Respected industry professional Lalith Obeyesekere is Planters’ Association’s new Secretary General

The Planters’ Association of Ceylon (PA) has appointed Lalith Obeyesekere as its Secretary General, effective January 1, 2018. A respected, plantation industry professional and an active member of the PA, Obeyesekere headed the Association as its Chairman from 2010 to 2013 and has played a vital role in promoting the collective interests on all issues concerning the Plantation Industry. Obeyesekere takes over duties from industry veteran, Malin Goonetileke, who retired as Secretary General, a position he held for 16 years, since 2001.  

As Secretary General, Lalith Obeyesekere will serve on several national and industry related Boards and committees, representing the PA and its membership. He will also play a key role in liaising with Government and trade bodies in promoting the interests of its membership and the industry in general. Obeyesekere has over four decades of experience in the plantation sector, having commenced his career as a Management Trainee at Mackwoods Estates & Agencies Ltd in 1973 and retired as the Director/CEO of two RPCs. Obeyesekere will continue to assist the membership of 21 Regional Plantation Companies in maintaining healthy industrial relations amongst all stakeholders.

He is a fellow of the National Institute of Plantation Management in Sri Lanka.

About Planters’ Association

Founded in 1854, the Planters’ Association is the premier and one of the oldest existing organizations and remains the apex representative body of Sri Lanka’s Plantation Industry.  The Association has played a multi-dimensional role towards formulating policies and initiating action towards the development and growth of the Industry. Today, the PA’s main function continues to be that of protecting / promoting the interests of its members. As part of its policy, the PA’s actions and representations are directed at enhancing the Industry’s credibility and image in the eyes of the government and the public.

Released in January 2018