Samantha Dodanwela appointed Mercantile Produce Brokers’ Chairman

Samantha Dodanwela, has been appointed as the new Chairman of Mercantile Produce Brokers (Pvt) Ltd with effect from 1 April 2025.

Dodanwela, an old boy of Trinity College, Kandy joined the tea industry in 1991. With over three decades of experience in the tea trade, Dodanwela brings a wealth of expertise and leadership.

Dodanwela’s journey in the tea sector began, when he joined Bartleet & Company as a Trainee Tea Taster. His understanding of the industry and skills in tea tasting, auctioning and brokering saw him rise through the ranks rapidly. 

His contributions led to his promotion from a Trainee Tea Taster in 1991 to the post of Managing Director 2017, further cementing his status as a key figure in Sri Lanka’s tea industry. His expertise in tea tasting and auctioneering has earned him widespread recognition, and has played a crucial role in the development of Sri Lanka’s tea trade.

Dodanwela has actively contributed to the broader tea industry. He has served as Chairman of the Colombo Tea Brokers Association (2017/2018 & 2020/2021) and has been a member of the Executive Committee of the Colombo Tea Traders Association. Additionally, he has lent his expertise to the Sri Lanka Tea Board’s Tea Tasting Panel, ensuring the continued quality and reputation of Ceylon Tea. 

Apart from his corporate achievements, Dodanwela is also a well-known personality in Sri Lankan Cricket. A former Trinity College Kandy cricketer, he went on to represent Sinhalese Sports Club in first-class cricket and was part of Sri Lanka’s National Squad in 1996/1997. His deep-rooted passion for the sport has led to his active involvement in Sri Lanka Cricket’s Executive Committee, where he continues to contribute to the game’s development. 

He is also the Chairman Tournament Committee at Sri Lanka Cricket and Director of Lanka Premier League (LPL) and T10. He also serves in many distinguished positions at Singhalese sports club.