The Nation’s leading dairy producer which sources 100% of its fresh milk from local dairy farmers, Pelwatte recently strengthened its administration and leadership. Pelwatte is on a mission to grow and sustain itself as the flag bearer dairy brand in Sri Lanka to depend solely on domestic dairy production. In order to see this mission come alive one day, it needs to have the right individuals behind it.
Starting off with the appointment of Mr. Lasantha Silva who is a well-known veteran in the dairy industry armed with many years of experience and is equipped with a Masters degree in Manufacturing Services and a MBA from the University of Colombo as the new General Manager of Pelwatte Dairy. “Brands that have their purpose as serving the country in some way are very honourable, Pelwatte Dairy is a very good example of helping the country not only at a macro level but also at a grass root level by helping farmers. I could not be prouder to serve as the general manager for an organization such as this” he added.
Mr. Darshana Perera, who is a chartered accountant and with a MBA from the University of Colombo is armed with 20 years of experience in a spread of different industries has been appointed to the board as a non-executive director. Mr. Darshana, a well-known finance marvel amongst the accountant and finance community in Sri Lanka has mentored many young prodigies as well. Upon his appointment, he added “It gives me great pride and pleasure to be part of an organization whom I have always admired for their business practices and their ability to dream bigger. The future for Pelwatte is bright and I hope to contribute towards it.”
Last but not least, one of the biggest names in the banking industry with a local and international career spanning more than 30 years, Mr. Thilak Piyadigama has been appointed as a non-executive director and he will head the Board Risk Management Committee. Thilak holds an MBA from the University of Sri Jayewardenepura and attended management development programs at INSEAD in France and at London Business School in the United Kingdom. “Pelwatte Dairy is a brand that takes quality and food safety very seriously, and I admire that about a brand. The effort they put into ensuring that every drop of milk you consume, is truly commendable. I am delighted to have joined such an organization and look to continue and improve the practices being followed” he added.
It is also notable that both Darshana and Thilak have been appointed to the Board Audit Committee which is chaired by Mr. Herschel Gunawardene who is a long serving board member and a well-respected financial veteran.
The above names, come with many years of experience in not just the dairy industry but also in corporate world locally and internationally. This helps Pelwatte Dairy move closer and closer to one day fulfilling its mission of meeting the domestic milk dairy requirement. Other members of the board include Mr. Ariyaseela Wickramanayake, Mr. Akmal Wickramanayake, Mr. Toshan Wickramanayake and Mr. Herschel Gunawardene.