Business

CL Synergy announces new board ahead of IPO

Published

4 years ago

2022/03/6

From Left to Right; Mr. Anuradha Sooriyaarachchi (Executive Director), Mr. Udara Widanagamage (Executive Director), Mr. Roshan Silva (Managing Director), Mr. Janaka Udamulla (Director – Finance), Mr. Sanjaya Bandara (Non-Executive Director), Mr. Dharma Dheerasinghe (Chairman), Mrs. Shehani Kulatunga (Executive Director), Mr. Thilan Wijesinghe (Non- Executive Director), Mr. Nirosh De Silva (Non-Executive Director)

Leading digitally-enabled freight forwarding solutions provider with a global footprint, CL Synergy, has announced the appointment of six members to its Board of Directors.

The announcement comes as the Company completes its transition from a Private Limited Liability company into a Public Limited Liability company, in preparation for an expansion plan, which will include an Initial Public Offering (IPO) and listing of its shares, once the necessary approvals are obtained. The new Directors will add value by bringing in a wealth of experience and expertise to guide the Company, as it embarks on the next phase of its growth journey, a CLS news release said.

The new additions to the Board of Directors of CL Synergy Limited include Mr. Dharma Dheerasinghe, who will serve as Chairman, Messrs. Nirosh De Silva, Thilan Wijesinghe and Sanjaya Bandara, who will serve as Independent/Non-Executive Directors and Udara Widanagamage and Anuradha Sooriyaarachchi, who will serve as Executive Directors.

“All of these individuals are veterans and leaders in their respective fields,” the release said.

The new appointments complete CL Synergy’s Board of Directors, which also includes its Managing Director/Co-Founder Roshan Silva, Director – Finance/Co-Founder Janaka Udamulla and Director Shehani Kulatunga, all of whom have been with the Company since its inception 17 years ago.

Mr. Dharma Dheerasinghe, having built a banking career in both in the public and private sectors was Chairman of Commercial Bank of Ceylon PLC, while also having previously served as the Deputy Governor and Assistant Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka having also functioned as an Alternate Executive Director at the International Monetary Fund (IMF). He holds both a Master’s Degree and a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics from the University of Leeds and the University of Colombo, respectively.

Mr. Nirosh De Silva is a Chartered Financial Analyst and holds a BA in Economics and Business Management from Franklin and Marshall College, and is presently the Managing Partner at Horizon Partners Limited. Previously, he has served as a Senior Manager at Ayojana Fund Management, and at Hatton National Bank PLC. Mr. De Silva has a wealth of experience in private equity and corporate finance.

Mr. Thilan Wijesinghe is a prominent investment banker, a specialist in public-private partnerships (PPP) and an entrepreneur. A well-known figure in the world of business, Mr. Wijesinghe holds three bachelor’s degrees, in Industrial Engineering, Economics and Business Administration. He is a specialist in investment banking and real estate. He is presently the Chairman and CEO of TWCorp (Private) Limited, the Chairman of Sapphirus Lanka (Private) Limited, and a Director at both Ceylon Tea Trails (Private) Limited and MJF Leisure (Private) Limited.

Mr. Sanjaya Bandara holds a BSc in Accountancy & Financial Management from the University of Sri Jayewardenepura and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of Colombo. He is presently the President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka, a Director at Prime Land Residencies PLC, a Partner at B R De Silva and Co. and serves as a Board Member of both the Confederation of Asian and Pacific Accountants and the Sri Lanka Accounting and Auditing Standards Monitoring Board.

Mr. Udara Widanagamage is a marketer and Logistics & supply chain expert. He has also served as a Director of CL Synergy (Private) Limited, a role which he is now continuing in his new capacity at CL Synergy Limited. Mr. Widanagamage holds an MBA from the University of Wales Trinity Saint David and is Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) and the Institute of Certified Management Accountants, Australia (CMA), qualified.

Mr. Anuradha Sooriyaarachchi has served as Director – Procurement & Business Development at CL Synergy (Private) Limited, a role which he is now extending in his new capacity at CL Synergy Limited. Mr. Sooriyaarachchi has also served as General Manager and Deputy General Manager at CL Synergy (Private) Limited. He has also functioned in roles such as Manager Sales (Sri Lanka/Maldives) at APL Lanka (Private) Limited and Senior Executive at Maersk Logistics Lanka (Private) Limited. He is a member of the Institute of Chartered Ship Brokers. Anuradha’s contributions towards the development of the industry saw him being appointed as a member of the Logistics Advisory Committee to the Export Development Board (EDB) by the Minister of Trade, with effect from July 2021.

CL Synergy Limited was incorporated as CL Synergy (Private) Limited in 2004 as a fully-fledged freight forwarding company. The Company’s objective is to provide professional, reliable and high-quality services. The Company prides itself on providing customers with a personalized atmosphere, flexibility, highly competitive pricing and efficient servicing. CL Synergy has diversified its activities under a set of Associate companies which include fleet management, software solutions and Investments, along with other innovative ventures in the pipeline.

All News Advertisement

Business

The Ceylon Chamber’s Commercial Document Registration Division expands export support

Published

18 hours ago

2026/07/11

Thilina Walpola

The Commercial Documents Registration Division (CDRD) of The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce has expanded its export support services with the introduction of the Free Sale Letter for Pharmaceuticals, providing Sri Lankan pharmaceutical manufacturers and exporters with an additional document certification service to support their export processes and compliance requirements in international markets.

