In commemoration of 150 years of excellence of Ceylon Tea, the Ministry of Plantation Industries and the Sri Lanka Tea Board hosted the National Tea Awards at which Malin Goonetileke, Secretary General of Planters’ Association was presented the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Goonetileke was one of seven recipients, who were recognised for their outstanding contribution, for driving change and influence to leave a lasting legacy on the industry. President Maithripala Sirisena presented the awards as chief guest at the ceremony at the Nelum Pokuna theatre recently.
Conferred on the basis of exceptional and major contributions to the industry, the honorees, exemplifying the award were selected on their knowledge, skill and experience along with values of integrity, excellence and long-term innovative achievement.
Goonetileke counts 52 years of unbroken, dedicated service across the plantation sector, having joined the industry at 18, when he was handpicked by a sterling company, the Central Province Ceylon Tea Company managed by Mackwoods Estates and Agencies Limited.
He was appointed Superintendent at a relatively young age of 25 years and consequent to nationalization of estates, elevated to the role of Visiting Agent (VA) before he was 30.
He is a Fellow of the National Institute of Plantation Management and currently the Secretary General of the Planters’ Association of Ceylon, which position he has held since 2002.