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Home , Arjuna Ranatunga, Harry Jayawardena, John Amaratunga, Nimal Siripala de Silva, Pavithra Wanniarachchi, Sagala Ratnayaka

Business Today ToP 30

2015-2016th The Business Today TOP 30 Awards, for the 19 consecutive time recognised the contribution of ’s corporates to the economy of the country. This year, the Business Today Awards was extended to acknowledge the TOP 30 best performing corporates of the year, to showcase the diversity of the private sector. The event was held under the patronage of Chief Guest , Prime Minister of Sri Lanka and Prof Maithree Wickramasinghe.

Photographs and videos of the Business Today TOP 30, 2015-2016 Award Ceremony can be viewed and shared online via businesstoday.lk

52 BUSINESS TODAY DECEMBER 2016 businesstoday.lk businesstoday.lk DECEMBER 2016 BUSINESS TODAY 53 with us since the first issue of Explore Sri Lanka in We wish to express our gratitude to Minister May 1987, and continues to support us even today. for his continuous strength and In 2015, we ventured into the hospitality sector guidance. We wish to specially thank him for his with Paper Moon Kudils in Whisky Point in the support in making this event a success. 30 YEArS ON East Coast. With the success and experience gained We wish to thank Minister BT OpTiOns REaffiRMs COMMiTMEnT TO all we will be opening our second property Arugambay for always being with us and supporting us. We Rocco’s in mid December this year. extend our gratitude to Minister welcome former Secretary to the President, Our operating model is that we work with for his continued confidence in us. Mr Lalith Weeratunga, we are pleased to have partners who are from the area and are the owners of Ms Sandra Perera, private secretary to the you here with us today. the properties, which are then leased for the project. Prime Minister, we wish to thank you for all your Explore Sri Lanka, our pioneering magazine, We invest in developing the land and managing the support and kindness. started in 1987, is celebrating its 30th year. Our resorts. We thank Mr Harry Jayawardena for his journey has been long and hard but through good Perumal Partheepan, (by coincidence he is a continuous support and confidence in us even before times and bad we have persevered, always with the Partheepan) is our partner and Executive Director for we started Business Today. He has always shown his drive and passion to promote Sri Lanka to the world. Paper Moon Kudils in Whisky Point, Urani. Mohamed concern for us and given his support in many ways. We as BT Options have always been positive Naleem, Executive Director and Partner of Arugambay Mr Manilal Fernando, thank you for being with about Sri Lanka. We have supported and worked Rocco’s is the owner of Tsunami Hotel in Arugam us over the years especially during the difficult times Udeshi Amarasinghe, BT Options with everyone that has the best interest of the Bay, which was started in the late 1990s, long years in the 1990s. country at heart. We continue to do so even today. before the country even knew about a tsunami. Mr Niththi Murugesu we thank you for your aruthara Sangarathnayen Awasarai, We are good with everyone and as such we invite We provide unique experiences to visitors who continuous guidance and advice. Ven Galaboda Gnanissara Thero, Chief all for this event. Even if they do not come it is our come and stay with us. They are not back packers or We wish to thank Mr Thusitha Wijayasena for GIncumbent of the , duty to invite them. budget tourists but are those who will spend, if they his support and concern for us. Ven Thero, Ven Diyapattugama Business Today this year made the decision to know that they are getting value for money. As we Mr Charles De and Mr A S Kaleel, for Revatha Thero and Ven Kirinde Assaji Thero, select the 30 best performing corporates in Sri Lanka work with and employ staff from the area we have confidently giving their properties to us and for distinguished ladies and gentlemen we warmly welcome to showcase the diversity of the private sector. And, been able to create a chill-out destination that truly their continuous support. you to the Business Today TOP 30, for the financial year to provide the opportunity for companies that have reflects the culture and lifestyle of our country. While We would like to thank Mr Dinesh Weerakkoday, 2015-2016. not yet entered the Business Today rankings, to do service and operations at Paper Moon Kudils is for the idea and concept for the Business Today We warmly welcome Prime Minister Ranil so, thereby recognising their contribution to the definitely better than Fawlty Towers, our guests have TOP corporate ranking, and Mr Keith Bernard and Wickremesinghe. We are honoured to have the economy. The private sector is no longer confined to a always had a fulfilling experience where they leave Mr Shiron Gooneratne who were team members of Prime Minister as our chief guest today and we extend selected few, but is a diverse spectrum of businesses. happy always promising to come back again. We do the Business Today TOP corporate ranking. They all our gratitude to him for being here with us on this There are many corporates that can lead the not ask them to write reviews about us, but if you see stepped aside from the process after they become special occasion. We warmly welcome Prof Maithree private sector to maximise its potential as the engine their feedback, it is truly remarkable. part of public listed companies. But they have Wickramasinghe. Our sincere appreciation to the of growth. The building of Arugambay Rocco’s, which continued to support us and be a great source of Professor for being here with us today. We thank Great achievements have been made not only included demolition, clearing and construction will strength to us. Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and by public quoted companies. There are those who be completed in less than 150 days. From design to We thank Mr Suren Rajakarier of KPMG for his Prof Maithree Wickramasinghe for taking time are making a mark internationally and taking construction everything is being done by SMI assistance and support in selecting the Business off their busy schedule to be here with us today. the country’s name to the world. For example: Engineering. We would specially like to mention Today TOP 30. We warmly welcome former President Mahinda Spa Ceylon, created by Shiwantha Dias and Shalin Chaminda Wickramarathne and Janaka Nishantha, The concept and design of the Business Today Rajapaksa for being here with us today. We express Balasuriya is a uniquely Sri Lankan Ayurveda and Spa of SMI Engineering for their commitment to complete TOP 30 award ceremony were by Glenda Parthipan, our gratitude to the former President for his support brand that has not only become an established name the project within the very tight deadline. This project with the support of the staff of BT Options. and guidance over the years. And, we have very much in Sri Lanka, but has expanded overseas to have too has been done without architects, where the The Business Today TOP 30 is held without any enjoyed working with him. stores in India, Korea, Malaysia, Maldives, design and layout were done by Janaka Nishantha. sponsorships or funding from the winners. All costs We are pleased to have here with us today, Singapore, Turkey and Japan. While it is mainly visitors from overseas that are borne by BT Options. Our revenue is only through Minister John Amaratunga, Minister Ravi Dharshan Munidasa too has taken Sri Lankan come and stay in this area, we are happy that through advertising sales in our publications. Karunanayake, Minister Sagala Ratnayaka, restaurants and cuisine to the world with his globally our endeavour many Sri Lankans too have begun to Business Today will continue to work with Field Marshal and Minister renowned restaurants Nihonbashi, Ministry of Crab, visit the area and learn surfing too. everyone as we have never sought personal gain. . Kaema Sutra and the Tuna and the Crab. There are BT Green, which is based in Kokkaddichcholai is For the country to move forward we all need to work We warmly welcome Minister Nimal Siripala many more, new and exciting things that will be focused on pre-and post-harvest operations. We will together. De Silva, who was once our chief guest, on a very happening in the near future as well. It is with great soon venture into growing and breeding as well. We congratulate the winners of the Business short notice, when he was the Leader of the House. pleasure that we are publishing his magazine titled Finally, we wish to thank everyone who has stood Today TOP 30, 2015–2016 for their excellent We also warmly welcome Members of Dharshan. by us over the 30 years. We extend our gratitude to all performance and we express our gratitude to Parliament, , Udaya It is with great respect and pride that we speak our clients who have continued to support us by everyone present here today for making this event Gammanpila and Sunil Handunetti. We warmly about Mr Anselm Perera, he has been advertising advertising in our publications. a success.

