Prasad new Chairman of Sustainable Energy Authority

Prasad Galhena takes office as the new Chairman of Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority with effect from yesterday. Having a proven track record of turning around several failing state institutions, he brings in a wealth of experience in management with the view to make a positive impact on the development of the industry.

As SEA Chairman, Galhena intends spearheading a drive to ensure, at least 20% of the total energy requirement of the country will be achieved through sustainable sources by the year 2020. This will contribute to a considerable reduction in the import of fossil fuel.

As Chairman of Gem and Jewellery Authority Galhena has cleared several pressing issues, some of which were outstanding for over a decade. The year 2012 was the best performing year for the Gem and Jewellery Authority in its 41 year history. This year also saw the highest bonus paid, highest number of licenses issued, highest number of raids conducted on unlicensed mines, high exports and the highest closure of unauthorised mines. However with the introduction of heavily supervised mechanised mining, unproductive mines have now begun to show profit and this gave the mining industry a boost as a whole.

During his 15 month tenure, issues in the mining industry, exporting and the administration were put right. The mechanism has been set in motion to make Ratnapura Regional Office a one stop shop for those in the industry. Presently a prospective mine owner has to visit several offices to get the license to operate a mine. The Ratnapura Gem Museum is also on the slate and will be opened shortly. Further on developments a tourist shopping street has opened on Demuwawa Road. This will have all attractions for the tourist visiting Ratnapura. ‘Idar Oberstein’ a city in Germany which is the centre of the Gem industry in Europe will sign a memorandum making Ratnapura its twin city. The agreement will be signed by the Mayors of both cities. He leaves the Gem and Jewellery Authority a better place. Expansions initiated by him are the lab facilities and establishing regional centres for the purpose of assaying and hallmarking facilities of Jewellery in Colombo, Galle, Kandy and Jaffna.

As Director Finance of Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd., which was then incurring substantial loss he turned it around to a sizable profit within a short period. Subsequently when appointed the Chairman of Laksala which at that time was on the verge of closure, he made it a profitable venture. There was an introduction of several new divisions and branches during his tenure. New product lines were also introduced and all outstanding to craftsman were settled.   As the Chairman of the Shipping Corporation during the period of 18 months several new divisions were added and profitable ventures were undertaken. The Ferry Service, Feeder Service for Vessels  for India and Bangladesh, a Freight Logistics Division created, Personal Baggage Handling, the transportation of coal for the Norochcholai  power plant are among some  ventures initiated by him, thus generating the highest profit shown in the last two decades.  

Prasad Galhena has a BBA (Hon) 1st Class and MBA (Hon) from the University of Colombo, is a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Management Accounting (CIMA - UK) and past finalist of both the Chartered Institute  of  Accountants Sri Lanka and the Charted Institute of Marketing UK.