Pelwatte Dairy announces key leadership appointments to drive growth

Friday, 14 March 2025 00:02 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Group Chief Financial Officer (GCFO) Dilantha Fernando

Group Chief Operating Officer (GCOO) Thushara Jayalath

Pelwatte Dairy Industries Ltd. has announced the appointment of two seasoned industry professionals to key leadership roles as part of its continued commitment to operational excellence and strategic growth. Dilantha Fernando joins as Group Chief Financial Officer (GCFO), while Thushara Jayalath takes on the role of Group Chief Operating Officer (GCOO). Their combined expertise is expected to strengthen the company’s ability to scale operations, improve efficiencies, and enhance overall business performance.

Dilantha Fernando brings over two decades of financial leadership across multiple industries, with expertise in business planning, P&L management, financial reporting, and investor relations. He has held senior finance roles at Maxim Group in China and Crystal Martin Ceylon, where he was responsible for optimising financial strategy and strengthening corporate governance. His experience in overseeing complex financial structures and risk management will be instrumental in ensuring Pelwatte Dairy remains well-positioned for sustainable growth. Thushara Jayalath, with more than 25 years of experience in manufacturing and operations, has led large-scale production and supply chain transformations across leading FMCG and manufacturing companies, including Unilever, Fonterra, and Avery Dennison. As a certified Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) instructor from the Japan Institute of Plant Maintenance, he has played a pivotal role in driving operational efficiency and continuous improvement across multiple manufacturing environments. His expertise in streamlining production processes, optimising cost structures, and strengthening supply chain resilience will be critical as Pelwatte Dairy expands its capabilities.

Welcoming the appointments, Pelwatte Dairy Managing Director, Akmal Wickramanayake, stated,” Pelwatte Dairy is entering a new phase of growth, and strengthening our leadership team is an important step in that journey. Dilantha and Thushara bring the right expertise to reinforce our financial and operational framework, ensuring we remain competitive while continuing to support Sri Lanka’s dairy sector. Their experience will be critical in shaping our next chapter.”

With a growing demand for locally sourced dairy products, Pelwatte Dairy is focused on expanding its production network, diversifying its product range, and strengthening its partnerships with local dairy farmers. The appointments mark a key step in aligning leadership expertise with the company’s long-term ambitions.

Since its inception in 2006, Pelwatte Dairy has played a leading role in Sri Lanka’s dairy industry, ensuring high-quality, locally produced dairy products reach consumers while maintaining a strong commitment to sustainability and ethical sourcing. With the new leadership team in place, the company is poised to build on its strong foundation and navigate the next phase of its growth strategy.

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