has your business used to give back to the community?
We practice ethical recruitment, transparent contracts, and zero exploitation. We run awareness programs on safe migration, provide training to improve candidate readiness, and offer post-placement support. Our goal is not just to send people abroad—but to protect and uplift them.
Prime Insights: How do you balance risk-taking with stability in your entrepreneurial decision-making?
By staying grounded in our values. Every bold move is weighed against the impact it will have on our people, our clients, and our reputation. During crises like COVID-19 and the subsequent economic downturn in Sri Lanka, we made proactive—not reactive—decisions. We stayed connected with our clients, supported our candidates, and adapted our strategies. This helped us to maintain stability while positioning ourselves for long-term growth.
Prime Insights: What has been your biggest milestone or achievement in your entrepreneurial journey?
From our first client in 1995 to now serving over 10,000 employers worldwide and placing more than 35,000 Sri Lankans in overseas jobs, improving the lives of countless families—it’s been an incredible journey. We’re proud to be the only SLBFE five-star-rated agency in Sri Lanka in 2014, and we’ve received Asia’s Best Employer Brand Award for four consecutive years.
Prime Insights: What qualities make an entrepreneur influential in today’s business world?
Authenticity, adaptability, and purpose. You must lead with integrity, evolve, and always remember why you started.
Prime Insights: How do you measure the success and impact of your innovations on customers?
Through real-world results—job satisfaction, long-term retention, and life transformation. We track placement success rates and client feedback, but the true measure is in the thank-you notes, the homecomings, and the dreams we’ve helped realize.
Prime Insights: Could you tell us about the Emerald Isle Retail Training Center and its mission?
Yes, the Emerald Isle Retail Training Center (EIRTC) is an important part of our broader vision to help Sri Lankans. Our mission with EIRTC is to shape the future of our workforce by providing world-class retail training and education. We want to guide individuals towards successful careers, not just in overseas placements, but also within Sri Lanka and beyond.
Prime Insights: What kind of training does EIRTC provide, and what makes it stand out?
At EIRTC, we provide comprehensive training for sales associates, assistants, and executives. Our courses equip them with theoretical knowledge and practical insights needed to excel in the retail industry. What makes our training stand out is its validation by the Retail Association of India (RAI) and approval by the Tertiary & Vocational Education Commission (TVEC) in Sri Lanka. This makes sure our programs have high international standards and are recognized locally.
Prime Insights: I also noticed that EIRTC is helping students get higher education abroad. What motivated this expansion of your services?
We recognized the increasing aspirations of Sri Lankan students for international education. Expanding our scope to assist them in applying for higher studies in foreign countries was a natural progression. We want to give personalized guidance and support these students in getting top universities worldwide, increasing their academic and professional opportunities globally.
Prime Insights: How do you see the connection between your manpower services and the retail training center benefiting Sri Lankans?
The connection is quite direct. EIRTC improves the skill set and employability of Sri Lankans, making them more attractive candidates for both local and international retail positions, which our manpower services then facilitate. The opportunity for higher education abroad, supported by EIRTC, contributes to a more skilled and globally competitive Sri Lankan workforce.
Prime Insights: What are the core values that underpin both Emerald Isle Manpower and the Emerald Isle Retail Training Center?
The core values that underpin both our ventures are integrity, empowerment, and a deep commitment to the well-being of Sri Lankans. We believe in ethical practices, transparent processes, and empowering individuals with the skills and opportunities to uplift their lives and achieve their full potential, whether through overseas employment or further education.
Prime Insights: What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs looking to make a mark in 2025 and beyond?
Start small, dream big, and don’t fear failure. Learn from everyone and stay loyal to your mission. Entrepreneurship is not a race—it’s a journey of resilience, relationships, and responsibility.
Prime Insights: What are your future goals or upcoming innovations that we can look forward to in the next few years?
We’re expanding into European markets, launching a candidate learning and skill-building platform, and enhancing our digital recruitment portal. Our vision is to become the most trusted and globally recognized recruitment partner from Sri Lanka.
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +94 77 730 4105
