Sheamalee Wickramasingha appointed chairman of CBL Group marks a new leadership chapter for one of Sri Lanka’s largest diversified food manufacturers, as the long-serving executive takes on the role while continuing as Group Managing Director.
Sheamalee Wickramasingha appointed chairman of CBL Group while continuing as Group MD
CBL Investments Limited and its group of companies (CBL Group) announced that Sheamalee (Shea) Wickramasingha has been appointed Chairman of the Group with effect from July 6. She succeeds the late Ramya Sanath Amaraweera Wickramasingha and will continue to serve as Group Managing Director while assuming her new responsibilities.
A food technologist by profession, Wickramasingha has been closely associated with the growth of CBL Group for more than three decades. She joined Ceylon Biscuits in 1991 and has since held a series of senior leadership positions that have helped shape the company’s strategic direction and long-term growth.
She became a member of the Board of Directors in 1996 and has served as Group Managing Director for more than a decade. During that period, she played a key role in strengthening the Group’s operations in Sri Lanka while leading its expansion into international markets.
The CBL Group said Wickramasingha has been instrumental in driving business transformation, innovation, and sustainable growth across its diverse portfolio of food businesses. Under her leadership, the company has continued to expand its presence both locally and globally while reinforcing its reputation as one of Sri Lanka’s leading food manufacturers.
Wickramasingha is the eldest daughter of the late Mineka Wickramasingha, who founded the business in 1968. Her appointment continues the family’s longstanding leadership of the company while ensuring continuity in its strategic vision.
She holds a Master of Science in Food Chemistry from Purdue University and a Bachelor of Science in Food Science & Industry from Kansas State University in the United States, bringing both technical expertise and extensive industry experience to her leadership role.
Today, CBL Group operates across a broad range of food categories, including biscuits, confectionery, chocolates, cakes, breakfast cereals, soya-based foods, coconut products, and fruit-based products. Its portfolio includes some of Sri Lanka’s best-known consumer brands, such as Munchee, Ritzbury, Revello, Tiara, Lanka Soy, Samaposha, Sera, and Nutriline.
The company’s international footprint has also grown significantly over the years. Its products are now available in more than 70 countries, supported by manufacturing facilities in Sri Lanka, Ghana, and Indonesia. Beyond manufacturing, the Group is also the licensed operator of SPAR supermarkets in Sri Lanka and employs more than 7,000 people across its businesses.
The appointment comes as Sri Lanka food manufacturing companies continue expanding into international markets while investing in product innovation and value-added exports. CBL Group remains one of the country’s most recognised food exporters, contributing to the development of Sri Lanka’s food industry through manufacturing excellence and global market reach.
Outside the company, Wickramasingha continues to play an active role in national business and industry development. She serves on the main committee of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce and is a member of the Advisory Committee on Processed Food and Beverages of the Export Development Board. She also serves on the UNICEF Business Council in Sri Lanka and is President of the Sri Lanka–Indonesia Business Council.
In addition, she is Chairperson of Modern Pack Lanka and serves on the boards of JF&I Packaging, Food Revolution, and SPAR Sri Lanka, reflecting her broad involvement across manufacturing, packaging, retail, and business development.
The appointment of Sheamalee Wickramasingha appointed chairman of CBL Group reinforces the company’s commitment to leadership continuity as it pursues further growth in Sri Lanka and overseas. With decades of experience and deep knowledge of the organisation, Wickramasingha is expected to guide the Group through its next phase of expansion while strengthening its position in the highly competitive Sri Lanka food manufacturing sector.