54 BUSINESS TODAY DECEMBER 2016 businesstoday.lk businesstoday.lk DECEMBER 2016 BUSINESS TODAY 55 Podi Hamuduruwo A ConstAnt support

Ven Galaboda Gnanissara Thero, the Chief Incumbent of the Gangaramaya Temple has always been the strength that guided us and has been with us during our times of need. Words cannot express our appreciation towards the Venerable Thero. ‘Podi Hamuduruwo’, has long been known to uphold Gangaramaya Temple as one that transcends divisive boundaries of society and faiths. While providing spiritual guidance the Thero greatly focuses on social welfare and cultural upliftment. A major aim of his work is to provide underprivileged children and youth opportunities through education and vocational training, which continues to date. Assisting families in rural areas through the provision of seeds, agricultural input and equipment have been some of the many activities, through which the Thero has provided support to farmers. The provision of 3,000 bicycles that were fitted with luggage racks and dynamos to farmers that would provide both a mode of transport as well as an alternative form of income was done so with the contribution of the Business Today TOP ranking corporates. With many of the paddy farmers being affected by the droughts recently, the Venerable Thero aims to donate hand tractors to farmers, which will enable them to use this vehicle for various agricultural activities as well as to generate electricity and provide alternative forms of income. The Gangaramaya Temple has always been a place of worship to all religions, a place of hope irrespective of area, race, religion, caste or creed. In an age where reconciliation and harmony are of great importance, Podi Hamuduruwo teaches by example. On November 14, 2016, Podi Hamuduruwo opened a Kovil dedicated to God Ganesh, which was built on a temple property in Slave Island. It was built according to Indian tradition. This area reflects religious harmony as there is a Church, Mosque, Kovil and Temple. It is while renovating the enclosure of the Bodhi tree that the Kovil was built on the adjoining space. they will prosper more and do a greater process paddy, generate electricity and pump Ven Galaboda Gnanissara Thero always thinks of the country first. His actions speak more than words. service to the country, and we are glad that water. It then became indispensable to our wishes in this regard have come to pass. agriculture worldwide. Sadly, it has not been As Sri Lankans we should all be proud of made use of in recent times in Sri Lanka and the service done by these publications in as a our agriculture has suffered. spreading information on our religious places, I suggested to I recalled to Mr Mathi how we, together WE MUST DEvElOp ThE our culture, religion, literature and many him that we with corporate leaders, made donations of other topics. donate a Land bicycles, plants and seeds to the poor for the Country togetHer I recall how at one time, during the time Master each to betterment of the country. I suggested to Ven Galaboda Gnanissara thero, Chief Incumbent of the Gangaramaya Temple when Hon Ranil Wickremesinghe was Prime a village to him that we donate a Land Master each to a Minister, there was a severe drought in village to resuscitate abandoned paddy fields. Hambantota. At that time this award ceremony resuscitate I mention that need here as a plea to all you The Venerable Maha Sangha, distinguished have been continuing this event in harmony As a monk was limited to ten awards. The ten awardees abandoned distinguished corporate leaders. invitees; with people of all races and religions and with who has been contributed to support the PM, and our initial paddy fields. I am happy to mention the names of As a monk who has been part of this no political friction. The magazines they are part of this plan of renovating 16 reservoirs in the afflicted I mention that Mr Rienzie Wijetilleke, formerly of the Hatton endeavour from its commencement, I am publishing have been on a par with the best endeavour area was increased to 18. Then, during the need here as a National Bank, Mr Harry Jayawardene and happy to speak on this occasion representing standards of the developed world; they are time of President , running Mr Hari Selvanathan among the many people from its plea to all you the clergy of all religions. It is a marvel that also a cause of pride for us. We are thankful commencement, water was provided from those reservoirs who sustained us. Due to time constraints Mr Mathi Parthipan, his wife and their staff for the efforts of Mr Mathi, which elevated and bicycles were also provided to the poor. distinguished it is not possible to mention everyone here. I am happy to have been organising this event for 19 years, the magazines to such a level that these are The illustrious Ray Wijewardene, corporates Expressing my happiness at the presence speak on this maintaining cordial ties with members of the perused by a learned, esteemed, distinguished son of D Wijewardene, was Prime Minister leaders. of the Prime Minister in this gathering, country’s distinguished corporate community readership worldwide. occasion Ranil Wickremesinghe’s uncle. It was Ray I urge you all to come together to develop and with no breach in goodwill with anyone. The event began with ten awards and has representing the Wijewardene who introduced the tractor, our country. I remind you to give attention to It is a cause of pride for our country that now evolved into thirty. Our blessings has clergy of all which is called Land Master, 40-50 years ago. the development of this country, religion and Mr Parthipan, his wife and their close staff always been bestowed on the winners so that religions. This tractor was utilised to harvest and language while developing your businesses.

56 BUSINESS TODAY DECEMBER 2016 businesstoday.lk businesstoday.lk DECEMBER 2016 BUSINESS TODAY 57 Prime minisTer ranil wiCkremesingHe strong And stAble leAdership

