At a recent Board meeting held on the 24 June 2015, after almost 48 years at the helm of the organization he founded in 1968 Mineka P. Wickramasingha retired from the position of Chairman of Ceylon Biscuits (CBL) group. The current Deputy Chairman, Ramya Wickramasingha was elected by the Board as the new Chairman of the Group. Mr Mineka Wickramasingha will continue to mentor the group in his new role as President Emeritus. 

In a glowing tribute paid to the founder, the Board of CBL, recorded with deep gratitude the leadership role played by the Chairman in transforming a business he created in 1968 to the Food conglomerate today that now, employs more than 5000 employees. It was largely his determination, vision and commitment that helped the group face and overcome the many challenges it faced during its years of existence.

CBL started operations when Mr Wickramasingha gave a proposal to the Ministry of Education to provide a high protein biscuit to schoolchildren under the CARE program. The biscuit was developed using bread flour, Soybean oil and Milk Powder in house by the founder using available raw materials, which was limited at the time. Facing all challenges on the way from government restrictions to expand, to imported biscuits coming into our market he faced all adversities directly and came out the victor though sheer perseverance.

Having become the market leader by capturing more than a 50% share of the local biscuit market Mr. Wickramasingha was one of the first to venture into India. He is a champion of the Sri Lankan entrepreneur and not afraid to call foul when unfair practices hinder national growth. He also took the personal challenge to grow exports of biscuits and from small successes in the early 1970’s. The Group now exports to over 55 countries and is the largest exporter of biscuits and confectionery in the country. The Group enjoys market leadership in biscuits, chocolates, textured soy, cereals, cakes and organic fruits and coconuts under the Brand names Munchee, Ritzbury, Lankasoy, Samaposha, Tiara and Cecil.

Mr. Wickramasingha is loved and revered by his employees. He was tough but fair with them. He shared the group’s success with them allocating 10% of the company’s shares to the workers at the inception. The bonding is so strong that very often the team is referred to as the “CBL Family” and everyone is proud to be a part of it.

The Board also noted the contribution the founder Chairman made in the area of National Policy making. He was always outspoken, and the business community, political leaders and government officials frequently sought his views and advice. He always had the National interest at heart and was proud to lead a group of companies that was truly home grown and deeply rooted in the local economy.

The Board expressed its deep gratitude for all he had done for the group and wished him a long and happy life in retirement.

Photo caption: Mr. Mineka Wickramasingha, President Emeritus - CBL (left) and Mr. Ramya Wickramasingha, Chairman - CBL