The new service expands CDRD’s portfolio of trade documentation solutions, which includes Certificates of Origin and the certification of key commercial documents required by overseas buyers, customs authorities, and regulatory bodies. These services assist exporters across sectors by helping ensure their documentation meets applicable requirements for international trade.

Established in 1925 as one of the authorised institutions to issue Certificates of Origin in Sri Lanka, CDRD has supported the country’s international trade for nearly a century. Today, the Division provides certification and verification services to exporters, manufacturers, freight forwarders, logistics providers, and other trade stakeholders, supporting businesses in meeting documentation requirements for global markets.

In addition to pharmaceutical certification, CDRD facilitates the certification of Commercial Invoices, Packing Lists, Price Lists, Health Certificates, Phytosanitary Certificates, Certificates of Analysis, Bills of Lading, Survey Reports, Beneficiary Certificates, and other export-related documents. The Division also issues Free Sale Letters and Surveyor Appointment Letters, while supporting exporters through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Electronic Document Attestation System (e-DAS), enabling secure and efficient document authentication.

Through established processes, digital solutions, and its e-service platform, CDRD continues to enhance the efficiency and accessibility of trade documentation services. Available 24/7 and 365 days of the year, the platform enables exporters to submit and manage documentation requirements conveniently while ensuring that certified documents meet internationally accepted requirements. By providing reliable documentation support and adapting its services to changing trade needs, the Division assists Sri Lankan businesses in managing export requirements and accessing international markets.

For more information on obtaining commercial document registration services, contact Achala via achala@chamber.lk / 0115588886

Business

Siyapatha Finance unveils newest branch in Bandarawela

Published

18 hours ago

2026/07/11

Thilina Walpola

Siyapatha Finance PLC recently expanded its island-wide footprint with the successful inauguration of its 64th branch in Bandarawela. Strategically located in scenic hill town in the Badulla District, the latest branch offers convenient and wider access to tailored, customer-centric financial solutions.

The branch was ceremoniously declared open by Siyapatha Finance PLC Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mathisha Hewavitharana, joined by Chief Operating Officer (COO)Rajeev De Silva, Ms.D.M. Dewmi Tharindi, a student of Bandarawela Dharmapala Vidyalaya who won the Under-18 Girls’ 3,000m event at the Junior National Athletics Championship, the Senior Management and staff members as well as Traffic OIC Kandasami, Trade Association Secretary Sunanda Rathnayaka, representatives of the government and private banks and insurance companies and well-wishers.

Sharing his thoughts, Siyapatha Finance PLC CEO Mathisha Hewavitharana remarked: “We are deeply honoured to be of service to the people of Bandarawela. Opening this branch is a pivotal step in our 2026 expansion strategy and a reflection of our commitment to strengthen our presence in Sri Lanka. It is a region that showcases potential for greater economic development primarily through the country’s traditional agricultural practices. We look forward to reaching as many different communities as possible in the coming years.”

The Bandarawela branch offers a comprehensive product portfolio including leasing, fixed deposits, gold financing, business loans, personal loans, fast draft, and factoring to Smart Pay, the Company’s bill payment facility. With a thorough understanding about the current socio-economic dynamics of the region, the well-trained team at the newest branch is dedicated to providing flexible financial solutions to aspiring individuals as well as small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs).

Business

Dialog recognised as Sri Lanka’s Most Loved Service and Telecommunications Brand for third consecutive year

Published

18 hours ago

2026/07/11

Thilina Walpola

Dialog Axiata PLC, Sri Lanka’s #1 connectivity provider, has once again been recognised as Sri Lanka’s Most Loved Brand in the Service and Telecommunications sectors, while also ranking among the top Corporate Brands in the LMD Brands Annual. Marking its third consecutive year at the top of both categories, the recognition reflects the company’s commitment to enriching Sri Lankan lives and enterprises through technology, while creating value for customers, communities and the nation.

The accolades were awarded through the LMD Brands Annual survey, conducted independently by PepperCube Consultants on behalf of Media Services. Based on responses from 400 readers across Sri Lanka, representing a broad demographic and geographic mix, the survey identified the brands that resonated most strongly with consumers in terms of trust, loyalty and brand affinity.

Lasantha Theverapperuma, Group Chief Marketing Officer of Dialog Axiata PLC said, “Being recognised as Sri Lanka’s Most Loved Brand across both the Service and Telecommunications sectors is a meaningful endorsement of the trust and confidence that Sri Lankans continue to place in Dialog. This recognition reflects our commitment to understanding and serving the evolving needs of our customers while expanding access to digital connectivity, services and opportunities. As we continue to innovate and grow, we remain focused on creating value for communities and supporting Sri Lanka’s digital and socioeconomic progress.”

The recognition also reflects Dialog’s continued focus on innovation, customer-centricity and investments that support Sri Lanka’s digital future, including expanded 5G connectivity, AI-powered digital experiences and broader access to digital services.

Beyond connectivity, Dialog continues to support communities, livelihoods and the environment through initiatives such as Govi Mithuru, which provides AI-driven agricultural advisory services to over one million farmers, and Shishyadhara, which has enabled subsidy distribution to more than 450,000 underprivileged students. The company also continues to advance its Net Zero 2050 ambition through energy optimisation, renewable energy adoption and the expansion of solar-powered network infrastructure.

Further underscoring the brand’s standing among Sri Lankan consumers, Dialog was also recognised as the ‘Service Brand of the Year’ for the fifth time and the ‘Telecommunication Brand of the Year’ for the 15th consecutive year at the SLIM-KANTAR People’s Awards 2026.