COLOMBO, September 16 (ePRESS) – Rockland Group, Sri Lanka’s first commercial distillery and a pioneer in the country’s beverage industry, marked its 101st anniversary with the third edition of the Chairman’s Awards.
The fourth-generation family-owned company, which now employs more than 500 people in Sri Lanka and overseas, used the milestone to honour individuals and teams whose work has driven growth while preserving Rockland’s tradition of innovation and quality.
Speaking at the ceremony, Chairman Derek de Silva Wijeyeratne said:
“The Chairman’s Awards embody the values that have guided Rockland for over a century—quality, integrity, and teamwork. It is our people who continue to drive our growth and shape our future.”
Group Managing Director Amal de Silva Wijeyeratne added:
“This year’s awards reflect our vision of becoming one unified drinks company—moving forward together by partnering, collaborating, and growing as one team.”
The highlight of the evening was the Carl de Silva Wijeyeratne Challenge Trophy, the most prestigious award of the night, presented to Dilan Fernando, Head of Hotel Partnerships, for his outstanding performance, leadership, and contribution to the Group.
Other honours also recognized top performers. Shalindri Malawana, General Manager of Liquid Island and Group Head of Brand Communications & PR, won the Leadership Category for guiding Rockland’s non-alcohol brands to double-digit growth. Chandana Wijesinghe, National Head of Sales, was named Best Sales Channel Leader, while the Human Resources Team won Best Support Function of the Year for fostering a people-first culture.
In the General Manager Category, Eranda Attanayake, General Manager of Operations, and Chathura Ganegoda, General Manager of Group Sales & Commercial Strategy, were both honoured for their leadership.
The awards reaffirmed Rockland Group’s commitment to recognizing talent, fostering innovation, and building a unified vision as the company enters its next century of growth.
