New EDB Chairman and Chief Executive assumes duties

Prabhash Subasinghe signs the first document after assuming office as the Chairman and Chief Executive of the Export Development Board yesterday - Pic by Lasantha Kumara 

• Anticipates 2020 will be challenging with possible recession in many developed countries
• Calls on 200+ EDB officials to work smarter, more intelligently to put Sri Lanka on world map

Prabhash Subasinghe, a well-known entrepreneur, assumed duties as the new Chairman of the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) yesterday.

He said that he was proud to be a Sri Lankan and intends to take every possible step to take Sri Lanka to the world.

“I am quite humbled to take up this position because I have dedicated my entire life to take Sri Lanka to the world through my businesses. Now with this appointment, I get the opportunity to take the entire export sector of Sri Lanka to the world,” the newly-appointed EDB Chairman remarked.

He expressed confidence to give direction to take Sri Lanka to the world.

“I must confess it is not an easy task, there is high expectation by the President and we need to deliver results. I am happy to give direction. We can take Sri Lanka to the world,” Subasinghe stressed.

Subasinghe anticipates next year would be challenging with there is a possible recession in many developed countries. “With what I see in the world, 2020 is going to be a challenging year. There is a recession on the cards with US election, Brexit there will be quite a few uncertainties. Therefore, we need to work smarter, more intelligent and change the game to put Sri Lanka on the world map,” he said. 

He called on over 250 employees of the EDB to support to achieve the herculean task before them.

“Being in the international business, the only way to succeed is by getting things done and proving who you are. I count on all 200+ officers of the EDB and take pride to be a Sri Lankan and taking our country to the world,” he urged.

Subasinghe is an ambitious and astute entrepreneur, with a charismatic, passionate and courageous disposition, whose rapid success is an embodiment of the leadership qualities he sets forth, inspiring his adage - “to be successful, you should first set the example”.

He possesses a degree in Applied Economics and Business from the prestigious Cornell University and subsequent further higher studies at Harvard University, the USA. He has diverse business interests in specialty tires, seafood, insurance, and banking.

Currently leading a Group of Companies which has achieved outstanding success in an international scale, Subasinghe is a proven leader with a steadfast passion to build great businesses. He is currently the Managing Director of GRI (Global Rubber Industries Ltd.), a manufacturer of high-performance Specialty Tires, which sells its products in over 50 countries. He is also the Managing Director of GSF (Global Sea Foods Ltd.), a processor and supplier of high-quality seafood, a group which also has ten offices globally.

His latest entrepreneurial endeavour is Ayenka Holdings, an Investment Company. He is the principal shareholder of Ceylinco Insurance, in addition to being a director of the Sanasa Development Bank and has an investment stake in the Sampath Bank.

He aspires to contribute significantly to the growth of exports and envisions being a catalyst for the next generation of growth, whilst working towards achieving new heights in the export sector of Sri Lanka.