Features

Moving on from Ceylon Ceramics Corporation

Published

7 months ago

2025/07/27

Thilina Walpola

Lessons from my career: Synthesising management theory with practice – Part 16

President Premadasa: ‘Mr Justin Dias told me, “You have to accept whatever the President suggests. You cannot say no.”

The Last Phase at Ceylon Ceramics

The previous episodes described my experiences at Ceylon Ceramics during the one-year contract period. It was both challenging and rewarding at the same time. The external environment was quite concerning, being responsible for the lives of 4,500 employees who were under stress caused by the threats of the southern rebels. One of our employees working on reforestation (because our brick and tile factories used substantial firewood, we had undertaken reforestation to compensate) was shot dead. At our Piliyandala factory, someone had lit a triangular firecracker in the post box opposite it, and our workers on the night shift were dead scared, presuming it was a bomb. I was up till early hours of the morning coordinating with the factory and the police station. Our transformer had to be protected with special arrangements with the Navy. Many of our executives received threatening letters. The Board informed me that, as the CEO, I was responsible for handling these threats and should not expect Board intervention. The whole institution was on edge, wondering what the next disruption would be. Despite the turbulent environment, I was able to make a significant impact and turn the Corporation into a well-managed one.

I learned how to handle subordinates who were much older and experienced. My multidisciplinary knowledge, with qualifications in Engineering, Accountancy, and Productivity Science, rounded out with an MBA, was a great advantage. Despite being less than 40 years old, they respected my superior knowledge. I also learned how to navigate from one crisis to another, and my training in Japan proved very useful, particularly with techniques like behaviour modelling and respecting all employees. No doubt I learned much from the subordinates as well, who had superior technical knowledge and much more experience in handling labour and unions than I did.

I had learned that communication is key, and for communication to be successful, it was paramount to uplift their skills and knowledge. The training opportunities I introduced were greatly appreciated by everyone. All this may not have been possible if I did not have an excellent Board of Directors with an excellent Chairperson in Mrs Beligammana.

Offers of Chairmanship

My relations with the Ministry were excellent, and my progress reporting and timely reports were greatly appreciated. The new President, Ranasinghe Premadasa, was settled into his position and wanted the best General Managers of Corporations to be appointed as Chairmen. Another and I from Institutions under the Ministry of Industries were nominated by the Ministry. We were interviewed by the then Minister of Industries Ranil Wickremasinghe. Immediately, the Minister informed me that he had already selected someone for the Chairmanship of the Ceylon Ceramics Corporation and therefore could only offer me the Chairmanship of the Ceylon Paper Corporation, which included the factory in Valaichenai, in the Eastern Province. I didn’t accept at once, knowing the risks of visiting the Eastern Province, which was significantly controlled by the Northern rebels. I just asked for one day to make a decision.

For one thing, ceramic was a far more interesting product than paper, and I needed to consult my wife. My wife did not hesitate. “Don’t accept the offer. The less risky post of General Manager at Ceramics would be better”, she said. I called Mr Vincent Panditha, then Secretary, the next day and declined. He then offered me the post of Chairman of Mineral Sands Corporation, which I promptly declined.

I had decided that if I did not get a good offer from an SOE or the private sector, I would start a consultancy practice. With my expertise in Japanese Management, I was often invited to deliver lectures. I would receive a pen or a tie with their logo as a gift, which was quite useless to me. Where could I wear a Sri Lanka Air Force tie or a gaudy shirt that doesn’t align with my taste? I could turn this into a money-making venture if I provided professional services in Japanese Management and productivity techniques.

I was now wrapping up my programmes at Ceylon Ceramics and preparing to quit at the end of my one-year contract. With the change of Government, many changes to the administrative structure has taken place. Mr Justin Dias was now the Secretary of the Ministry of Labour.

Interviewed by the President

I received a call from Mr Justin Dias, asking me to send him my CV urgently, and to be ready to be called by the President at any time for an interview. Apparently, the President wished to appoint young professionals to high posts. A few days after my CV was sent, Mr Justin Dias asked me to come to Sucharitha to meet the President. I had no idea where Sucharitha was, and the gracious Mr Dias picked me up and we went. The President had many CVs on his table, and he interviewed me very professionally.

He reviewed my qualifications and experience, and finally, he set the other CVs aside and said, “I want a young man with professional qualifications.” Looking up at Mr Dias, he asked how I would fit in as Chairman of the Employees’ Trust Fund Board (ETF). Mr Justin Dias gave his nod of approval. Still, he informed him that the Minister of Labour had already earmarked a person: a friend of his.

