Jayawardena empire enters new era under next generation

• Stasshani and Hasitha Jayawardena take lead

A new era has begun for some of Sri Lanka’s corporate giants with successors named to take charge of the legacy of Harry Jayawardena.

The business community mourned the passing of legendary tycoon Harry Jayawardena last Monday (3 February). Having built a corporate empire spanning multiple industries, Jayawardena’s legacy has been passed on to his children, Stasshani Jayawardena and Hasitha Jayawardena. The duo has been appointed to lead key entities within his business empire.

On Friday, the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) saw a series of consecutive filings announcing leadership changes in companies led by Harry Jayawardena

Stasshani Jayawardena, who has played an integral role in her father’s businesses for over 15 years, was announced as the Chairman of Aitken Spence PLC, Browns Beach Hotels PLC, and Aitken Spence Hotel Holdings. Additionally, she has been named Deputy Chairman of Lanka Milk Foods (CWE) PLC.

A graduate of Keele University and the Emeritus Institute of Management, with additional credentials from the University of Cambridge (Judge Business School), Jayawardena has been a key figure in managing Aitken Spence’s leisure sector. She also holds directorships at Melstacorp PLC, Distilleries Company of Sri Lanka PLC, and Lanka Milk Foods.

“Jayawardena has been an integral part of Aitken Spence for over 10 years, serving in various leadership roles and contributing significantly to our growth and innovation. Jayawardena marks several milestones for Aitken Spence PLC as the youngest Board Member, and the first female member on the Board. Her appointment demonstrates the company’s trust in her capability to guide Aitken Spence towards continued success and innovation,” Aitken Spence said in a statement.

Hasitha Jayawardena, who has accumulated 12 years of corporate management experience under his father’s mentorship, has been named Chairman of Melstacorp PLC, Distilleries Company of Sri Lanka PLC, Madulsima Plantations PLC, and Balangoda Plantations PLC.

Holding a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of Kent, he has overseen Melstacorp’s plantation and leisure sectors and also serves as Managing Director of the Stassen Group.

“He has been managing and providing strategic direction to the plantation sector and leisure sector of Melstacorp Group. He also functions as the Managing Director of Stassen Group of Companies,” a filing to the Colombo Stock Exchange said.