Stasshani Jayawardena Appointed Chairperson of Aitken Spence PLC

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Stasshani Jayawardena has been appointed Chairperson of Aitken Spence PLC, succeeding the late Deshamanya D H S Jayawardena.
• With over 15 years of global business experience and strong academic credentials, Stasshani is poised to lead the company to new success.
• To strengthen governance, Mr. M R Mihular has been appointed as the Senior Independent Director, supporting the group's continued growth and vision

Aitken Spence PLC, one of Sri Lanka's biggest conglomerates, announced a major change in leadership with Ms. D S T Jayawardena (Stasshani Jayawardena) being appointed the new Chairperson of the Group. The vacancy arose following the passing of the former Chairman and corporate giant Deshamanya D H S Jayawardena (Harry Jayawardena). The visionary leadership of Harry Jayawardena over decades brought unprecedented growth and transformation to Aitken Spence and left a permanent mark on the current course of the company.

Stasshani is set to take the company into yet another exciting growth era by drawing from her extensive global business exposure and over 15 years of experience. In line with her prime responsibilities, she has strong academic credentials from Keele University, the Emeritus Institute of Management, and the University of Cambridge, Judge Business School.
To add strength to the governance framework of this group, Mr. M R Mihular will act as Senior Independent Director. Stasshani aims to take the present strong holdings in Tourism, Logistics, and Strategic Investments deeper into new areas of opportunities.

Aitken Spence PLC, which operates from all continents into Sri Lanka, is strategically poised to plan for its long-term vision and to retain its succession. These new appointments blend seamlessly with the Board's strategic governance.

“She has been managing and providing strategic direction to Aitken Spence Group Companies, including the leisure sector, and carries a wealth of knowledge and experience crucial for the continuous growth of the Aitken Spence Group, adhering to the vision of the late Deshamanya D H S Jayawardena,” the company stated in a filing disclosure.