Business

Dilhan Fernando Appointed Adjunct Professor of Sustainability at Edith Cowan University’s School of Business and Law, Australia

Published

2 years ago

2024/06/2

From left to right: Amrit M J Fernando, Assoc. Prof. Madeleine Ogilvie, Prof. Tim Bentley, Executive Dean, School of Business and Law Prof. Maryam Omari, Prof. Peter Galvin, Dilhan C. Fernando, Assoc. Prof. Marie Ryan, Assoc. Prof Claire Lambert, Mr. Arron Jackson, Prof. Gabriel Eweje, Snr. Deputy Vice-Chancellor Prof. Arshad Omari.

The CEO and Chairperson of global tea brand Dilmah, Mr Dilhan C Fernando, has been appointed as an Adjunct Professor of Practice in Sustainability at Edith Cowan University’s (ECU’s) School of Business and Law (SBL).As Chairperson of Dilmah Ceylon Tea Company plc., Dilmah Ceylon Cinnamon Company and Kahawatte Plantations plc., Mr Fernando strives to drive innovation, sustainability and fresh consumer perspectives of the uniqueness of Sri Lankan produce, an ECU news release said.

“As managing Trustee of the MJF Foundation and Director of Dilmah Conservation, his role extends to using a minimum of 15% of the pre-tax profits from Dilmah & MJF Group companies to benefit people and nature.

“Mr Fernando played a key role in establishing Dilmah Conservation in 2007 and building on its successes with the creation of Biodiversity Sri Lanka. This organisation, recognised as Sri Lanka’s leading body for biodiversity and conservation, includes over 80 major corporate members and government representatives.” it added.

ECU’s Executive Dean for the School of Business and Law Professor Maryam Omari said Mr Fernando’s appointment was an exciting opportunity for SBL students and the wider Perth community.

“We are deeply honoured to welcome Dilhan C. Fernando to our School. His profound commitment to ethical business practices and sustainability is truly inspiring. Having Dilhan share his expertise and philosophy with our students will not only enrich their educational experience but also prepare them to become leaders who prioritise integrity and social responsibility in their careers.”

“We are excited to work with Mr Fernando to inspire a brighter future where businesses are proactive in their societal impact and social responsibility,” Professor Omari said.

Mr Fernando’s appointment would see students benefit from public lectures by an industry leader with a proven track record of running a successful business that prioritises ethics, sustainability, and kindness over pure profit.

This hands-on experience will empower students to incorporate these values into their future careers, fostering a new generation of mindful and socially responsible business leaders, Professor Omari said.

In addition to guest lectures, Mr Fernando will assist with a case study led by ECU academics, examining how Dilmah integrates kindness and sustainability into its operations. This case study will provide valuable insights into the importance of prioritising societal impact alongside business success.

“My family and Australia have an enduring connection as Dilmah was birthed in Australia when – in 1985 – Australians accepted my father’s invitation to, ‘do try it!’. My honorary role at the ECU School of Business and Law allows me to share our very practical perspective and actions connected with the obligation of kindness in business,” Mr Fernando said.

“Amidst the polycrises we face today, there is no more urgent priority for businesses than to realign to deliver social and natural value, for their own survival as well as for the benefit of future generations.”

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Business

Rs 160 million + diesel discrepancy at Lakvijaya power plant prompts probe

Published

12 hours ago

2026/09/30

Sahan Weerasooriya

The Lakvijaya power plant in Norochcholai.

By Ifham Nizam

A Rs.160 million-plus diesel discrepancy at the Lakvijaya power plant in Norochcholai has triggered an internal investigation, raising questions over the handling of public funds and the controls governing fuel purchased for electricity generation.

The discrepancy surfaced during an internal audit of diesel supplied to the plant from the Kolonnawa and Sapugaskanda fuel terminals, according to senior officials familiar with the inquiry.

The audit has identified five transactions—two in December 2025 and three in January 2026—in which diesel recorded as delivered to the plant allegedly could not be fully accounted for in its physical stocks.

The investigation is now examining whether these were isolated discrepancies or part of a longer-running practice.

One transaction under scrutiny relates to January 16, when records reportedly showed that 10 diesel bowsers had arrived at the plant. Investigators subsequently found indications that the fuel stock corresponded to only nine bowsers.

A storekeeper responsible for the relevant fuel operation has reportedly been temporarily removed from those duties pending the investigation.

A senior official said investigators were reviewing historical records amid indications that similar discrepancies may have occurred over a longer period. If established, the financial exposure could therefore exceed the Rs.160 million currently identified.

The investigation is comparing fuel-terminal dispatch records, tanker movements, plant-entry records, receiving documents and physical stocks to establish exactly how much fuel was dispatched, received and accounted for.

