The entrepreneurial journey of Mr. Wickramanayake began in the maritime sector with the establishment of Master Divers Private Ltd. in 1978. The company became a leading underwater services and marine salvage firm in South Asia and later expanded internationally after acquiring W A Tucker.
The leader’s early ventures set a foundation for engineering excellence, technical capability, and commercial ambition that later shaped broader industrial initiatives in Sri Lanka. Under his stellar leadership, Master Divers became known for handling highly complex marine engineering work.
One of its major achievements was the emergency dive at Victoria Dam, where divers cleared critical blockages in the dam’s outlets at a challenging high altitude site—an effort later recognised in line with British Admiralty standards.
The company also successfully transported large scale power equipment from Colombo Harbour to project sites, showing strong planning and execution in heavy logistics. Over time, it expanded its operations beyond Sri Lanka to countries such as Thailand, Maldives, India, Singapore, and Saudi Arabia, thereby strengthening its regional presence in specialised marine services. The organisation further secured advanced salvage and hull cleaning assets and positioned itself among leading global operators in its field.
Driven by a belief in the importance of rural production for economic stability, Mr. Wickramanayake entered the agriculture sector in 2002 by acquiring a controlling interest in Pelwatte Sugar Industries Ltd. He focused on restoring operational efficiency while improving livelihoods and opportunities for sugarcane farming communities. The key objective of this initiative was to strengthen domestic production and reduce dependence on imported alternatives.
In 2007, Pelwatte Dairy Industries was established in Buttala, Moneragala District, for developing a robust local dairy ecosystem. The enterprise was designed to reduce reliance on imported milk powder while improving income opportunities for rural farmers engaged in milk production.
BOOSTING LOCAL DAIRY PRODUCTION
Under the leadership of Mr. Wickramanayake, Pelwatte Foods Private Ltd. expanded its dairy processing capabilities through a Rs. 1.86 billion investment agreement signed in May 2026 with the Board of Investment of Sri Lanka. The project aims to establish an automated Greenfield liquid milk manufacturing facility in Kurunegala, scheduled to commence commercial operations by July 2027.
Aligned with Mr. Wickramanayake’s vision for agricultural self-sufficiency and food security, the project is expected to boost fresh dairy production, generate new income opportunities for local farmers, and strengthen Sri Lanka’s value-added dairy industry.
MULTI-SECTOR LEADERSHIP
Mr. Wickramanayake has also influenced corporate governance and public administration through his roles on various boards and as an advisor. He has served for decades in plantation sector management, including positions at Bogawantalawa Plantations Ltd. and Aitken Spence Plantations Management Ltd. He has also led national institutions such as the Mawbima Lanka Foundation, which promotes local production and economic strength. In higher education, he has helped shape policies through the University Grants Commission committee on agriculture and related fields, and has advised the Ocean University of Sri Lanka and Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka. Earlier, he served as chair of the National Livestock Development Board and the State Engineering Corporation, and was also a board member of the Ceylon Shipping Corporation.
SUPPORTING LOCAL PRODUCERS
Mr. Wickramanayake also advocates for national economic independence through stronger domestic production and reduced import dependence. The leader consistently defends the interests of local producers and consumers, often challenging multinational corporations in market disputes. Emphasising agriculture as a foundation of Sri Lanka’s prosperity, he promotes policies that support long-term self-sufficiency and sustainable national development.