At this moment, the President flared up. The President inquired of him what his credentials were for the post and what his age was, and declared that people voted for him directly. He could not give excuses why some organisations would not perform. “I prefer a professionally qualified young man, so please make the necessary arrangements to appoint him.

I will not make appointments based on friendships”. My heart sank. I never expected to head a financial institution. My heart was firmly in industry, where I could savour the hum of machines, and with a lot of activity producing some tangible product. I did not utter a word, but my fate was sealed. On the way to meet the President, Mr Justin Dias told me, “You have to accept whatever the President suggests. You cannot say no”. When I went home and told my wife, she too agreed that I revelled in an industrial operation and may find this boring.

I slept that night feeling very depressed. Here I was, having received an appointment from the President himself, yet I was still unhappy. Anyone else would have accepted this with glee. I decided that if there was no other option, I would make the most of this opportunity and do something innovative. I needed to prove myself. I was young and at the beginning of my career, and I needed to succeed in this new environment. I was gradually adjusting to the new appointment.

I was studying the Act which created the ETF, asked for details, and studied the background of previous Chairmen. Hon Athulathmudali conceived this idea of the ETF while he was the Minister of Trade and Shipping. The first Chairman had been Mr Douglas Liyanage, and was succeeded by Mr Cedric De Silva.

I recalled the words of my father: “Never step into a government post before studying the powers and responsibilities specified in the Act. As a lawyer, my father was always considering the legal implications. Before I took up the position and afterwards too, I continued to study and understand the expectations of those who conceptualised the ETF. I took the time to understand the objectives and operations of the ETF, studying the annual reports, audit reports, and other relevant details. Finally, I realised that despite it being a non-industrial undertaking, I will enjoy my stay. My father said, “Your position will be defined by what you make of it”. He was right.

Mrs Beligammana, the Chairperson of Ceylon Ceramics, had resigned, and the new Chairman was appointed by the Minister. The culture had changed. A ceremony was organised to receive the new Chairman, an event I would never have encouraged. My first meeting with the Chairman was to hand over my letter of resignation, which he accepted with pleasure.

Final Acts at Ceylon Ceramics

Before I left the Ceylon Ceramics Corporation, I ensured that the annual accounts were ready to be submitted to the Auditor General and was keen that, after many years, we would receive a good report. Due to the production interruptions caused by the Southern rebellion, the cash flow of Ceylon Ceramics was very tight. I had to direct the Head of Finance to stop making EPF and ETF contributions, stating that we would pay later once the cash situation improved, although this would incur a penalty. Subsequently, after I assumed duties as the Chairman of the ETF, the Chief Accountant of Ceramics called me and complained that they had received a surcharge for not paying on time.

There was nothing I could do, because it was I who had instructed the relevant officers of the ETF to expedite the issuance of surcharge notices. Several months later, he also informed me that the Corporation had received a favourable report from the Auditor General and was quite elated that the new systems and culture we had implemented together had been successful. Even today, very few people understand what an audit opinion is, as I noticed from the COPE proceedings on YouTube recently.

Only minimal operations have the potential to yield a clear report. Still, a qualified report is acceptable as long as the qualifications are minor and can be explained. The bad reports are the adverse reports and disclaimers. Even most Board members of SOEs and Statutory Boards do not understand this, which is why their performance is often poor before COPE. It is the responsibility of the professionally qualified CEO to educate the Board and the employees. I am not sure the nomenclature of these reports have changed now.

In my last few days at the Ceramics Corporation, having understood that I am leaving the institution, a senior clerk came to my office and explained to me about a fund called EPF and another fund called ETF and explained that I am qualified to claim my ETF since I had not done so yet. He had filled out the form and asked me to sign. I did. I did not tell him that I would be going as the Chairman of the ETF Board. I was amused, but also very impressed. When I took up the position at ETF, I encouraged employers to establish a similar mechanism to support those who leave the institution.

Assessing the Organisation Culture of ETF

Once the appointment letter arrived, I decided to assess the culture of the place before officially taking my seat. One day, I called the ETF office and asked if I could obtain a claim application. The lady who answered, whom I thought was the receptionist, said that if I came to the ETF office, I could get one. My next question was that it is now lunchtime, and like in many Government offices, the counter would be closed. She answered very politely that this institution has “manussakama” (empathy) and even if the counter is closed, I could come to the 1st floor and receive a claim form. “We would not turn away anyone empty-handed,” she said. I was very impressed. Later, I found that it was a minor employee who had answered the phone as a relief receptionist when the receptionist was out at lunch. I was pleased that my initial impression of the culture was positive.

