Senior business leader Ramya Wickramasingha no more, marking the end of an influential chapter in Sri Lanka’s corporate landscape as the longtime chairman of Ceylon Biscuits Ltd. (CBL) passed away, leaving behind a legacy of innovation, leadership, and service.
Senior business leader Ramya Wickramasingha no more; CBL mourns visionary chairman
Widely respected across the business community, Wickramasingha played a pivotal role in transforming the CBL Group into one of Sri Lanka’s most recognized and successful corporate entities, while also contributing significantly to the development of the country’s manufacturing and food sectors.
Ramya Sanath Amaraweera Wickramasingha passed away on Saturday after a distinguished career spanning decades. Throughout his tenure, he was recognized not only for his strategic leadership and business acumen but also for his deep commitment to people, values, and long-term organizational growth.
Under his guidance, the CBL Group expanded its footprint both locally and internationally, establishing a reputation for innovation, quality, and excellence. The company evolved into a household name in Sri Lanka while extending its reach into global markets, helping showcase Sri Lankan products on the international stage.
Colleagues and employees frequently described Wickramasingha as a leader who combined vision with compassion. Within the CBL Group, he was regarded as more than a corporate executive. Many employees viewed him as a mentor and father figure who invested time in understanding people, supporting professional development, and fostering a culture of trust and respect.
His contributions to the food industry were particularly noteworthy. Having qualified in food technology at Borough Polytechnic, now known as London South Bank University in the United Kingdom, Wickramasingha brought both technical expertise and strategic insight to the sector. His academic foundation provided him with a strong understanding of food production processes, quality standards, and innovation practices that would later shape the direction of CBL.
Over the years, he played a central role in driving the company’s commitment to research, development, and product innovation. Industry observers credit his leadership with helping CBL maintain a strong focus on consumer needs while continuously improving manufacturing capabilities and product quality.
As chairman, Wickramasingha oversaw key functions including research and development, quality assurance, procurement, and manufacturing operations. His emphasis on innovation enabled the company to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving marketplace while strengthening its reputation for delivering high-quality products.
Beyond business performance, his leadership philosophy centered on creating opportunities for people. Those who worked closely with him often highlighted his belief that corporate success should generate broader benefits for employees, communities, and the national economy. This approach helped establish a corporate culture that balanced commercial objectives with social responsibility.
The impact of his work extended well beyond the organization itself. Through the growth and expansion of the CBL Group, Wickramasingha contributed to employment generation, industrial development, and the promotion of Sri Lankan brands internationally. His efforts helped position the company among the country’s leading private sector enterprises.
His influence on the food industry also reflected broader trends within Sri Lanka’s manufacturing sector, where innovation, technology adoption, and quality improvement have become increasingly important drivers of competitiveness. Many industry professionals regard him as one of the figures who helped modernize food manufacturing practices in the country.
The passing of Wickramasingha has prompted tributes from business leaders, employees, and industry stakeholders who have acknowledged his contribution to Sri Lanka’s corporate development. His leadership style, characterized by humility, professionalism, and a people-first approach, earned him widespread respect across multiple sectors.
As Senior business leader Ramya Wickramasingha no more becomes a moment of reflection for Sri Lanka’s business community, many remember him not only for building a successful enterprise but also for the values he embodied throughout his career. His legacy continues through the institutions he strengthened, the innovations he championed, and the people he inspired.
His remains lie at Suramya Residence, No. 11, Arthur’s Place, Dehiwala. The cortege is scheduled to leave the residence on June 8 at 3:30 p.m., with cremation taking place at 5:30 p.m. at the Dehiwala/Mount Lavinia Cemetery.
With his passing, Sri Lanka loses a respected business leader whose contributions to the food industry, corporate leadership, and national economic development will be remembered for generations.