That audit trail will also be critical in determining who authorised, received and certified the disputed consignments, and whether established controls were followed.

Relevant documents were reportedly transferred from Norochcholai to the company’s Colombo head office on September 26 for further examination, with electricity-sector security personnel assisting in the transfer.

The internal audit has also reportedly uncovered expired chemical stocks worth several hundred thousand rupees in the plant’s stores. Investigators are examining whether further inventory-management irregularities occurred.

The matter was also reportedly taken to the Puttalam Police Special Crimes Investigation Unit on September 26.

When contacted by Puttalam-based journalist Hiran Priyankara Jayasinghe for The Island Financial Review, Lakvijaya Power Plant Manager Nalaka Kumara confirmed that an investigation was under way but declined to provide further details.

The financial issue is direct: if the plant paid for diesel it did not receive, public-sector funds were spent without the electricity sector receiving the corresponding fuel.

Business

Sri Lanka Food Processors Association holds 29th Annual General Meeting

Published

12 hours ago

2026/09/30

Sahan Weerasooriya

The Sri Lanka Food Processors Association (SLFPA) successfully convened its 29th Annual General Meeting (AGM) on September 23, 2026, at the Water’s Edge Hotel, Battaramulla. Bringing together key industry stakeholders and member organizations, the event served as a platform to review milestone achievements from the 2025/2026 term and outline strategic priorities for the nation’s food and beverage processing sector.

At the AGM, the new Executive Committee for 2027/2028 was appointed, comprising: Honorary President Aruna Senanayake C.W. Mackie PLC Imme. Past President Thusith Wijesinghe Trans Continental Packaging & Commodities (Pvt) Ltd.

President Elect Nadishan Guruge Meadlee Trading Co. (Pvt) Ltd.

1st Vice President Damitha Perera Forbes & Walkers Commodity Brockers (Pvt) Ltd.

2nd Vice President Rasika Seneviratne Diesel & Motor Engineering PLC 3rd Vice President Deepal De Alwis Neochem International (Pvt) Ltd.

Honorary Secretary Amila Weerasinghe Nestle Lanka Limited.

Asst. SecretaryDineth Alahakoon Country Style Foods (Pvt) Ltd.

Honorary Treasurer Sameera Jayathilaka Westmann Engineering Company (Pvt) Ltd.

Asst. Treasurer Niroshan Dalpethado C D De Fonseka & Sons (Pvt) Limited. In addition to the above office bearers, the following ten Executive Committee Members were appointed:

Sanjeewa De Silva Unilever Sri Lanka Limited Sheran De Alwis MA’S Tropical Food Processing (Pvt) Limited

Thusitha Ekanayake Anods Cocoa (Pvt) Ltd.

Vijitha Govinna Plenty Foods (Pvt) Limited Ms. Praharshi Wickramasekara International Commodity Exports (Pvt) Ltd.

Sanjeewa Niroshan SGS Lanka (Pvt) Ltd. Kushan Amarasinghe Finagle Lanka (Pvt) Ltd.

Rangajeewa Hettiarrachchi Fonterra Brands Lanka (Pvt) Ltd.

Harindra Abeyrathna Vision Technologies International (Pvt) Ltd. Thilina Weerasekara Ceylon Cold Stores PLC

The event was proudly supported by key industry partners, with SGS Lanka (Pvt) Ltd serving as the Platinum Sponsor. Unilever Sri Lanka Ltd. and Nestlé Lanka Ltd. joined as Gold Sponsors, Ceylon Agro Industries – Prima as the Silver Sponsor, while Lanka Exhibition & Conference Services (LECS) and Hero Nature Products (Pvt) Ltd., supported as Bronze Sponsors.

The proceedings concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Hony. Secretary Deepal De Alwis, followed by cocktails and a fellowship networking session, providing an opportunity for members to connect and strengthen industry ties.

Business

Uber brings the ‘business class of back seats’ to Sri Lanka with Uber Black

Published

12 hours ago

2026/09/30

Sahan Weerasooriya

New premium ride option expands Uber’s portfolio from affordable Moto and Tuk rides to premium on-demand travel

Uber announced the launch of Uber Black in Sri Lanka, bringing its premium ride experience to the country for the first time. Designed as the “business class of back seats,” Uber Black combines premium vehicles and highly-rated drivers for riders looking for greater comfort, quality and a more elevated travel experience.

The launch comes as demand for premium products and experiences grows across Sri Lanka, with consumers seeking greater choice and quality in their everyday experiences. Uber Black brings this choice to on-demand mobility, whether for an airport journey, an important business meeting, a special occasion or simply when riders want to travel in greater comfort.