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has always stood firm on his beliefs. He is a politician that has always respected the other. He has maintained a merit based approach in his party as well as the Government that has meant that everyone has to perform. It is in recognition of his strength as a statesman that we invited him as our Guest of Honour since 2011 for the Business Today awards while he was the Leader of the Opposition and later as our honoured Chief Guest. Everyone looks forward to his speech. Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe is a strong leader, with a depth of experience. As a statesman and politician of a calibre that is rare today we have always respected Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and we will continue to do so. It is expected that with the Government’s new economic policy and direction the country will take-off in the near future. SrI lANkA MUST BEcOME A HigHly ComPeTiTive eConomy Ranil Wickremesinghe, Prime Minister of Sri Lanka Our market will no longer be just 22 million, join with us and create new markets. Because, Venerable members of the Sangha, honourable together. We have no intention of parting by mid next year we will give you three billion, We must this market of three billion people, we will ministers, Mr and Mrs Parthipan, winners of ways, but they say that your opponents are And I say again when four FTAs are signed and the GSP plus is expand it to another billion. We will make us that it is “our measure the awards, distinguished guests and friends. on the other side and your enemies are on brought in. That is what we assure you. Just ourselves by the hub of the Indian Ocean. It will be very My good friend Harry Jayawardena, I call this side. Now we have got into bed with our way”, because as much as we get access to other markets competitive, which means logistics will him a friend because he used to speak to me opponents, which is sometimes much easier. economic gradually we have to give access to our markets ASEAN become a big business. I have seen a number during the dark days, he forgot one thing. And I say again that it is “our way” because policies are but gradually in order for us to be competitive. standards and of Sri Lankan firms alongwith foreign firms J R Jayewardene’s favourite song was the economic policies are no longer my sole no longer my Be competitive, go out and expand. And one of that is going to applying for the East Terminals. That is good, Frank Sinatra number “I did it my way”. decision. We have what is called the CCEM, the sole decision. these days the TOP 30 will be judged not on be our you have confidence. We cannot forget our One person whose advice I valued was Cabinet Committee on Economic Management, We have what is what they did in the Sri Lankan market, but benchmark in manufacturing sector, but we cannot pay Narasimha Rao, the Indian Prime Minister every Wednesday and spend hours, my good what they have done outside. Both will have to wages of a Low-Income economy in a whom I knew when both of us were handling friend leads the SLFP called the CCEM, be taken in. This is the economy that we want the coming few Middle-Income economy. We have to change education. He told me, “If I asked the private side on that. It is a free discussion of views and the Cabinet to create, to go out there and that is why we years. Our and our industrial levels must also increase sector I could not have done the reforms. My they do represent the different voices of the Committee on encourage private enterprise, big and small market will no as we industrialise. Our service sectors, back was against the wall but I did it and India Government and the private sector. But this is Economic to take part in it. We are raising 12 billion longer be just especially tourism, there are many more prospered”. So sometimes you have to act on important. This is on political stability. We are Management. rupees to make money available for the small 22 million, opportunities that you see but I don’t see. your own and your convictions. I don’t know working on macroeconomic stability with the and medium enterprises. A fair number of Digital economy, all that is waiting for you, It is a free by mid next whether I am doing my way, it is now our IMF and with the others because we want to discussion of incentives (will be given) for private investors waiting for us. Let us work together. What are way. Many people have said recently that the make a change in our economy as far reaching and foreign investors. But above all this year we will we giving you? The infrastructure that we give views and they Government is in trouble, I must say that the or as more than J R Jayewardene did. there is one big venture that the Government give you three you will be, one is the South-West corridor, President and I are determined that we will The market economy must make us a do represent the is going to launch, a joint venture that will be because that is becoming the fashion. You get different voices billion, when be back for five years. We first ensured political highly competitive economy. We should with Government, it will be a public – private four FTAs are the Delhi-Mumbai corridor. So we have this stability. That will carry on. What is the not measure ourselves by South Asian of the partnership, it will be with the Government, corridor with two harbours and two airports. advantage? By next election maybe we will go standards. We will never succeed because we Government and the private sector, big and small, the workers, signed and the Starting from , which should be our separate ways, but we will be a developed are leading. We must measure ourselves by the private the farmers and the service employees. GSP plus is expanded with the assistance of the Japanese, country where despite who wins the basic ASEAN standards and that is going to be sector... Let’s go down the road that we all become brought in. coming down into Wayamba (North Western) policy will not change because we are working our benchmark in the coming few years. stakeholders, let us succeed. We want you to not merely the Central Expressway, which will

