By: Staff Writer
February 09, Colombo (LNW): The recent passing of business magnate Harry Jayawardena has ushered in a new chapter in the leadership of two of Sri Lanka’s most prominent conglomerates.
His children, Hasitha Jayawardena and Stasshani Jayawardena, have been appointed to key leadership roles, ensuring continuity and stability in their father’s vast business empire.
Their appointments mark a significant transition, reflecting both their individual expertise and the legacy of strategic vision fostered by their late father.
This generational shift in leadership is expected to drive the continued expansion and innovation of the Melstacorp and Aitken Spence Groups.
With extensive experience in their respective fields and a strong foundation in corporate governance, Hasitha and Stasshani are poised to strengthen the businesses while adapting to the evolving economic landscape in Sri Lanka and beyond.
Following the demise of business tycoon Harry Jayawardena, his son Hasitha has been appointed Chairman of investment holding company Melstacorp PLC, while his younger daughter Stasshani has assumed the role of Chairperson at the diversified blue-chip Aitken Spence PLC.
D. Hasitha S. Jayawardena was also appointed Chairman of the Distilleries Company of Sri Lanka PLC, as well as Balangoda and Madulsima Plantations companies.
With extensive expertise in the tea trade, Hasitha has played a pivotal role in the agriculture, production, trading, and export sectors. His leadership is expected to bring further strategic direction to these industries under the Melstacorp umbrella.
A graduate of the University of Kent in the United Kingdom with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration (Hons), Hasitha possesses over 12 years of management experience.
Having worked closely with his late father, he has been instrumental in overseeing the plantation and leisure sectors of the Melstacorp Group, ensuring operational efficiency and long-term sustainability.
Stasshani Jayawardena, who previously served as Joint Deputy Chairperson and Joint Managing Director at Aitken Spence, has now taken the helm as Chairperson of Aitken Spence PLC.
She has the distinction of being the first female and youngest Board member of the company. Additionally, she has been appointed Chairperson of Aitken Spence Hotel Holdings PLC and Browns Beach Hotels PLC and serves as Deputy Chairperson of Lanka Milk Foods (CWE) PLC. She also continues in her roles as Director of Melstacorp PLC and the Distilleries Company of Sri Lanka PLC.
An accomplished academic, Stasshani is a graduate of St. James’ and Lucie Clayton College and Keele University in the United Kingdom, as well as the Emeritus Institute of Management in Singapore. She is also an Associate Alumni of the University of Cambridge’s Judge Business School.
Her early career exposure includes an internship under US Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton and former US President Bill Clinton in 2003, making her the youngest intern to work with them at the time.
With over 15 years of managerial experience, Stasshani has been at the forefront of Aitken Spence Group’s strategic development, particularly in the leisure sector. Her leadership continues to align with the long-term vision set by her late father, ensuring that the company remains a key player in the industry while embracing innovation and expansion.
The appointments of Hasitha and Stasshani Jayawardena mark a transformative phase for both Melstacorp and Aitken Spence. As they step into their leadership roles, their collective experience and commitment to excellence will be crucial in shaping the future trajectory of their respective organizations, reinforcing their father’s legacy while fostering sustainable growth.
