Features

Returning to Sri Lanka, becoming MD of Reckitt’s in SL at age 33 and then Chairman

Published

3 years ago

2023/11/26

Exporting charcoal to New Zealand. Dr. Seevali Ratwatte, the prime minister's brother, who was Chairman of the Export Development Board is in the middle, Lalith at left and Asoka de Lanerolle of the EDB at right.

(Excerpted from the memoirs of Lalith de Mel)

He returned to a Sri Lanka going through a difficult phase due to the JVP uprising. There were curfews and a sense of fear in the air. His predecessor in Sri Lanka had a young family and was glad to get away from the chaos that prevailed and left a few days before he returned.

There was the usual tension that prevails when a colleague becomes the boss. He left for Brazil as a colleague and returned as the boss. This was short-lived as it was not a complete surprise and they probably expected it to happen.

He had a very relaxed style. No ties, short-sleeved shirt to work, and coloured tunic top and sarong in the evenings (he still does this) and everyone was asked to call everyone including the MD by their first name. This was a big change. The foreign MDs wore a jacket and tie but took the jacket off when they got to their office. The immediate direct reports referred to the MD as ‘Mister’. No first names.

A difficult economic environment

During his entire period as Managing Director, there was a difficult external environment. The Trotskyis version of Marxists had joined Mrs. Bandaranaike’s Government and were destroying the economy. They pushed through land reform, a ceiling on housing, and the nationalization of the estates. It was done in a hurried and unplanned fashion and instead of leading to a resurgence in economic activity, it led to a collapse of the economy. Import licences for raw materials were restricted, leaving no room for new activities and expansion

Pharmaceuticals

Over the years he had developed a special affinity for pharmaceuticals. He worked closely with the UK Pharmaceutical division which provided support and guidance to the overseas businesses. He had regular technical discussions with them about creating promotional material for doctors and whenever there was a pharmaceutical conference anywhere in the Group he was invited to attend.

This letter from the UK Group Director responsible for Pharmaceuticals illustrates their respect for him as a pharmaceutical man.

“Your letter reference 349 of June 2 on the merits of Disprin in comparison with ordinary Aspirin has been the subject of close and detailed study by myself and my colleagues in the Pharmaceutical Division. I apologize for the length of time it has taken to reply to it but I can assure you that this is rather a mark of the seriousness with which the matter has been approached rather than of neglect.

“There is little doubt that your efforts in Sri Lanka with some assistance from the UK have succeeded in producing the best possible case for Disprin based on all available evidence. So effective is it, in fact, that the Pharmaceutical Division is itself adopting much of it incorporation in their own activity.”

This was the start of being recognized as very competent pharmaceutical man and from then on he worked with them as a member of the top pharmaceutical team whilst performing his various regional director roles. This eventually resulted in his appointment as the Group Director for Worldwide Pharmaceuticals.

The pharmaceutical industry was under attack. Prof Bibile had a plan that he fortunately could not implement. His plan did not make good sense. His plan to ban brand names completely was nonsensical. A person wanting a bottle of Dettol would have had to ask for Chloroxylenol solution. His concept of a limited formulary of drugs was shot down by the medical profession. When all this was floundering, his grand plan was to make the multinational pharmaceutical companies contract manufacturers for his State Pharmaceutical Corporation. They were summoned for a meeting chaired by Dr. N.M. Perera.

He was then Chairman of the Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association. After consulting their respective parent companies, they had adopted a common position. Despite being harangued and threatened by Dr. N.M. Perera, the manufacturers flatly refused to manufacture for Prof. Bibile. Then Bill Williams, Managing Director of the Pfizer business, pointed out forcefully that if they were not paid full, fair, just and equitable compensation, the US Hickenlooper Amendment would kick in, which would prevent the USA providing aid in any form to Ceylon.

There was a stunned silence and then Dr. Perera proclaimed that the industry would be nationalized. Nothing happened thereafter. It was an end to the fanciful dreams of Prof Bibile, who then left our shores and died shortly thereafter.

The Marxists were kicked out of the Government but the economy continued to struggle. He continued what he had been doing before he went to Brazil, namely growing the brands, but he had to move out of the seat of driving brands as a Marketing Director.