58 BUSINESS TODAY DECEMBER 2016 businesstoday.lk businesstoday.lk DECEMBER 2016 BUSINESS TODAY 59 we are leasing it out to a PPP (Public–Private development of also the beaches, agriculture BOI, Tourist Board or UDA approvals, because Partnership). What have we got? A harbour for and IT. we have a good business of selling our which we have to start paying the interest and … I first introduced computers to the approvals. We give it in your name about six servicing the debt of 1.3 billion US dollars and Ministry of Education. We had a rough months start work and you will not be able to the airport, as the honourable minister will curricula and we developed it. Are we going to transfer it. You come ready and work and we say. Well, one way we can do is increase taxes. have computers, tablets, and laptops only for are setting up a single window for appearances We can double the taxes on alcohol, we can the rich? Or are we giving it so that everyone working on two weeks. We are setting up the increase the corporate taxes and income tax. has IT knowledge and you have an IT skilled committee now and the legislation will follow We have a white elephant, that’s what it is. labour force… We have kept aside addition to after the development of the Investments We are now turning it into productive use. the monies we are giving for technical training. (Special Provisions) Law. We are working on The Minister of Shipping, the Minister There is four billion rupees kept aside in a the incentives we have to give. of Aviation and Minister of Southern separate fund to fund training with the private But what else are we aiming at? Certainly Development; what are we doing? We are sector to pay for allowances, two of your we want to expand employment and give the giving a majority of shares to China Merchants members of the private sector are working people higher incomes, improve productivity, in return for 1.1 billion dollars. Now, rather on some of the programmes, one is Mr Ken increase competitiveness and go for growth. than make to a balance of payment, when the Balendra who is heading a team looking at The Central Bank says six per cent next year, fund managers are taking the money out, Public Private training programmes, other is but I want to push for seven per cent because as interest rates will go in US. And why Dinesh Weerakkody who has got us assistance then by 2025 we can double the GDP and because you need volume in a harbour. Why from abroad to identify areas. So we want you double the income. Then again in another should anyone come? We are negotiating on to come in, we will provide the money, the I plan to work eight years we can double it again. We will the airport. Already there are offers on a buildings and we will work together to provide together with become a high income country and that is Chinese refinery and another one from Arabia jobs for young people. A future for them. you all so I will what we are doing. later on go to Dambulla. There are some good and America. The Chinese one they say will We start with four billion rupees, if we can be calling up, At the same time, we will keep tourist projects. When Iranawila is handed cost us two billion. Am I to reject it? A spend more we will spend more. starting from our attention on the rural economy to stabilise back by VOA we will call for an expression of dockyard to repair at least a minimum of 60 We are about to start a very large technical it and modernise it. This is what we are interest for a golf course and the largest ships a year going on to 100; an LNG plant that training institute in the Hambantota and tomorrow, the planning. And I plan to work together with property development, just within 45 minutes will provide power, cement plants; basically Matara area with one to just cater to the private sector. you all so I will be calling up, starting from from the Katunayake Airport. You heard so over three billion dollars. Today we heard that industrialization in Hambantota. We need But I also have a tomorrow, the private sector. But I also have much of the megapolis, I will not go over it We do not there may be a second cement plant and much more. We have to start training. That is policy, nothing a policy, nothing for nothing. You invest the again except to say that we are working on the whether we can accommodate it. And 15,000 why we are providing, a package of incentives for nothing. money and I will work with you. Correct? We financial city as an off-shore financial centre, have money acres where the Chinese require industrial for some of you who are worried what will have to create jobs and as you invest I have to which some of you I hope will take part in. to develop estates in the Thai style, not talking about happen to us when the market liberalises You invest the ask you, ease of doing business some of you will 600 acres, a separate jurisdiction. There either what we are going to do. We need eight billion gradually. We are giving a trade adjustment money and I will take part in those committees and report to us, will be development of infrastructure in the Hambantota dollars worth of investment that brings in package, which will include capital allowances. work with you. how to promote investment, how promote the industrial estates in Wayamba, Divulapitiya, or Trincomalee. something. Am I to give it up? People are For others, a low tax regime for direct different sectors, all that is there. And I will talk Kalutara, Avissawella, Eheliyagoda. asking today where I am going to find the investment, foreign or local and capital to you all and decide what we have to do and go The highway will also be extended to If we get 15,000 acres. I say we have over five million allowances. Unfortunately, some members of ahead. The work has started and this is a golden Ratnapura to Pelmedulla and the Southern foreign acres in the area that we are talking about, the private sector who are talking today have opportunity for our country to expand in this Development where you will find Galle and investors and excluding Yala not only Bundala. The land has confused depreciation and capital allowances. political stability, which you will not get after the passing Matara for service industries, for high do it, am I to been identified by the Ministry of Southern I would like to remind you again depreciation end of these five years. That is the one that will value tourism and Hambantota, which will be take it or Development. The surveyor general is is what you would write-off against your make us go forward. It is a make or break time again industrialised. surveying the Hambantota land because the profits, under section 25 of the Act. Capital for us and I hope to see the TOP 30 who have On the other side, the second stage reject it. Chinese team will come in early December and allowances are what you pay against your taxes not already invested to start investing. We will would be the North-East corridor around the That is where then the Monaragala lands, Matara and even under assessable and taxable income under call you up and by the end of next year we will Trincomalee harbour and the economic area. you find Embilipitiya are on stand-by. So let’s use it to section 33 and 34, if I am not mistaken. So that report to Parliament who has invested. Let the The potential for tourism is limitless. Develop development... industrialise the South to a large extent and is the difference. But we have talked with you people judge. We will also get foreign investment the Higurakgoda airport as a regional airport, then we will be signing the agreement with the and we have decided that the Minister of but we want all of you. We want Sri Lankan Malwathu Oya reservoirs, development of Singaporeans, Surbana Jurong for the planning Finance and Minister of Development Strategy players and there may be new people who will agriculture and the President’s own programme out of Trincomalee. India and Japan are also will produce a comprehensive note on all the come that we do not see here, just as much that ‘Pibidenu Polonnaruwa’. That is just the quite interested. We do not have money to tax incentives available. Areas like , some of you were not there 10-15 years ago. That beginning. This is what we are aiming for. develop either Hambantota or Trincomalee. we are giving double the allowances to get in is competition and that is how you have to go … Firstly, no one is selling the Port. If we get foreign investors and do it, am I to quickly. We decided today that we will prohibit ahead. And at the end of the day you will have a I cannot sell the port, the land is there and take it or reject it. That is when you find the transfer of approvals, permits whether it is drink and Harry will benefit. Thank you.

60 BUSINESS TODAY DECEMBER 2016 businesstoday.lk businesstoday.lk DECEMBER 2016 BUSINESS TODAY 61 Business Today 2 – CommerCial Bank of Ceylon ToP 30 speeches

The Top Ten companies of the Business Today TOP 30 and the new entrants to the rankings expressed their thoughts on their performance during the year under review.

Dharma Deerasinghe, Chairman Dharma Dheerasinghe, Chairman and Jegan Durairatnam, Managing Director/CEO receive award 1 – JoHn keells Holdings from Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe

I’m extremely pleased to accept this commitment and hard work of employees at all award on behalf of Commercial Bank for levels and due to the unwavering loyalty of our being ranked second in the Business Today customers and all other stakeholders. I wish to TOP 30 public listed corporates in Sri Lanka. thank them for their hard work and the trust Commercial Bank takes pride in its dedication they have placed in us. I also wish to thank to maintaining good governance, transparency Business Today for organising this awards and ethical business practices, which are ceremony for the last several years. of paramount importance for a financial The proud legacy of Commercial Bank has institution. Sustainable and ethical business been shining for many years and we are practices are a way of life for us and we believe confident that it will continue to shine in many it to be the main reason for our success. The more years with the help of your esteemed success of the bank is also due to the passion, magazine.

3 –

Ronnie Peiris, Director Susantha Ratnayake, Chairman receives award from Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe

I’m privileged to accept this award on ensuring that our actions are society-centric. behalf of John Keells Holdings. We are grateful We have invested and we continue to invest to our stakeholders for all the support that immensely in this great company of ours. As they have shown us during the subject year. you know we have an ongoing massive In particular, I wish to recognise and development, The Waterfront. We recently acknowledge the contribution made by our announced more investments in an ice cream 13,500+ employees who have contributed and plant, a bottling plant, we have a big rollout out supported us immensely in our effectiveness. of our supermarkets. I’m sure I echo the We are extremely proud of the importance sentiments of the private sector when I say that that we place on sustainable development. the private sector does not look for anything In particular, we take great pride in the from the Government other than clear policy measures that we take in ensuring the direction and an enabling environment. Thank Dilshan Rodrigo,COO Rienzie Arseculeratne, Chairman, receives award from Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe protection of our environment and in you once again Business Today for this evening.

