Hatch appoints Dilhan Fernando as Chairman

Hatch yesterday announced the appointment of Dilhan Fernando as their new Chairman, marking a significant milestone for the organisation. 

Dilhan, who is also the Chairman, CEO, and Executive Director of Dilmah Tea, brings a wealth of experience and a strong commitment to sustainability and innovation, which have been instrumental in maintaining Dilmah’s leadership in the global tea industry.

Under Dilhan’s guidance, Dilmah has not only excelled in growing a globally renowned high-quality tea brand but has also prioritised social and environmental initiatives through the MJF Charitable Foundation and Dilmah Conservation. His dedication to community welfare and environmental stewardship reflects a deep-rooted commitment to making a positive impact beyond business.

Hatch Co-Founder and CTO Jeevan Gnanam said: “Dilhan brings years of experience of supporting the human spirit, and we are excited to have him on board, dawning a new era of purpose-driven entrepreneurship to enable Sri Lanka to rise to its economic challenges through entrepreneurship.” 

This sentiment underscores Hatch’s vision of fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in Sri Lanka, aligning perfectly with Dilhan’s values and experience.

Dilhan Fernando’s appointment is expected to guide Hatch as it navigates the complexities of the current economic landscape, emphasising the importance of purpose and community engagement in driving sustainable growth. His appointment is seen as a strategic move to enhance Hatch’s mission and expand its impact within the entrepreneurial ecosystem of Sri Lanka. 

Starting with just 28 start-ups, in five years, Hatch has supported over 700 start-ups. Of these, 33% of the founders are women-led or focused businesses. Hatch envisions an economy fueled by purpose-driven innovators and is on a mission to develop a thriving startup ecosystem to firmly set Sri Lanka as a startup nation.