I started work at the ETF hoping to do wonders.

The next article will describe my initial period at ETF and the fun I had in making the place better. It will also include being sacked and reinstated by H.E., The President, because I refused to obey a government directive to invest a substantial amount at a low interest rate. I insisted that this is members’ money and the Government cannot use it at their will.

by Sunil G Wijesinha ✍️

(Consultant on Productivity and Japanese Management Techniques
Retired Chairman/Director of several Listed and Unlisted companies.
Awardee of the APO Regional Award for promoting Productivity in the Asia and Pacific Region
Recipient of the “Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays” from the Government of Japan.
He can be contacted through email at bizex.seminarsandconsulting@gmail.com)

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Features

Crucial test for religious and ethnic harmony in Bangladesh

Published

16 hours ago

2026/02/12

Sahan Weerasooriya

A political protest that led to governmental change in Bangladesh mid last year. (photograph: imago)

Will the Bangladesh parliamentary election bring into being a government that will ensure ethnic and religious harmony in the country? This is the poser on the lips of peace-loving sections in Bangladesh and a principal concern of those outside who mean the country well.

The apprehensions are mainly on the part of religious and ethnic minorities. The parliamentary poll of February 12th is expected to bring into existence a government headed by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and the Islamist oriented Jamaat-e-Islami party and this is where the rub is. If these parties win, will it be a case of Bangladesh sliding in the direction of a theocracy or a state where majoritarian chauvinism thrives?

Chief of the Jamaat, Shafiqur Rahman, who was interviewed by sections of the international media recently said that there is no need for minority groups in Bangladesh to have the above fears. He assured, essentially, that the state that will come into being will be equable and inclusive. May it be so, is likely to be the wish of those who cherish a tension-free Bangladesh.

The party that could have posed a challenge to the above parties, the Awami League Party of former Prime Minister Hasina Wased, is out of the running on account of a suspension that was imposed on it by the authorities and the mentioned majoritarian-oriented parties are expected to have it easy at the polls.

A positive that has emerged against the backdrop of the poll is that most ordinary people in Bangladesh, be they Muslim or Hindu, are for communal and religious harmony and it is hoped that this sentiment will strongly prevail, going ahead. Interestingly, most of them were of the view, when interviewed, that it was the politicians who sowed the seeds of discord in the country and this viewpoint is widely shared by publics all over the region in respect of the politicians of their countries.

Some sections of the Jamaat party were of the view that matters with regard to the orientation of governance are best left to the incoming parliament to decide on but such opinions will be cold comfort for minority groups. If the parliamentary majority comes to consist of hard line Islamists, for instance, there is nothing to prevent the country from going in for theocratic governance. Consequently, minority group fears over their safety and protection cannot be prevented from spreading.

Therefore, we come back to the question of just and fair governance and whether Bangladesh’s future rulers could ensure these essential conditions of democratic rule. The latter, it is hoped, will be sufficiently perceptive to ascertain that a Bangladesh rife with religious and ethnic tensions, and therefore unstable, would not be in the interests of Bangladesh and those of the region’s countries.

Unfortunately, politicians region-wide fall for the lure of ethnic, religious and linguistic chauvinism. This happens even in the case of politicians who claim to be democratic in orientation. This fate even befell Bangladesh’s Awami League Party, which claims to be democratic and socialist in general outlook.

We have it on the authority of Taslima Nasrin in her ground-breaking novel, ‘Lajja’, that the Awami Party was not of any substantial help to Bangladesh’s Hindus, for example, when violence was unleashed on them by sections of the majority community. In fact some elements in the Awami Party were found to be siding with the Hindus’ murderous persecutors. Such are the temptations of hard line majoritarianism.

In Sri Lanka’s past numerous have been the occasions when even self-professed Leftists and their parties have conveniently fallen in line with Southern nationalist groups with self-interest in mind. The present NPP government in Sri Lanka has been waxing lyrical about fostering national reconciliation and harmony but it is yet to prove its worthiness on this score in practice. The NPP government remains untested material.

