Aitken Spence PLC announced the appointment of Ms. D S T Jayawardena (Stasshani Jayawardena) as Chairman of the company, following the passing of Deshamanya D H S Jayawardena. Concurrently, Mr. M R Mihular has been appointed as the Senior Independent Director.

Ms. Jayawardena, an Executive Director at Aitken Spence, brings over 15 years of strategic leadership experience within the group. She has played a key role in managing and directing various sectors, particularly in leisure, and has held significant positions across multiple listed companies, including Melstacorp PLC, Distilleries Company of Sri Lanka PLC, Lanka Milk Foods (CWE) PLC, and Browns Beach Hotels PLC. She also serves as Joint Deputy Chairperson and Joint Managing Director of Aitken Spence Hotel Holdings PLC.

With a strong academic background from institutions such as Keele University, the Emeritus Institute of Management, and the University of Cambridge’s Judge Business School, Ms. Jayawardena has extensive global exposure, including an internship under US Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton and former President Bill Clinton.

Mr. M R Mihular, an Independent Non-Executive Director, assumes the role of Senior Independent Director, bringing further governance oversight to the Board.

The Board of Directors and the Nominations and Governance Committee believe these appointments align with the company’s long-term vision and will support its continued growth.