62 BUSINESS TODAY DECEMBER 2016 businesstoday.lk businesstoday.lk DECEMBER 2016 BUSINESS TODAY 63 I am delighted to accept this award on banking with us I’m sure we can strike up a 5 – dialog axiaTa behalf of the 4,000+ family of HNB whose conversation later on today, the contribution and teamwork made this possible. two million plus depositors who place their faith We are pleased and humbled by retaining in our institution day after day, and the hundreds third place ranking for the second year in a and thousands of micro finance and SME row. We believe that the two companies ahead customers spread across the country who are our of us are true role models for all corporates and true partners in progress. The HNB Team for the banking industry. We will continue their support, continuous improvement and our game changer journey of digital changed journey and of course the board ably led transformation that we commenced three by our chairman who has provided inspirational years back driving customer centricity in our leadership to raise the bar every year. branches and operational excellence at the Our goals are closely aligned with the centre. With people and technology at the heart nation, partnering infrastructure development,

of everything we do, I have no doubt our bold driving entrepreneurship and financial Dr Hans Wijayasuriya, Group Chief Executive Dr Hans Wijayasuriya, Group Chief Executive receives award from Prime Minister transformational vision we have for 2020 inclusion, reducing the informal economy Ranil Wickremesinghe will propel us to become the Number One through digital channels, flag bearer for green institution in the near future. business, are key mutual strategic drivers. It’s an honour and privilege to stand provide has been made affordable and I would like to thank all our stakeholders, in We are extremely optimistic of a prosperous here today and accept this award on behalf of available to nearly every single citizen of this particular, our customers, many of the corporate future for Sri Lanka and we will continue to our 11 million customers and also the 3,000 country. How this has been made possible customers are here today if you’re not already partner sustainable and inclusive growth. strong Dialog family. In celebrating the is not due to any single company or any success of Dialog you are celebrating the single person, but due to the efforts of the success of an entire industry, an exciting Government of Sri Lanka, the progressive industry and one which has placed Sri Lanka policies of digital inclusion and the overall 4 – Ceylon ToBaCCo ComPany ahead of all of its regional peers. Mobile efforts of consumers, partners, distributors, telecommunications and digital infrastructure agents, customers from all over our beautiful are exciting topics. But what is unique in country. I would like to thank you all for this Sri Lanka is that these technologies and honour for inspiring corporate Sri Lanka and facilities and the empowerment that they continuing to do this year on year.

6 – samPaTH Bank

Emma Ridley, Finance Director Emma Ridley, Finance Directo receives award from Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe

I would like to thank the organisers of this a legal product. Most recently we were hit with prestigious awards ceremony for once again unprecedented increases in excise and taxes, recognising CTC as one of the TOP 30 corporates in which has led to 20 per cent decline in our volumes. Nanda Fernando, Managing Director Nanda Fernando, Managing Director receives award from Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe Sri Lanka. I consider it an honour to humbly accept This unfortunately however, our loss seems to be a this award and acknowledge the achievement on win for the less regulated and minimally taxed beedi. behalf of the company. We are extremely happy to be We are concerned that while this increasing tax on It is a privilege for me to be here today and thank our current Chairman, Mr Channa here, positioned at number four where we have legal manufactured cigarettes has resulted in to be recognised from the Business Today as Palansooriya and the Board of Directors for the succeeded in being placed in the Top Ten for 11 increasing Government revenues in the short term, one of the top corporates. Over the years we excellent guidance they have been providing us consecutive years. CTC has performed commendably the inevitable declining volumes will erode the share have been stepping up in our rankings, to maintain and run the bank. I will be failing to achieve this recognition despite the challenging in the medium to long term. Working together is the especially due to the loyal customers who have in my duties if I also do not thank our former operating environment, which has hampered the only way we can see to ensure the sustainable future been contributing towards the betterment of Chairman Mr Dhammika Perera who has been growth of a legal business entity manufacturing for Government revenues from the tobacco industry. the bank. I must also take this opportunity to a tower of strength, together with our former

64 BUSINESS TODAY DECEMBER 2016 businesstoday.lk businesstoday.lk DECEMBER 2016 BUSINESS TODAY 65 Managing Director Mr Aravinda Perera who understand our responsibilities as a national our company especially the Minister of the appropriate time to tell you. And also the has been guiding the Sampath Bank and retired bank. Finance. Every year he looks after us very Finance Minister next time please spare us. a couple of months ago. The Sampath team had Once again we thank Business Today well. Of course, he has to do that. I am not Don’t try to tax us too much and kill the goose humble beginnings 30 years ago and we have for recognising and having this event, which against what you are doing. You need funds. that lays the golden egg. been climbing gradually serving all parts of is a great encouragement to the corporate So you must take the funds from the people Once again thank you Business Today for the country and expanding especially to the sector. While we thank Business Today and all who have the funds. You can’t go and ask this wonderful event. Please continue to unbanked and the under banked as well. stakeholders for their contribution we would people who don’t have the funds. organise this and don’t go above 30 it is too So over the years, collectively all stakeholders continue to discharge our responsibilities Having said that I thank and congratulate much. After some time you can think and see if have been contributing to the bank and we do towards making a better Sri Lanka tomorrow. all of you. Thank you honorable Prime Minister you can go to 40. Thank you once again and I for your patient hearing. This I thought was wish all of you greater success in the next year.

7 – disTilleries ComPany of sri lanka 8 – lanka orix leasing ComPany

Kapila Jayawardena, Managing Director/CEO Kapila Jayawardena, Managing Director/CEO receives award from Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe Harry Jayawardena, Chairman/Managing Director Harry Jayawardena, Chairman/Managing Director receives award from Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe It’s a pleasure and a privilege to be here Sri Lanka. And within the last 36 years we have among Sri Lanka’s TOP 30 companies and we are enriched the lives of the rural masses. In terms of All the 30 winners should be congratulated lesson for all of us. Unpredictable things at Number Eight. LOLC completed a year of robust financial inclusion in the rural areas we have for their efforts to have come to this position. happen like what happened in USA. growth in 2015 and will continuing to do so in always been in the forefront. We are the largest I am humbled today to continue to see you Now Mr Prime Minister, I must tell you one 2016. I would like to thank my team members – non banking financial institution in the country from top 10 to 20 now to 30, continuously thing. You have the 30 most top notch private 6,200 people, my customers – a million and we have helped businesses, SMEs and micro we have had a position in the list of winners. sector people. Take them in to your confidence. customers and a whole lot of stakeholders who finance has always been in our genes and that is We must thank Business Today who have over Unfortunately its not happening. They have at made this possible. We complete our 36th year in the way that we have come into this position. the years singlehandedly organised this event. least one bit of knowledge otherwise they I think the architect of this event was no other would have not come amongst these 30 odd than Mr Dinesh Weerakody. The private sector people. We have the former secretary of the needed this kind of injection, and you were President I’m sure he will agree with me. 9 – nesTlé lanka able to rally round and gather all the winners We are people to reckon with. So at least and have this competition fairly and truly and whenever you go overseas or leading the say that “You have done well” for that country in a delegation tell and get advice from respective year. I can tell the honorable Prime these people saying “I am going here. What Minister one time you were here as the Leader have you to say? What can you suggest?”. This of the Opposition. You made a brilliant will help you to broaden your vision and speech... Today, it is a tribute, not only have broaden things that are happening day to day. you come here, you have come here as the Unfortunately, you’re too busy for that. But I head of the Government, as the leader of this appeal to you to at least make an effort to country. People should not talk ill of other meet these people. All the 30 people who are people, whether politicians or otherwise. This here. They have done extremely well in their is very common in our culture. It is high time various fields. So, I do not wish to elaborate Shivani Hedge, Managing Director Shivani Hedge, Managing Director receives award from Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe we refrain from such bad habits. It is a good and talk about our company. Everybody knows

