Corporate Management Committee

Aelian Gunawardene - FOUNDER AND MANAGING DIRECTOR

Aelian Gunawardene

FOUNDER AND MANAGING DIRECTOR/EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Aelian Gunawardene is the founder and Managing Director of JAT Holdings PLC and has been the driving force of the company ever since. As a Marketing professional he has pioneered new innovations while increasing JAT’s presence both locally and internationally and has built unequivocal brand equity. He has successfully led JAT to the recognition of being the only private company in Sri Lanka to be awarded a Moody’s ICRA rating of ‘A+ (Stable)’ outlook for five consecutive years. Gunawardene is one of Sri Lanka’s most respected corporate leaders, contributing more than 27 years of leadership experience and strategic expertise to the Board. In the year 2017, he was awarded the honour of Sri Lanka’s Entrepreneur of the Year and was also recognised among LMD’s ‘Top 23 Business people of the Year.’ In addition, he has been on the LMD’s A List for five consecutive years commencing in 2018; a list that features the top leaders of the business world in Sri Lanka.

Nishal Ferdinando CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Nishal Ferdinando

Chief Executive Officer/Executive Director

Nishal was appointed as the CEO in 2017 and has over 10 years of experience in functioning as an Executive Director and over 15 years of experience in the construction, manufacturing and trading industries. He has completed the Program for Leadership Development at Harvard Business School and has obtained the Alumni Status from Harvard University. His other qualifications include an MBA from the University of Wales and an Advanced Diploma in Management Accounting.

Nishal Ferdinando CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Wasantha Gunaratne - DIRECTOR – SALES AND TECHNICAL

Wasantha Gunaratne

DIRECTOR – SALES AND TECHNICAL

Wasantha holds over two decades of experience in Sales, Marketing and Technical training at JAT Holdings. He has pioneered the introduction of waterbase wood coatings to Sri Lanka. He brings in wide international exposure including specialised training and exposure working with business principals in Italy, UK and USA. He holds an MBA from Anglia Ruskin University, UK.

Rizna Dilshard DIRECTOR FINANCE

Rizna Dilshard

Director Finance

Rizna joined JAT Holdings in 2015. She holds over 25 years of experience in Finance and Management in the manufacturing, retail and export trade. With her well-founded expertise and experience in finance and management, she provides effective direction to the Group’s financial strategy formulation. She is a Fellow Member (FCMA, CGMA) of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants, UK.

Rizna Dilshard DIRECTOR FINANCE
Ajith Bandara Director - Research & Development

Ajith Bandara

Director - Research & Development

Ajith was appointed as a General Manager at JAT Holdings in October 2019 with 18 years of experience in the industry. He has completed his bachelor's degree in the field of Chemistry at University of Kelaniya and MBA at University of Colombo.

Somasundaram Sivasubramanium SENIOR GENERAL MANAGER – TREASURY

Somasundaram Sivasubramanium

Senior General Manager – Treasury

Siva joined JAT Holdings in 1999. He has obtained an Associate Membership (ACA) from the Institute of Chartered Accountants, Sri Lanka and holds an MBA in Finance from Cardiff Metropolitan University UK. He possesses industry experience of over 27 years and provides sound treasury management services.

Somasundaram Sivasubramanium SENIOR GENERAL MANAGER – TREASURY
Gavin vanDort Senior General Manager - Projects & Retail Furnishing

Gavin vanDort

Senior General Manager - Projects & Retail Furnishing

Gavin commenced work at JAT in February 2007 and has over 15 years of industry experience related to sales and marketing in the specialized commercial interior sector. He has been instrumental in securing prestigious projects for the Company while actively contributing to the Company’s topline.

Shamara Wanniarachchi Country Head - Bangladesh

Shamara Wanniarachchi

Country Head - Bangladesh

Shamara joined JAT Holdings in March 2019 with 13 years of experience. Prior to joining JAT, he has worked as the Senior Production and Quality Assurance Manager at a leading manufacturing and trading company and holds over 13 years of experience. He holds an MBA from the University of Colombo and a Bachelor’s Degree in BSc. (Hons) from University of Moratuwa specialising in Mechanical Engineering. He is an Associate Member of the Institute of Engineers, Sri Lanka and at the Japan Sri Lanka Technical and Cultural Association (JASTECA) Furthermore he is a certified 5S auditor.

Shamara Wanniarachchi Country Head - Bangladesh
Dilshan Rodrigo Senior General Manager - Marketing

Dilshan Rodrigo

Senior General Manager - Marketing

Dilshan was appointed as a General Manager at JAT Holdings in November 2019 and has over 18 years of industry experience. He holds a Degree in Computer Science and a Postgraduate Diploma in IT from the University of Brunel. He possesses an MBA from the Post Graduate Institute of Management (PIM, affiliated to the University of Sri Jayewardenepura) and is also an Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Marketing, UK

Nirosha Thawalampitiya GENERAL MANAGER – COMMERCIAL

Nirosha Thawalampitiya

General Manager – Commercial

Nirosha joined JAT Holdings in February 2007 and is currently the General Manager – Commercial. She is a highly focused profit-oriented and enthusiastic team player who has over 20 years of experience including local and foreign exposure in various fields and industries such as exports to many countries in South Asian and African countries, imports, manufacturing, trading, printing, scheduling, planning and processing etc.

Nirosha Thawalampitiya GENERAL MANAGER – COMMERCIAL