Jacob De Mel
Lakshapathiya Mahavidanalage Jacob De Mel | |
|---|---|
| Born | 19 August 1839 |
| Died | 1 April 1919 (aged 79) |
| Nationality | Sri Lankan |
| Education | S. Thomas' College, Mount Lavinia Royal College, Colombo |
| Occupation(s) | business personality, entrepreneur |
| Known for | Philanthropy, Entrepreneurship |
| Spouse | (Dona) Helena Ferdinando (m. 1869-1906) |
| Children | 14 (9 daughters & 5 sons including Henry De Mel) |
| Relatives | James Peiris (son-in-law) |
Lakshapathiya Mahavidanalage Jacob De Mel (1839–1919), also simply known as V. Jacob De Mel, was a pioneering Ceylonese mining magnate and philanthropist who is still regarded as one of the finest entrepreneurs to have emerged in Sri Lanka. His 100th death anniversary was remembered in Sri Lanka on 1 April 2019, coinciding with April Fools' Day.