New SLAMERP boss Pushpika pledges strong advocacy for rubber industry

The Sri Lanka Association of Manufacturers and Exporters of Rubber Products (SLAMERP) has announced the appointment of Dipped Products PLC (DPL) Managing Director Pushpika Janadheera, as its new Chairman. 

An accomplished industry veteran, Janadheera comes with a wealth of in-depth industry experience which he aims to leverage towards advocacy on key industry priorities at a critical juncture in the value-added rubber sector.

Backed by his extensive experience and proven leadership abilities, Janadheera aims to use his tenure as SLAMERP Chairman to champion the cause of Sri Lanka’s value-added rubber industry, and engage stakeholders and Government on key policies reforms and efforts to expand market access for the industry. Another top priority for Janadheera will be the uplifting of raw rubber production and boosting exports of rubber products to maximise foreign earnings for Sri Lanka. 

“I am honoured to take on leadership, and I express my gratitude to our membership for the trust and confidence that they have placed in me to ensure that our industry’s voice continues to be heard and heeded. Today, our industry faces significant challenges as orders from traditional markets continue to decline. We believe that market and product diversification is the best way to overcome these challenges, and we call on all stakeholders to extend their support to this vital mission,” Janadheera said. 

With over 20 years of experience in the rubber industry, Janadheera’s journey with Dipped Products PLC began in 2017 when he assumed the position of Director of Operations. His leadership and strategic insights earned him the role of Deputy Managing Director in 2020. He continued to rise within the company, ultimately being appointed Managing Director on 1 January, in addition to being appointed as a member of the Hayleys Group Management Committee. 

Prior to joining DPL, he served as Director/General Manager at Richard Piers Tyre Co. Ltd and Director of Manufacturing at Associated Motorways.

Janadheera is a Fellow Member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka, an Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA-UK), and a member of Global Management Accountants (CGMA) of the UK. He holds a BSc (special) degree in Accountancy and an MBA from the University of Sri Jayewardenepura.

Founded in 1985, SLAMERP is dedicated to representing and advocating for rubber product manufacturers and exporters in Sri Lanka with an overarching mission to serve as the voice of the rubber product industry and all of its stakeholders. The association plays a pivotal role in shaping policies and driving growth for the sector, both domestically and internationally.

The newly elected SLAMERP committee for 2023/2024 includes Kavinda Rajapaksa (Vice Chairman), Virann De Zoysa (Hon. Secretary), Thusitha Perera (Hon. Treasurer) and Sisira Ranatunga (Director General).