However, he kept his finger on marketing as in those times it was very much a command and control culture. Managing Directors gave directives and management executed them. There was discussion and senior managers had the opportunity to express their views but there was no delegation of key decision-making.

An interesting diversion from the difficult business environment was the marketing of condoms. The International Planned Parenthood Federation in the UK wanted to experiment with mass marketing of condoms. They were available at that time all over the world, but only in pharmacies. To make an impact in terms of birth control, it was important to make them available through the retail network.

The IPPF had identified Ceylon as the market to test this concept. They had persuaded Anandatissa de Alwis who had an advertising agency to take on the advertising for this project. Ananda who was an old friend then approached him and wanted him to participate in developing the marketing concept and wanted Reckitt & Colman to handle the distribution. He (Lalith) was quite convinced that it was a good social marketing project but he had the daunting task of getting approval from the lords and masters in the UK.

So he wrote them a nice letter and was pleased that they were very positive and gave the OK to market condoms in Sri Lanka. Now they agonized over a name and the name eventually selected was Preethi. He returned home and told his wife that at long last they found a name and it was Preethi. She smiled and reminded him that it was her first name, and so he had said, “Now you’ll be famous, your name will be on every packet of condoms!”

The project was very successful. IPPF was very pleased. From then on condoms have been freely available in the retail network. He was very happy to have been a part of this campaign.

They were difficult times and they had to look for various innovative ideas to grow the business. One such project was to export charcoal for barbecues to New Zealand.

He was very keen to market bottled water but he could not convince Corporate HQ in UK that this was a feasible proposition. Looking at what has happened with bottled water, it was a tragedy that it was not implemented. During this time he played an active role with a few others to create the Sri Lanka Institute of Marketing (SLIM). He was the third President of SLIM.

Reckitt & Colman of Ceylon was a public company and when he was the Managing Director, the Chairman of the company was John West, who was the Chairman of Reckitt & Colman of India. He came four times a year for Board Meetings. But in 1975, it was decided that the Indian Chairman need not visit and Lalith was made the Chairman of the company. That was the first time a Sri Lankan was a Chairman of a multinational company in Sri Lanka. He reported to a Regional Director based in Corporate HQ, which by then had moved from Hull to London.

He visited the business from time to time and so did various corporate staff. His Regional Director reported to Ted Wright, the Main Holding Board Director responsible for all the overseas businesses.

Ted Wright was of course a powerful individual in the Group and he too would visit overseas businesses. He made a visit to the businesses in the sub-continent and came to Sri Lanka when he was Chairman. When Lalith next went to Corporate HQ on one of his regular visits, he was asked to see Ted Wright. After a little chat about the business and the country, he was asked whether he would come and work at Corporate HQ in London.

He was very happy in Sri Lanka. He had no problems managing the business and there were early signs that there could be a change of government in the offing with a new government that was supportive of the private sector.

But he realized he could not continue to be Chairman of Reckitt & Colman Sri Lanka forever and that if he didn’t move, after a few years they would probably want to have a new head for the Sri Lankan business. So with some reluctance he agreed to move to the UK. At that time he was not sure about his exact job. He was told the grade, which was one rung below a main board director and that the role would be at Corporate Headquarters. So he had many discussions with various people including Ted Wright in London and the final decision was that he would be appointed a Regional Director in London and he would take over the role from his then boss.

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Features

Complexities in global politics deepen as economic pressures intensify

Published

5 hours ago

2026/08/27

Sahan Weerasooriya

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham meets Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv. (BBC)

The present offer by the UK to strengthen Ukraine’s defense capabilities in the missile technology field in particular comes as ‘a stitch in time’ and the initiative is also likely to be appreciated considerably by democratic opinion world wide for the possible morale-boosting effect it would have on Ukraine. Besides continuous arms support, the conviction that the world’s frontline democracies are behind it would prove a huge plus in Ukraine’s eyes in its grinding fightback against the Russian invasion.

While continued US support for Ukraine could not be considered ‘a given’ any more, British Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s words during a recent visit to Kyiv that the UK would stand by Ukraine ‘for as long as it takes’ is the kind of assurance that Ukraine needs at present. For, the conflict in Ukraine is essentially a war of liberation conducted by the latter against an invader and deeply at issue here is the upholding of International Law and its foundational concepts, such as national sovereignty and a nation’s right to political self-determination. The world of democracy is of the firm view that the latter ideals cannot be compromised, come what may.