As a first step towards national reconciliation it is hoped that Sri Lanka’s present rulers would learn the Tamil language and address the people of the North and East of the country in Tamil and not Sinhala, which most Tamil-speaking people do not understand. We earnestly await official language reforms which afford to Tamil the dignity it deserves.

An acid test awaits Bangladesh as well on the nation-building front. Not only must all forms of chauvinism be shunned by the incoming rulers but a secular, truly democratic Bangladesh awaits being licked into shape. All identity barriers among people need to be abolished and it is this process that is referred to as nation-building.

On the foreign policy frontier, a task of foremost importance for Bangladesh is the need to build bridges of amity with India. If pragmatism is to rule the roost in foreign policy formulation, Bangladesh would place priority to the overcoming of this challenge. The repatriation to Bangladesh of ex-Prime Minister Hasina could emerge as a steep hurdle to bilateral accord but sagacious diplomacy must be used by Bangladesh to get over the problem.

A reply to N.A. de S. Amaratunga

A response has been penned by N.A. de S. Amaratunga (please see p5 of ‘The Island’ of February 6th) to a previous column by me on ‘ India shaping-up as a Swing State’, published in this newspaper on January 29th , but I remain firmly convinced that India remains a foremost democracy and a Swing State in the making.

If the countries of South Asia are to effectively manage ‘murderous terrorism’, particularly of the separatist kind, then they would do well to adopt to the best of their ability a system of government that provides for power decentralization from the centre to the provinces or periphery, as the case may be. This system has stood India in good stead and ought to prove effective in all other states that have fears of disintegration.

Moreover, power decentralization ensures that all communities within a country enjoy some self-governing rights within an overall unitary governance framework. Such power-sharing is a hallmark of democratic governance.

Features

Celebrating Valentine’s Day …

Published

16 hours ago

2026/02/12

Sahan Weerasooriya

Valentine’s Day is all about celebrating love, romance, and affection, and this is how some of our well-known personalities plan to celebrate Valentine’s Day – 14th February:

Merlina Fernando (Singer)

Yes, it’s a special day for lovers all over the world and it’s even more special to me because 14th February is the birthday of my husband Suresh, who’s the lead guitarist of my band Mission.

We have planned to celebrate Valentine’s Day and his Birthday together and it will be a wonderful night as always.

We will be having our fans and close friends, on that night, with their loved ones at Highso – City Max hotel Dubai, from 9.00 pm onwards.

Lorensz Francke (Elvis Tribute Artiste)

On Valentine’s Day I will be performing a live concert at a Wealthy Senior Home for Men and Women, and their families will be attending, as well.

I will be performing live with romantic, iconic love songs and my song list would include ‘Can’t Help falling in Love’, ‘Love Me Tender’, ‘Burning Love’, ‘Are You Lonesome Tonight’, ‘The Wonder of You’ and ‘’It’s Now or Never’ to name a few.

To make Valentine’s Day extra special I will give the Home folks red satin scarfs.

Emma Shanaya (Singer)

I plan on spending the day of love with my girls, especially my best friend. I don’t have a romantic Valentine this year but I am thrilled to spend it with the girl that loves me through and through. I’ll be in Colombo and look forward to go to a cute cafe and spend some quality time with my childhood best friend Zulha.

JAYASRI

Emma-and-Maneeka

This Valentine’s Day the band JAYASRI we will be really busy; in the morning we will be landing in Sri Lanka, after our Oman Tour; then in the afternoon we are invited as Chief Guests at our Maris Stella College Sports Meet, Negombo, and late night we will be with LineOne band live in Karandeniya Open Air Down South. Everywhere we will be sharing LOVE with the mass crowds.

Kay Jay (Singer)

I will stay at home and cook a lovely meal for lunch, watch some movies, together with Sanjaya, and, maybe we go out for dinner and have a lovely time. Come to think of it, every day is Valentine’s Day for me with Sanjaya Alles.

Maneka Liyanage (Beauty Tips)

On this special day, I celebrate love by spending meaningful time with the people I cherish. I prepare food with love and share meals together, because food made with love brings hearts closer. I enjoy my leisure time with them — talking, laughing, sharing stories, understanding each other, and creating beautiful memories. My wish for this Valentine’s Day is a world without fighting — a world where we love one another like our own beloved, where we do not hurt others, even through a single word or action. Let us choose kindness, patience, and understanding in everything we do.

Janaka Palapathwala (Singer)

Janaka

Valentine’s Day should not be the only day we speak about love.

