It all began in the 1920s when Agampodi Nomis de Silva, a young man with exceptional entrepreneurial skills hailing from a small town in southern Ceylon, as Sri Lanka was known then, arrived in Colombo with his fascination for the motor vehicle and his dream of starting a passenger transport service deeply etched in his heart.

In a story of classic entrepreneurship braced with unwavering determination and hard work, Nomis de Silva established himself in Dehiwala, close to the capital city. In 1925 he was able to operate his first bus between two significant cities in the island, Colombo and Matara. From the start he was committed towards ensuring passenger safety and comfort in his buses unlike most operators of the time. Before long his fleet expanded and transport services were operated from Colombo to Jaffna, the northern-most city in Sri Lanka, in addition to many other main routes in the island.

In 1942, with the objective of streamlining bus services the government directed bus owners to incorporate their services into limited liability companies. At this significant juncture Nomis de Silva incorporated his bus service as ‘Ebert Silva Omni Bus Company Ltd.’, adorning his buses with his eldest son’s name. The untimely demise of Nomis de Silva following a brief illness at the age of 59, in 1953, was a major devastation to strike the family and business. This compelled a very young Ebert as the eldest son to take over the reins of the company as the Chairman and Managing Director, at the age of 21. It was an arduous and most challenging period of time for this young man as he strived to successfully steer the company forward whilst maintaining the same high standards of service.

The Sansoni Commission was appointed to look into the grievances of the public and record their complaints against the inadequacies and deficiencies of bus services around 1954. Ebert Silva’s hard work paid off when the Sansoni Commission among their other findings recorded Ebert Silva Omni Bus Company as the only company against which there were no complaints from the public. It was recognized to have operated a model transport service with safety, comfort and punctuality, adhering to precise time tables and complying with stipulated quality and safety requirements.  Thus, Ebert Silva Omni Bus Company was acknowledged as a model transport company and selected the ‘Best Bus Company’ in the island by the Sansoni Commission.

Youngest among the bus magnates of the era, Ebert Silva while managing the Omni Bus Company diligently and efficaciously, as a dynamic and astute 22 year old diversified his operations beyond public transport, foreseeing the sparks of an emerging new industry, tourism.  The new company was part of his vision to nurture and develop tourism, which he foresaw to have great potential in driving Sri Lanka towards development and prosperity. He commenced operations with only two second hand cars that were deployed at the Jetty of the Colombo harbor and the Mount Lavinia Hotel for foreign visitors. Later, under his leadership and guidance the company soared to great heights to be a leading and much admired and respected travel agent and tour operator in Sri Lanka.  Thus young Ebert Silva, was among the pioneers that helped lay firm and strong foundations to Sri Lanka’s tourism industry and help nurture it to reach its present heights.

December 31^st, 1957, saw the nationalization of the 76 bus companies that were in operation in the island. Ebert Silva Omni Bus Company with its fleet of 68 buses and other bus companies ceased to exist from 1st January 1958 with their fleets and assets being absorbed to form the Central Transport Board. Though other transport giants crumbled and collapsed post nationalization and were swept into oblivion, the determination and commitment of young Ebert Silva made him to endure and brave through this darkest time in Sri Lanka’s motoring history.

Undeterred and unshaken and with greater courage and determination he began his journey once again. His spirit and tenacity made the brand ‘Ebert Silva’ the sole survivor of the bus company era.  Despite extreme and challenging times and under grueling circumstances, Ebert Silva never compromised the quality of his service which he thereafter rendered to both local and foreign tourists. As a young entrepreneur he also initiated many tour packages to less seen and travelled places in the island of historical importance and scenic beauty with the vision of promoting domestic tourism.  The concept of ‘package tours’ among Sri Lankans to experience places of interest in the island was thus introduced. His vision, innovation, integrity and compliance to high standards won the trust of his patrons through the years.

Liberalization of the economy in 1978 enabled the tourism sector to be among the key segments that created employment and attracted foreign exchange as well as foreign investments in Sri Lanka. At these economic crossroads Ebert Silva contributed significantly to the realm of the tourism industry in an unprecedented and unparalleled manner. His valuable and expert contribution was extended to the advancement and promotion of the industry with him also serving as the President of the Travel Agents Association of Sri Lanka. Ebert Silva, a pioneer in Sri Lanka’s travel, transport and tourism arenas have been felicitated and his services recognized with prestigious awards and accolades for its excellence, on numerous occasions. His life time contribution and passionate commitment was also recognized with the prestigious Presidential Award as a ‘Legend’ in Sri Lanka’s travel and tourism.

Ebert Silva’s vision, leadership and guidance enabled him to withstand the test of a lengthy period of time and ascend to inscribe his name as a unique brand and success story synonymous with excellence, integrity and trust in Sri Lanka. Today, ‘Ebert Silva’ is a much respected and valued brand and an admired leader in Sri Lanka’s travel, transport and tourism as it moves forward with the same values and excellence.