Acorn Group accelerates growth agenda with new executive appointments as it strengthens its senior leadership team to support strategic expansion and operational transformation across its diversified business portfolio.
Acorn Group accelerates growth agenda with new executive appointments to strengthen leadership
The organisation recently announced the appointment of Suranjith De Fonseka as Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Saminda Weerasinghe as Chief Operating Officer, with both roles taking effect from 1 April 2026. These leadership changes signal a clear focus on enhancing governance, driving performance, and advancing the company’s long-term growth strategy.
Suranjith De Fonseka, a founding Partner of the group since 2020, steps into the Deputy CEO role after serving as Chief Operating Officer. With extensive experience across the organisation’s operations, he is expected to play a central role in overseeing overall performance while driving revenue and profitability across multiple business units. His appointment reflects a structured leadership transition aimed at reinforcing strategic direction and ensuring consistency in execution.
In his new capacity, Suranjith will also be responsible for delivering key strategic initiatives, aligning operational outcomes with the organisation’s broader business objectives. His familiarity with the company’s internal dynamics and growth trajectory places him in a strong position to lead performance-focused initiatives while maintaining organisational cohesion.
Meanwhile, Saminda Weerasinghe assumes the role of Chief Operating Officer, joining the Executive Committee and becoming a member of the Acorn Leadership Team. His appointment is particularly significant given the company’s emphasis on its ongoing transformation agenda. As COO, Saminda will lead the Transformation Program, ensuring that strategic plans are effectively translated into measurable operational outcomes.
With over two decades of experience in corporate finance and private equity, Saminda brings a strong track record in value creation across sectors including manufacturing, renewable energy, and technology. A CFA Charter holder and Fellow Member of CIMA (UK), he has built a reputation for analytical rigor and strategic insight. His career includes leading large-scale mergers and acquisitions, complex restructuring initiatives, and holding multiple C-level and director positions across a range of industries.
His role within the organisation will focus on driving operational excellence, improving efficiency, and ensuring that transformation initiatives are executed with discipline and clarity. This aligns with the company’s broader objective of building a resilient and agile operational framework capable of sustaining growth in a competitive business environment.
Commenting on the appointments, CEO Malinga Arsakularatne highlighted the strategic importance of strengthening the leadership team. He noted that Suranjith’s deep understanding of the business and proven leadership capabilities make him well-positioned to drive performance as Deputy CEO. At the same time, he emphasised that Saminda’s appointment underscores the organisation’s commitment to its transformation journey, with a strong focus on execution and operational delivery.
These developments come at a time when businesses are increasingly required to adapt to evolving market conditions, technological advancements, and shifting customer expectations. By reinforcing its leadership structure, Acorn Group is positioning itself to respond effectively to these challenges while capitalising on new opportunities for growth.
The decision to appoint experienced professionals to key leadership roles reflects a broader trend among forward-looking organisations that prioritise governance, accountability, and strategic clarity. In this context, Acorn Group accelerates growth agenda with new executive appointments not only as a headline initiative but also as a reflection of its long-term vision for sustainable expansion.
Beyond immediate operational impact, these appointments are expected to contribute to the organisation’s ability to scale its business portfolio, strengthen stakeholder confidence, and enhance overall competitiveness. By aligning leadership capabilities with strategic priorities, the company aims to deliver consistent performance while navigating a dynamic business landscape.
As Acorn Group continues to evolve, the strengthened leadership team is likely to play a critical role in shaping its future trajectory. The combination of internal experience and external expertise provides a balanced approach to leadership, ensuring both continuity and innovation in decision-making processes.
Ultimately, Acorn Group accelerates growth agenda with new executive appointments as part of a broader effort to build a high-performing organisation capable of delivering sustained value. With a clear focus on transformation, performance, and strategic execution, the company is positioning itself for the next phase of growth in Sri Lanka’s corporate sector.