The UK has its work cut out in this connection. It would find it difficult to convince the Trump administration that it should staunchly stand by Ukraine but it could campaign vigorously with the rest of the West and the EU fold in particular to unflaggingly support the embattled and over-run country.

Ukraine has shown an impressive adeptness in using drone technology in particular against her enemy and has even manufactured her own hardware in this respect but using the relevant blueprints handed over by the UK for the manufacture of more sophisticated cruise missiles, for instance, may prove financially difficult, going forward. It is left to be seen whether the UK and the rest of the West who are with Ukraine will continue to be with her, considering their own rising financial constraints.

The latter impediments could only multiply in the future. Oil, gas and energy prices are on the rise and the latter costs are glaringly reflected in kitchens and meal tables the world over. As we go along consumer discontent would steadily intensify and governments, East and West, would need to figure out with considerable rigour and foresight how such disaffection could be ably managed. Failing which, in most democratic societies, the chances are that publics would be out on the streets demanding that their grievances be redressed forthwith.

These rising concerns are reflected in a recent move by some EU governments to consider imposing what is described as ‘a windfall tax’ on the profits specified major oil companies operating within their shores have made in the wake of the US-Israel war on Iran. The rationale apparently is to use such tax earnings to cushion the rising cost of living of their publics and bolster the respective countries’ social expenditure.

In a recent letter to the president of the EU Council the EU governments referred to said, among other things, while drawing attention to the ‘discontent that is growing over the rising cost of living’: ‘A common approach’ is needed that ‘ensures those who profit from the crisis contribute their share to reducing the burden on the general population.’ Meanwhile, Oxfam with reference to the above development is on record as calling for a ‘permanent windfall tax of at least 50% on profits exceeding a 10% return on investment.’

Such are the rising economic pressures on the majority of Western governments. The question to be posed is how consistent they would be in their assistance to Ukraine if they decide consensually to stand by her. The soaring cost of living in the West compels the conclusion that there could be no guarantee that Western assistance to Ukraine, particularly in the defense and security fields, would be of a longstanding kind.

Of particular concern would be the fact that the weapons systems on offer from the UK to Ukraine could be increasingly costly to manufacture going forward. Besides they would need to be manufactured and put into action without delay.

However, these considerations should in no way deflect Ukraine’s supporters from the principled policy stance of defending her to the extent possible. Because at issue is the defense of International Law and the democratic system of government from their enemies; fascism and authoritarian rule.

While during World Wars 1 and 2 the US was with the major democracies of the West, this time around with regard to Ukraine, the US has chosen to be at cross-purposes with them. For instance, in relation to tariff matters and defense expenditure, in the NATO context, the US is pursuing a hard line which puts it at polar opposites with the West. Thus it is no longer possible to talk unreservedly of a ‘Western democratic alliance’. Put plainly, the cause of democratic development has been weakened.

A measure of relief for the supporters of Ukraine in the West could come by way of the upcoming mid-term polls in the US. If the Democratic Party fares well in them the pressure would be on the Trump administration to defer to opposition opinion at home, accommodate the best interests of Ukraine in its West European policy and perhaps even work towards a diplomatic solution to the Ukraine crisis in cooperation with Russia. Accordingly, the Democratic Party would need to put the Trump administration on the defensive, so to speak.

Until such time Ukraine’s Western supporters have no choice but to remain committed to it, ensure its steadfast defense against the invasion and work judiciously towards keeping the economic pressures at home in check.

Interestingly, at the present juncture in international politics the US could be said to be more weak than strong. For example, it has to some extent been militarily humbled by Iran; so much so it is resorting to economic means to keep Iran in check.

In keeping with this strategy, the US has launched ‘a new big wave of anti-Iran economic sanctions’ at the time of writing, aimed at cutting Iran away from all its major income sources. Some of these relate to digital assets, technology, gold, aviation and shipping. The hoped for result is the complete severance of Iran from the US dollar system.