66 BUSINESS TODAY DECEMBER 2016 businesstoday.lk businesstoday.lk DECEMBER 2016 BUSINESS TODAY 67 It is our honor to be ranked at Number Nine the rural economy. As the largest private sector business initiatives of Carson Cumberbatch, Lion ventures. Being a group that operates across in the Business Today rankings for the year collector of fresh milk, collecting approximately Breweries, Good Hope Asia, Guardian Equity and several cross boarders, multicultural political 2015/16 and to be in the Top 10 for the first time. a third of the total commercially available milk Pegasus Reef Sub Groups, operating in Sri Lanka trajectories we see the commercial world having We are proud of this recognition because we at in the country and also being one of the largest and in the Asian region. bigger challenges than in the past. Particularly in Nestle believe that our mission in not just to exporters of coconut milk powder we have been Looking back at the last few years of the last 24 months and we’ll see that happening as deliver high quality food and beverage products investing in the rural economy particularly in financial reporting the core business of the we go on in the future as well. Changes in political to our consumers, but to offer them nutrition, the dairy and coconut sector. Our efforts in group underwent a tremendous amount of ideologies, changes in market dynamics, and more health and wellness. Our purpose is to enhance developing these two sectors contributing commercially challenging events and importantly the complexities of commercial power the quality of the life of the people of Sri Lanka. towards a livelihood of about 25,000 faming impediments and its business plans had to basses and power based sensualities has made Our purpose is to contribute towards the local families. And in the year 2015 we contributed undergo fair amounts of challenges to doing business more challenging than in the past. communities and to fuel economic development. about six billion rupees to these farming overcome them. Particularly in the flood However, the smartness as I said before of our And this recognition really helps us to families. related environment, commodity market people have made us achieve the target that we strengthen our belief, that we can make a We will strengthen the foundations for the collapses and particularly in overseas operations have set forth to achieve. difference. future, invest in the future in capacity expansion, we were faced with a tremendous amount of We believe that Sri Lanka is now positioned This year we are celebrating a 110 years of and also in man power development as we negatives. However, on a fortunate note I’m to be an influence to reckon with and if we act our operations in Sri Lanka and 150 years expose our people to best practices across the pleased to say that the worst is over, and the with smartness coupled with hard work we will globally. We began operations in this country globe. We are also going to invest in bringing in future looks pretty bright it is visibly seen to achieve the goals that we have set forth to over 30 years ago, manufacturing 30 years ago. new technologies to drive innovation to make us we are in the correct path for progress. achieve. It is in this backdrop I would like to We are proud to be a local multi national our products tastier and healthier everyday The reason for our group to come to this state commend the organisers of this magnificent producing our products locally using largely local drawing from our global expertise in nutrition of stability is a fundamentally strong character event for recognising Bukit Darah this year, raw materials. In fact, our factory here in and also from our R&D network. We look in our businesses, coupled with cutting edge which compliments and encourages all what Pannala is manufacturing more than 90 per cent forward to the next 150 years in this country smartness of our human resource that we the Group has achieved during the year on the of the products that we sell in the country, with passion and determination. With passion have in our management teams along with a review. This forum for many years has served as driving both import substitutions as well as to offer our consumers and deliver our promise strong commitment from our stakeholders, a unique platform to bring together the dynamics exports. We strongly believe in the growth of good food, good life and the determination shareholders and clientele. On a very positive of political and business visions. potential of Sri Lanka. We are here for the long that we will be able to help generation after note we have positioned ourselves on a fresh leaf I am thankful to the honorable Prime term; we are committed to make investments. generation of Sri Lankans to live a happier and of courage and strength. Minister, Ministers of the Government in In fact, we have been investing significantly in healthier life. We do look forward to a bright and patronising this occasion signifying their sustainable ‘business as usual’ in all our endorsement of this event. 10 – BukiT daraH 11 – valliBel one 12 – sri lanka TeleCom

Chandima Gunawardena, Director Chandima Gunawardena, Director receives award from Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe

Let me begin in saying with humility how our business objectives in the recent past, pleased I am to receive this award this year, particularly in the last year and a half. This year which reflects an enormous amount of on the review and the current year, the group dedicated work done by our work force, has had to battle up unprecedented challenges management teams, directorates at multiple to sustain business plans for reasons beyond the Dinusha Bhaskaran, CEO receives award from Nimal Siripala De Silva, P G Kumarasinghe Sirisena, Chairman receives award from Sagala Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation, Ravi Karunanayake, Minister of Ratnayaka, Minister of Law and Order and Southern Development, geographical locations around the Asian region. management’s control. Bukit Darah Group, Finance and Sagala Ratnayaka, Minister of Law and Order and Southern Nimal Siripala De Silva, Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation and We have been fighting many battles to sustain for those who may not know, encompasses the Development Ravi Karunanayake, Minister of Finance

68 BUSINESS TODAY DECEMBER 2016 businesstoday.lk businesstoday.lk DECEMBER 2016 BUSINESS TODAY 69 13 – Hayleys 14 – PeoPle’s leasing 19 – naTional 20 – CenTral finanCe and finanCe develoPmenT Bank ComPany

Ananda Athukorala, Chairman and Buwaneka Perera, Vice President, Ravi Rambukwella, Director receives award from Nimal Siripala De Silva, Corporate Banking receive award from Sagala Ratnayaka, Minister of Law Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation, Ravi Karunanayake, Minister of and Order and Southern Development, Nimal Siripala De Silva, Minister of Finance and Sagala Ratnayaka, Minister of Law and Order and Southern Sarath Ganegoda, Director receives award from Sagala Ratnayaka, Pradeep Amirthanayagam, Deputy Chairman and D P Kumarage, CEO receive Transport and Civil Aviation and Ravi Karunanayake, Minister of Finance Development Minister of Law and Order and Southern Development, Nimal Siripala award from Nimal Siripala De Silva, Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation, De Silva, Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation and Ravi Karunanayake, Ravi Karunanayake, Minister of Finance and Sagala Ratnayaka, Minister of Minister of Finance Law and Order and Southern Development 21 – dfCC Bank 22 – 15 – CeylinCo insuranCe 16 – Hemas Holdings

Arjun Fernando, CEO receives award from Ravi Karunanayake, Minister of J M S Britto, Deputy Chairman and Managing Director receives award from Finance, Nimal Siripala De Silva, Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation and Sagala Ratnayaka, Minister of Law and Order and Southern Development, Sagala Ratnayaka, Minister of Law and Order and Southern Development Nimal Siripala De Silva, Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation and Ravi Karunanayake, Minister of Finance

