Dulshanka Jayathilake of Wattegoda Estate makes history as Best Young Entrepreneur

Dulshanka Jayathilake, Senior Manager, Wattegoda Estate, was the proud recipient of the Star Award for the Best Young Entrepreneur in manufacturing sector, large category at ‘State Star Awards 2019’ organised by the Department of Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Promotion of the Ministry of Industries of the Central Province. 

Jayathilake who is the first-ever winner of this coveted award in the estate plantation sector, received the award at a gala event graced by Governor of Central Province Lalith U. Gamage and held recently at The Royal Kandian Hotel in Kandy. 

With 11 years of experience in the estate sector, Jayathilake immensely contributed to uplift Wattegoda estate and its tea factory. Having understood the fact that the way and attitude of working need change in order to upgrade the quality of raw tea leaves, he initiated a series of personal development programs. Consequently yield of raw tea leaves and tea production went up considerably during the last three years. 

Under Jayathilake’s stewardship Wattegoda estate was able to receive a number of national and international accolades including Silver Award in ‘Energy Efficiency 2019’ organised by The Ethical Tea Partnership of Great Britain and second place of Dimbula division at Tea Exporters Awards 2018. At Colombo tea auction, Wattegoda estate made history by recording the all-time highest price twice and weekly highest price 24 times in 2018 and 21 times in 2019. All these achievements have a special significance as they came after Dulshanka Jayathilake assumed duties at Wattegoda Estate. 

Wattegoda Estate and the tea factory, managed by Thalawakale Tea Estate PLC under Heyles Plantation Services, engages in many social services. Commenting on the achievements, Dulshanka Jayathilake remembered the contribution of the senior management and all the employees with gratitude.