The Sri Lanka Association of Manufacturers and Exports of Rubber Products (SLAMERP) appointed Dipped Products PLC (DPL) Managing Director Pushpika Janadheera, as its new Chairman. An accomplished industry veteran, Janadheera comes with a wealth of in-depth industry experience which he aims to leverage towards advocacy on key industry priorities at a critical juncture in the value-added rubber sector.
With over 20 years of experience in the rubber industry, Janadheera’s journey with Dipped Products PLC began in 2017 when he assumed the position of Director of Operations. His leadership and strategic insights earned him the role of Deputy Managing Director in 2020. He continued to rise within the company, ultimately being appointed Managing Director on January 1, 2023, in addition to being appointed as a member of the Hayleys Group Management Committee.
Prior to joining DPL, he served as Director/General Manager at Richard Piers Tyre Co. Ltd and Director of Manufacturing at Associated Motorways. Backed by his extensive experience and proven leadership abilities, Janadheera aims to use his tenure as SLAMERP Chairman to champion the cause of Sri Lanka’s value-added rubber industry, and engage stakeholders and Government on key policies reforms and efforts to expand market access for the industry.
Another top priority for Janadheera will be the uplifting of raw rubber production and boosting exports of rubber products to maximize foreign earnings for Sri Lanka.
Janadheera said, “Today, our industry faces significant challenges as orders from traditional markets continue to decline. We believe that market and product diversification is the best way to overcome these challenges.”