In 1948 five brothers  established Shums and Company. The Company operations revolved around Trading and exports of natural rubber, spices, coconut products and other produce from Ceylon - now called Sri Lanka.

A pioneer in the exports of Natural Rubber, spices and coconut products, the Company has now diversified into imports and exports, trading, travels, plantations, fruit canning, gems and jewellery, agency representatives, the entertainment industry and a host of other spheres. The Company was first situated in Maliban Street, Colombo 11 and relocated in Fort, Colombo 1 afterwards. At the time, Fort was considered one of the most commercial trading areas in Ceylon.

Over the years the Group has diversified into several areas of business with a large work force and presently owns many subsidiaries and associate companies in Sri Lanka and overseas. The Company imports include Chemicals, Foodstuffs, Hardware items, Hair Care products, Cosmetic and Fresh Fruits and the Group is constantly looking out for new products to meet the local demand.