Ajith Gunawardena, Managing Director/CEO receives award from Steven Enderby, CEO receives award from Sagala Ratnayaka, Minister of Law Ravi Karunanayake, Minister of Finance, Nimal Siripala De Silva, Minister and Order and Southern Development, Nimal Siripala De Silva, Minister of of Transport and Civil Aviation and Sagala Ratnayaka, Minister of Law and Transport and Civil Aviation and Ravi Karunanayake, Minister of Finance Order and Southern Development 23 – CT Holdings 17 – seylan Bank 18 – CHevron luBriCanTs lanka

Sanjay Niles, Director, Group Corporate Affairs Sanjay Niles, Director, Group Corporate Affairs receives award from Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe

It indeed a great honour for me to receive business as a pioneer in the entertainment Tilan Wijesekera receives award from Nimal Siripala De Silva, Minister of Dr Kishu Gomes, Managing Director/CEO receives award from Ravi this award on behalf of CT Holdings PLC. industry in Sri Lanka. The makers of films such Transport and Civil Aviation, Ravi Karunanayake, Minister of Finance and Karunanayake, Minister of Finance, Nimal Siripala De Silva, Minister Sagala Ratnayaka, Minister of Law and Order and Southern Development of Transport and Civil Aviation and Sagala Ratnayaka, Minister of Law CT holdings traces its origins back to the brink as Asoka Mala, Golu Hadawatha and Nidanaya, and Order and Southern Development of National Independence entering the cinema CT Holdings, then known as Ceylon theatres,

70 BUSINESS TODAY DECEMBER 2016 businesstoday.lk businesstoday.lk DECEMBER 2016 BUSINESS TODAY 71 invested in many trailblazing enterprises in the and Cargills Bank. It is the value created by bold aspirations and I was fortunate that we sectors of food and beverage, retailing, these enduring enterprises, powered by had a team of very dynamic and ambitious property, food services and it continues its a over 9,000 strong young team and the people who felt that the sky is the limit to what romance with the cinema industry leading the entrepreneurial vision of our investors that they could dream. This resulted in a high speed technology transformation in the arena. positions CT Holdings in the Business Today kind of journey where we from a rank of 50, The vision of our founders to build strong TOP 30. As one of Sri Lanka’s oldest corporates within three years, became one the 20 most and progressive industries that creates we remain committed to our silent but valuable companies in the country. sustainable value for Sri Lanka is embodied in meaningful role consistently investing in our We felt that we could put a brand from the the success of enterprises such as Cargills, countries core growth sectors and supporting apparel and fabric industry in Sri Lanka on the Cargills Food City, Magic, Kotmale, Kist, KFC, the development potential of our growing global map. With that in mind we recently Ceylon Theatres, Empire, Majestic City economy. re-launched our company under the brand TeeJay. And we are optimistic that over the next few years we can make this something Sriyan De Silva Wijeyeratne, Managing Director/CEO and Ashroff Omar, Director recieve that Sri Lankans all across could be proud of. award from Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe 24 – aCCess engineering 25 – naTions TrusT Bank We thank BT Options for this recognition because, hot on the heels of being recognised apparel industry that we are privileged to have. by Forbes as one of the Top 200 companies in Thank you to all our customers and partners for Asia under a billion dollars, this award only the support. And of course my thanks to a fantastic serves to inspire the team further and to create team who are the bedrock on which we do this day a fantastic fabric, which supports the amazing in and day out.

28 – riCHard Peiries and ComPanies

Sumal Perera, Chairman receives award from Nimal Siripala De Silva, Renuka Fernando, CEO receives award from Ravi Karunanayake, Minister of Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation, Ravi Karunanayake, Minister of Finance, Nimal Siripala De Silva, Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation and Finance and Sagala Ratnayaka, Minister of Law and Order and Southern Sagala Ratnayaka, Minister of Law and Order and Southern Development Development 26 – lanka ioC 27 – TexTured Jersey Textured Jersey entered the Business Today rankings for the first time and is the first company from the apparel industry to so. Viville Perera, Director Viville Perera, Director receives award from Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe

I am truly honored to represent the revenue of 43 billion rupees, which is a 14 per company and to say a few words on this special cent increase on the previous year. Profit After occasion today. We are pleased that Richard Tax grew by 23 per cent and the asset base of Peiries and Company has reentered Business the group totaled at 43.6 billion rupees. Today Top 30 amongst the best performing This enabled the group to continue to corporates for the financial year 2015 - 2016 expand its business portfolio. Richard Peiris has after a lapse of few years. During the year always evolved with time and is continuously Shyam Bohra, Managing Director receives award from Sagala Ratnayaka, under review the company has focused on core looking for strategic investment opportunities Minister of Law and Order and Southern Development, sectors of the business namely retail, plastic, with plans to expand into different market Nimal Siripala De Silva, Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation and Sriyal De Silva Wijeyeratne, Managing Director/CEO Ravi Karunanayake, Minister of Finance tyer and rubber we continue to drive the segments. Plastic sector is already looking into It is indeed our pleasure and honour as Textured Jersey group’s financial performance. Whilst the penetrating into South Asian markets and to be named amongst the glitterati of the industry and plantation sector was affected by global strategic initiatives are in the pipeline to try indeed the country. A few years ago we set ourselves some economic constraint, our company recorded a more exposed through USA and great energy

72 BUSINESS TODAY DECEMBER 2016 businesstoday.lk businesstoday.lk DECEMBER 2016 BUSINESS TODAY 73 will be pumped into the plantation sector by In this respect the Hon Prime Minister Ranil 30 – Singer (Sri Lanka) looking at new market segments. Wickremasinghe has already taken action We are confident that with the vision to widen up trade and other business and direction given by our group chairman relationships with neighbouring and other Dr Sena Yaddehige, our company will be able developing and developed countries, to open to secure a better ranking on the Business up opportunities to enhance trade exports Today TOP 30 for the financial year 2016/2017. in to new markets. I think now it is the Today Sri Lanka’s outward looking skill responsibility of the private sector to take population is a major economic asset and a advantage of this position and contribute competitive advantage. The geography and effectively using new technologies and human capital combined with growing peace innovations in entering into these new has given tremendous potential as markets in elevating the Sri Lankan economy a regional and even as a global hub for trade. to the next level.

