Pelwatte Dairy bolsters leadership team to accelerate expansion plans

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 optimizing 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, optimizing cost structures, and strengthening supply chain resilience will be critical as Pelwatte Dairy expands its capabilities.

Pelwatte Dairy’s 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.”