Aitken Spence Managing Director Dr. Dissanayake receiving the award for the Most Admired Companies Sri Lanka 2019
Aitken Spence Director Stasshani Jayawardena receiving the award for Business Accomplishments – Entrepreneurship on Chairman D.H.S. Jayawardena’s behalf
Aitken Spence PLC was ranked among the Top 10 Most Admired Companies of Sri Lanka 2019 for the second consecutive year by the International Chamber of Commerce, Sri Lanka (ICCSL) and the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) Sri Lanka.
The Most Admired Companies of Sri Lanka 2019 Awards was held on 25 September at BMICH to celebrate the best in Sri Lankan business. The Chief Guest Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe was present at the event. This award recognises organisations that promote the best sustainable practices and have the highest standards of ethics and governance. Moreover, it distinguishes companies that have built strong reputations and drive prosperity in Sri Lanka through the creation of long-term value. 
In addition to recognising the Most Admired Companies of Sri Lanka 2019, the Most Admired Leaders of Sri Lanka 2019 were also acknowledged at this award ceremony. A special award under the category of ‘Business Accomplishments – Entrepreneurship’ was presented to Deshamanya D.H.S. Jayawardena to pay tribute to a business leader in Sri Lanka for unparalleled success over many years. Jayawardena is the Chairman of Aitken Spence, the founding director and current Chairman/Managing Director of Stassen Group and other notable business entities in the country. His inspirational leadership has underpinned noteworthy milestones achieved by the company. Furthermore, his entrepreneurial spirit, business acumen and foresight has fuelled a capable team at Aitken Spence who are passionate and purpose-driven to reach excellence in every sphere of their work. Aitken Spence Director Stasshani Jayawardena collected the award on his behalf.
“Aitken Spence has always been a cut above the rest in terms of financial performance and value creation for shareholders, customers, employees and the general community, while protecting the environment that sustains us. This award is further testimony that, as a responsible organisation, we create a positive impact for all our stakeholders and we have and always will be committed to the development of our nation,” commented Aitken Spence Deputy Chairman and Managing Director Dr. Parakrama Dissanayake.
“This is the second consecutive year we have been selected amongst the 10 Most Admired Companies in Sri Lanka. With over 150 years of business experience not just in Sri Lanka but also internationally, we will continue to raise the benchmarks to excel through sustainable value creation. I wholeheartedly thank the organisers ICC Sri Lanka and CIMA Sri Lanka and all our stakeholders that have contributed to this end,” he added further.
Listed in the Colombo Stock Exchange since 1983 and marking its 150th year milestone in 2018, Aitken Spence is a blue-chip conglomerate with a strong regional presence in the hotels, travels, maritime services, logistic solutions, plantations, power generation, financial outsourcing, insurance, IT, printing and apparel sectors. The company is empowered by a team of over 14,000 individuals, with a presence in eight countries and growing, creating opportunities for Sri Lanka across new frontiers.
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