Asoka Peiris, CEO Asoka Peiris, CEO receives award from Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe

29 – sofTlogiC Singer is very happy to be a recipient performing?”, when they want to judge of the Business Today TOP 30. And we are whether the people of the country have privileged to open probably a long list of the purchasing power’. Because we are speakers. As you know Singer Sri Lanka is a reflection of that. at the forefront of marketing, retail, manufac- We are very optimistic of the future of turing and finance. We are a company spread the country, about the present situation of throughout Sri Lanka. We are there in city the country and we believe that Sri Lanka malls and we are there in the most remote has very good opportunities going forward. villagers, having a small outlet. We sell Geographically we are well placed. We now agricultural pumps to the farmers, a bicycle have good relationships with everyone and we to the fisherman and we sell smart phones believe that we are in a cross road, but are in to businessmen. We sell across the strata. a situation where we have a great future. This Therefore, we are quite representative of a award is an inspiration to all of us, to do even wide section of Sri Lanka. Many of my friends better, to serve our consumers, to serve our Roshan Rasool, Executive Director Roshan Rassool, Executive Director receives award from Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe who are in politics ask me, ‘How is Singer community and all other stakeholders.

I’m extremely privileged and humbled to have played a key role in our growth as the accept this award on behalf of 9000 people who market leader, not just in one, but several constitutes our family at Softlogic. Thank you sectors that we are present in. Our business BT Options and the team for selecting us to be was founded on value creation. Thank you amongst the TOP 30 business enterprises in to our millions of customers who have Sri Lanka. Our journey started 25 years ago as an patronised us and finally to our principals on ICT company with a staff strength of a dozen the fruitful collaborations that have helped people and an investment of a few million us throughout the years. As we consider the rupees. Today we are a conglomerate with an growth aspirations of our country, increasing annual turn over of 50 billion that is future ready sophistication of consumers, increasing and well-positioned in high growth areas of the purchasing power, increasing tourist arrivals (L – R) D P Kumarage, CEO/General Manager, People’s Leasing and Finance; Asoka Peiris, CEO, Singer (Sri Lanka); J M S Britto, Deputy Chairman, Managing Director, services and trade sectors of our country. and an increased awareness in healthcare and Aitken Spence; Emma Ridley, Finance Director, Ceylon Tobacco Corporation; Shivani Hedge, Managing Director, Nestlé Sri Lanka; Viville Perera, Director, Richard Peiris & Our relatively short journey has been a digitally inclusive Sri Lanka, we see ourselves Company; Sarath Ganegoda, Director, Hayleys; Dr Kishu Gomes, Managing Director/CEO, Chevron Lubricants Lanka; Ajith Gunawardena, Managing Director/CEO, Ceylinco Insurance; Dharma Dheerasinghe, Chairman, Commercial Bank; P G Kumarasinghe Sirisena, Chairman, Sri Lanka Telecom; Sriyan De Silva Wijeyeratne, remarkable with bold, ambitious and even in a unique position to continue our double Managing Director/CEO, Textured Jersey; Roshan Rassool, Executive Director, Softlogic; Sagala Ratnayaka, Minister of Law and Order and Southern Development; audacious strides. Our success today is digit growth both in top line and bottom line. Nimal Siripala De Silva, Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation; Ranil Wickremesinghe, Prime Minister of Sri Lanka; Ravi Karunanayake, Minister of Finance; Sanjay Niles, Director, CT Holdings; Harry Jayawardena, Chairman/Managing Director, Distilleries Company of Sri Lanka and Chairman Aitken Spence; Arjun Fernando, CEO, undoubtedly contributed to our team of highly Once again let me thank the BT Options DFCC Bank; Shyam Bohra, Managing Director, Lanka IOC; Pradeep Amirthanayagam, Deputy Chairman, People’s Leasing and Finance; Steven Enderby, CEO, Hemas competent and inspired professionals who are team for all the recognitions and their efforts Holdings; Ravi Rambukwella, Director, Central Finance Company; Chandima Gunawardena, Director, Bukit Darah; Jegan Durairatnam, Managing Director/CEO, Commercial Bank; Kapila Jayawardena, Managing Director/CEO, Lanka Orix Leasing Company; Ashroff Omar, Director, Textured Jersey; Rienzie Arseculeratne, the architects of our business strategies. Their to inspire the corporate entities in Sri Lanka Chairman, Hatton National Bank; Dilshan Rodrigo, COO, Hatton National Bank; Dr Hans Wijayasuriya, Group Chief Executive, Dialog Axiata; Dinusha Bhaskaran, CEO, energy, enthusiasm and professional conduct to reach greater heights. Vallibel One; Ananda Athukorala, Chairman, NDB; Sumal Perera, Chairman, Access Engineering; Tilan Wijesekera, Seylan Bank and Renuka Fernando, CEO, Nations Trust Bank

74 BUSINESS TODAY DECEMBER 2016 businesstoday.lk businesstoday.lk DECEMBER 2016 BUSINESS TODAY 75 State Minister A H M Fowzie Pavithra Wanniarachchi, MP , MP Sunil Handunetti, MP Kanchana Jayaratne

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and Prof Maithree Wickramasinghe with Mathi and Ven Galaboda Gnanissara Thero, Chief Incumbent of the Glenda Parthipan Gangaramaya Temple and Ven Kirinde Assaji Thero

Ven Galaboda Gnanissara thero, Chief Incumbent of the Gangaramaya Temple; Mathi K Parthipan, Chairman/Managing Director, BT Options; Glenda Parthipan; Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe; Prof Maithree Wickramasinghe; Ravi Karunanayake, Minister of Finance; Nimal Siripala De Silva, Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation; Sagala Ratnayaka, Minister of Law and Order and Southern Development; John Amaratunga, Minister of Tourism Development, Christian Religious Affairs and Lands and Ronald Perera PC, Chairman, Bank of Ceylon

Ven Uduwe Dhammaloka Thero Ven Diyapttugama Revatha Thero Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa with Mathi and Glenda Parthipan Minister Sagala Ratnayaka

Azath Salley; Kanchana Jayaratne, Chairman of the Sabaragamuwa Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa and Provincial Council; Sunil Handunetti, MP; Udaya Gammanpila, MP; Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe State Minister AHM Fowzie; Field Marshall Sarath Fonseka

Pavithra Wanniarachchi, MP; Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa; Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, Minister John Amaratunga Minister Ravi Karunanayake Minister Nimal Siripala De Silva Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka Minister Arjuna Ranatunga Prof Maithree Wickramasinghe and Minister Nimal Siripala De Silva Mathi and Glenda Parthipan

76 BUSINESS TODAY DECEMBER 2016 businesstoday.lk businesstoday.lk DECEMBER 2016 BUSINESS TODAY 77 The blue and white themed stage The multi-cultural opening act performed by BT Options staff

A unique concept of the Blessing dance

Performed to the Gajaga Vannama Performed to the Kandasuraduni song

BT Options staff with Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, Minister Nimal Siripala De Silva, Minister Ravi Karunanayake and Minister Sagala Ratnayaka

78 BUSINESS TODAY DECEMBER 2016 businesstoday.lk