However, while the UK and EU have no choice but to adhere to their policy of backing Ukraine, going forward they would need to dialogue more closely with the US and ensure that it cooperates with them on outstanding questions, such as Ukraine and the strengthening of democracy. The well being of the world is served when the latter aim is pursued.

Features

“Envisioning Sri Lanka: Beyond Recovery”

Published

5 hours ago

2026/08/27

Sahan Weerasooriya

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya opening the event

OPA 39th Annual Conference calls for Sri Lanka to move Beyond Recovery towards Sustainable Transformation

The Orgnisation of Professional Associations (OPA) successfully concluded its 39th Annual Conference, held recently at the Cinnamon Grand Colombo, under the theme “Envisioning Sri Lanka: Beyond Recovery”.

Held under the patronage of Jayantha Gallehewa, President of the OPA, with the leadership and guidance of Tisara De Silva, President-Elect and Chairman of the 39th Annual Conference, the Conference brought together leading professionals, academics, business leaders and representatives of the public and private sectors to deliberate on Sri Lanka’s next phase of national development.

The Inaugural Session, on August 2026, was graced by Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, as the Chief Guest; Andrew Patrick, British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, as the Guest of Honour; and Murtaza Jafferjee, Chairman of the Advocata Institute, Sri Lanka, as the Keynote Speaker.

In her address, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya emphasised that overcoming the economic crisis alone should not be Sri Lanka’s ultimate objective, stressing that recovery must serve as the foundation for a broader economic and institutional transformation necessary for sustainable national progress. Reflecting on the difficult period experienced by the country, the Prime Minister noted that Sri Lanka had faced significant economic, social and institutional challenges, which had weakened public confidence and created uncertainty about the country’s future.

She stressed that “recovery only provides the foundation” and that Sri Lanka can move forward sustainably only by using that foundation to bring about meaningful transformation.

The Prime Minister observed that the theme of the OPA’s 39th Annual Conference, “Envisioning Sri Lanka: Beyond Recovery,” aptly encapsulated these national aspirations. She emphasised that Sri Lanka’s objective should not merely be to return to the conditions that existed before the crisis, but to forge a stronger national foundation characterised by robust institutions, a resilient economy, high-quality public services and an enabling environment in which every citizen has the opportunity to thrive.

She further underscored that Sri Lanka’s future development cannot be secured through economic growth and physical development alone. She emphasised that the effective mobilisation of the country’s knowledge, skills and professional expertise, is equally essential to achieving sustainable and inclusive national progress

The Technical Sessions held on 12 August 2026 brought together 19 distinguished experts and professionals representing academia, industry, banking and finance, public health, technology, management and business leadership. Their diverse expertise provided a multidisciplinary platform to examine the critical challenges, emerging opportunities and strategic choices that will shape Sri Lanka’s next phase of development, with particular emphasis on economic transformation, institutional strengthening, digitalisation, private-sector growth, human capital and sustainable development.

The deliberations were structured around four principal sub-themes: “Resilient Recovery and Sustainable Economic Development”; “Future Readiness: Innovation & Transformation”; “Policy for Impact: Advancing Equity, Sustainable Living, and National Well-Being”; and “Leadership, Governance and National Responsibility.”

Across these thematic areas, the sessions explored the structural reforms, institutional requirements and policy choices necessary to move Sri Lanka beyond economic stabilisation towards a more productive, competitive, resilient and inclusive economy. The discussions brought together diverse professional perspectives, enabling participants to examine national priorities through economic, technological, industrial, financial, social and governance lenses.

Particular emphasis was placed on the need to move beyond the diagnosis of problems towards pragmatic, evidence-based and implementable solutions. The deliberations recognised that sustainable national progress requires not only sound policies, but also effective institutions, professional competence, innovation, responsible leadership and the capacity to translate policy into tangible outcomes.

The sessions further underscored the importance of collaboration across sectors, recognising that Sri Lanka’s complex development challenges cannot be addressed in isolation. Stronger engagement among Government, private sector, professional associations, academia and civil society was identified as essential to fostering a coherent national response and ensuring that professional knowledge and expertise are effectively translated into policy and action.