From the moment we are born into this world, we seek love, first through the very drop of our mother’s milk, then through the boundless care of our Mother and Father, and the embrace of family.

Love is everywhere. All living beings, even plants, respond in affection when they are loved.

As we grow, we learn to love, and to be loved. One day, that love inspires us to build a new family of our own.

Love has no beginning and no end. It flows through every stage of life, timeless, endless, and eternal.

Natasha Rathnayake (Singer)

We don’t have any special plans for Valentine’s Day. When you’ve been in love with the same person for over 25 years, you realise that love isn’t a performance reserved for one calendar date. My husband and I have never been big on public displays, or grand gestures, on 14th February. Our love is expressed quietly and consistently, in ordinary, uncelebrated moments.

With time, you learn that love isn’t about proving anything to the world or buying into a commercialised idea of romance—flowers that wilt, sweets that spike blood sugar, and gifts that impress briefly but add little real value. In today’s society, marketing often pushes the idea that love is proven by how much money you spend, and that buying things is treated as a sign of commitment.

Real love doesn’t need reminders or price tags. It lives in showing up every day, choosing each other on unromantic days, and nurturing the relationship intentionally and without an audience.

This isn’t a judgment on those who enjoy celebrating Valentine’s Day. It’s simply a personal choice.

Melloney Dassanayake (Miss Universe Sri Lanka 2024)

I truly believe it’s beautiful to have a day specially dedicated to love. But, for me, Valentine’s Day goes far beyond romantic love alone. It celebrates every form of love we hold close to our hearts: the love for family, friends, and that one special person who makes life brighter. While 14th February gives us a moment to pause and celebrate, I always remind myself that love should never be limited to just one day. Every single day should feel like Valentine’s Day – constant reminder to the people we love that they are never alone, that they are valued, and that they matter.

I’m incredibly blessed because, for me, every day feels like Valentine’s Day. My special person makes sure of that through the smallest gestures, the quiet moments, and the simple reminders that love lives in the details. He shows me that it’s the little things that count, and that love doesn’t need grand stages to feel extraordinary. This Valentine’s Day, perfection would be something intimate and meaningful: a cozy picnic in our home garden, surrounded by nature, laughter, and warmth, followed by an abstract drawing session where we let our creativity flow freely. To me, that’s what love is – simple, soulful, expressive, and deeply personal. When love is real, every ordinary moment becomes magical.

Noshin De Silva (Actress)

Valentine’s Day is one of my favourite holidays! I love the décor, the hearts everywhere, the pinks and reds, heart-shaped chocolates, and roses all around. But honestly, I believe every day can be Valentine’s Day.

It doesn’t have to be just about romantic love. It’s a chance to celebrate love in all its forms with friends, family, or even by taking a little time for yourself.

Whether you’re spending the day with someone special or enjoying your own company, it’s a reminder to appreciate meaningful connections, show kindness, and lead with love every day.

And yes, I’m fully on theme this year with heart nail art and heart mehendi design!

Wishing everyone a very happy Valentine’s Day, but, remember, love yourself first, and don’t forget to treat yourself.

Sending my love to all of you.

Features

Banana and Aloe Vera

Published

17 hours ago

2026/02/12

Sahan Weerasooriya

To create a powerful, natural, and hydrating beauty mask that soothes inflammation, fights acne, and boosts skin radiance, mix a mashed banana with fresh aloe vera gel.

This nutrient-rich blend acts as an antioxidant-packed anti-ageing treatment that also doubles as a nourishing, shiny hair mask.

* Face Masks for Glowing Skin:

Mix 01 ripe banana with 01 tablespoon of fresh aloe vera gel and apply this mixture to the face. Massage for a few minutes, leave for 15-20 minutes, and then rinse off for a glowing complexion.

* Acne and Soothing Mask:

Mix 01 tablespoon of fresh aloe vera gel with 1/2 a mashed banana and 01 teaspoon of honey. Apply this mixture to clean skin to calm inflammation, reduce redness, and hydrate dry, sensitive skin. Leave for 15-20 minutes, and rinse with warm water.

* Hair Treatment for Shine:

Mix 01 fresh ripe banana with 03 tablespoons of fresh aloe vera gel and 01 teaspoon of honey. Apply from scalp to ends, massage for 10-15 minutes and then let it dry for maximum absorption. Rinse thoroughly with cool water for soft, shiny, and frizz-free hair.