The concept of auctioning was brought to Sri Lanka or Ceylon as it was then known by Mr Schokman a Burgher Planter domiciled in Hatton. On certain Sundays he used to auction furniture of colleagues leaving the Country.

Mr Schokman made friends with Mr Edwin De Alwis Samerawickreme who was the Sales Manager of Tuckers / Millers at the time and the Grandfather of the present two partners whom he met at the Horse Races at the Ceylon Turf Club.

Together they formed a partnership Company to be the pioneer Chartered Auctioneers in Ceylon. Thus in 1892 Schokman and Samerawickreme was established. Some years later with the demise of Mr. Schokman, Mr. Edwin Samerawickreme continued and preserved the business under the same name of “Schokman & Samerawickreme”.

His sons Lloyd, Derrick and Carl who joined the company were instrumental in expanding the business to Colombo with the head office in Kandy.In 1955 the other son Shirley joined his father and the brothers.Having had his early education at St Sylvester’s College, Kandy Shirley took to auctioneering like a Duck to water.

He became a master in the business and soon made a name for himself in the auctioneering field and came to be well known in all circles.With his vision for the company and the dedication for the profession, he nurtured Schokman & Samerawickreme to the status of being “THE” reputed auctioneer and Valuers in Sri Lanka. During his 50 years in the trade he expanded the business island wide.