Collectively, the Technical Sessions provided a substantive platform for knowledge exchange, critical reflection and forward-looking dialogue, reinforcing the OPA’s commitment to bringing the country’s professional expertise to bear on the task of building a resilient, innovative, equitable and prosperous Sri Lanka.

The OPA expressed its sincere appreciation to Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, the Chief Guest; Andrew Patrick, British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka and Guest of Honour; and Murtaza Jafferjee, Chairman of the Advocata Institute, Sri Lanka and Keynote Speaker, for their distinguished contributions to the Conference.

Much of what the 39th Annual Conference achieved would not have been possible without the leadership, commitment and generous contributions of Jayantha Gallehewa, President of the OPA; Tisara De Silva, President-Elect and Chairman of the 39th Annual Conference; Eng. Ravi Rupasinghe, General Secretary; Dharshana Wijemanne, Treasurer; Bhanu Wijayaratne, Convener & the Chairman of the Session Planning Committee of the 39th Annual Conference Committee, Past Presidents and Office Bearers; Presidents and representatives of Member Associations; members of the Executive Councils and General Forum; and the distinguished Session Chairmen, Resource Persons and professionals who shared their time, expertise and insights in pursuit of the Conference’s shared vision. The OPA remains immensely grateful to all those whose collective contributions enriched the 39th Annual Conference and strengthened its role as a meaningful platform for professional exchange, informed dialogue and national reflection.

Features

Nostalgia for Lankans in Toronto …

Published

5 hours ago

2026/08/27

Sahan Weerasooriya

‘Avurudu Musical Show 2027,’ a uniquely styled musical Avurudu celebration … Ceymphony Band style.

For Sri Lankans living 14,000 kilometres from home, the sound of home has never felt closer — and that’s thanks to one man and his band.

Since stepping into the spotlight, Gamini Hemalal and the Ceymphony Band have turned into the heartbeat of the Sri Lankan community in Toronto.

Their mission is simple: bring the music, bring the memories, bring the people together. And it’s working.

What turned out to be the talk-of-the-town was their intimate musical evening with Sri Lanka’s legendary crooner Sohan Weerasinghe.

Sohan Weerasinghe: Had
everyone on their feet at the
Angus Glen Golf Club, in
Toronto, Canada

It was a ‘full house’ long before the big date. Tickets vanished within days — demand was that overwhelming.

According to those who were there, it was a truly amazing evening. The hall was packed, the energy electric. Sohan didn’t just sing — he owned the stage.

With his velvet vocals, his charm, and that signature style, he had everyone on their feet. The ladies, especially, couldn’t get enough. No wonder they call him “The Ladies’ Man!”

One attendee summed it up perfectly:

“We had so much fun. It is truly a blessing to have our kids around us, enjoying these beautiful moments together. Thank you, Gamini Hemalal, for such a wonderful evening, with an amazing crowd and an incredible atmosphere. Your hard work and dedication truly made it a special night.

“We also need to say a big thank you to the Ceymphony Band for delivering such an outstanding performance. You all were absolutely amazing! Our entire family had a fantastic time, and we truly enjoyed every moment.

Ceymphony Band: Extremely popular in the scene in Toronto

“Wishing you all continued success. Keep up the amazing work, we can’t wait for the next.”

And the next is already on the cards: ‘Halloween Pissu Baila Party 2026,’ on Friday, 30th October, at the famous Angus Glen Golf Club.

Gamini promises a crazy night of baila, music, dancing and Halloween vibes with the Ceymphony Band. Action runs from 8:00 PM to 12:00 midnight, with plenty of prizes to be won.

Gamini Hemalal: Amazing work for the Sri Lankan community,
in Toronto, Canada

Gamini is also putting together a special event, connected with the 2027 Avurudu celebrations — ‘Avurudu Musical Show 2027,’ a uniquely styled musical Avurudu celebration … Ceymphony Band style.

It’s scheduled to be held on Saturday, 10th April, 2027, also at the Angus Glen Golf Club.

Through music, Gamini Hemalal and Ceymphony are doing what diaspora bands do best — they’re shrinking the distance between two worlds.

One baila beat at a time, one full house at a time, they’re making sure that even in Canada, Sri Lankans feel like home.

Yes, there is plenty of action, indeed, for the Sri Lankan community in Toronto, Canada.