Commemorates 101 Years with Prestigious Chairman’s Awards Ceremony

Rockland Group, Sri Lanka’s first commercial distillery and a pioneering force in the country’s beverage industry, celebrated its 101st anniversary with the 3rd annual Chairman’s Awards recently.

As a fourth-generation family-owned company, Rockland Group has grown into a diversified organization employing over 500 employees across Sri Lanka and overseas. The milestone event recognized and celebrated the achievements of exceptional individuals who have contributed to the company’s continued success while upholding its heritage of innovation, quality, and resilience.

Speaking at the event, Chairman Derek de Silva Wijeyeratne said,
“The Chairman’s Awards embody the values that have guided Rockland for over a century of quality, integrity, and teamwork. It is our people who continue to drive our growth and shape our future.”

Group Managing Director Amal de Silva Wijeyeratne added,
“This year’s awards reflect our vision of becoming one unified drinks company—moving forward together by partnering, collaborating, and growing as one team.”

The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Carl de Silva Wijeyeratne Challenge Trophy, the most prestigious award of the night, to Dilan Fernando, Head of Hotel Partnerships, for his outstanding performance, leadership, and contribution to the Group.

The awards also celebrated several other outstanding individuals and teams. In the Leadership Category, Shalindri Malawana, General Manager of Liquid Island and Group Head of Brand Communications & PR, was recognized for her exceptional leadership in nurturing Rockland’s brands and inspiring her team to deliver consecutive years of double-digit growth in the non-alcohol category. The title of Best Sales Channel Leader was awarded to Chandana Wijesinghe, National Head of Sales, while the Best Support Function of the Year went to the Human Resources Team in recognition of their vital contribution to Rockland’s people-first culture. In the General Manager Category, two leaders were celebrated for their outstanding work—Eranda Attanayake, General Manager of Operations, and Chathura Ganegoda, General Manager of Group Sales & Commercial Strategy.

The Chairman’s Awards reaffirm Rockland Group’s commitment to recognizing talent, fostering innovation, and building a unified vision as the company looks ahead to its next century of growth.

Image captions

Image 1: Winners across more than 20 categories across the Rockland Group recognized for their dedication and service

Image 2: The Carl de Silva Wijeyeratne Challenge Trophy presented to Dilan Fernando, Head of Hotel Partnerships

Image 3: Leadership Category winner, Shalindri Malawana, GM of Liquid Island and Group Head of Brand Communications & PR

Image 4: General Manager Category winners; Eranda Attanayake, General Manager of Operations, and Chathura Ganegoda, General Manager of Group Sales & Commercial Strategy.

Image 5: Rockland Group Chairman, Derek de Silva Wijeyeratne

Image 6: Group Managing Director of Rockland Group, Amal de Silva Wijeyeratne, addressing the audience

Image 7: Best Sales Channel Leader award presented to Chandana Wijesinghe, National Head of Sales

Image 8: Group CEO, Dilmini Weragama, addressing the audience.