Ideal Motors appoints Dilani Yatawaka as Group MD/CEO

Thursday, 22 May 2025 04:30 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Dilani Yatawaka

Creates history in Sri Lanka’s automotive industry as first female business leader

Ideal Motors Ltd., the authorised distributor for Mahindra vehicles in Sri Lanka and a flagship subsidiary of the Ideal Group, has announced the appointment of Dilani Yatawaka as its Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

Marking a historic milestone, Yatawaka becomes the first female business leader to hold this position in Sri Lanka’s automotive industry, setting a precedent for women in leadership.

With over 25 years of expertise in finance and the automotive sector, Yatawaka transitions from her role as Group Finance Director, bringing a proven track record of strategic leadership and operational excellence to her new position.

A distinguished alumna of St. Bridget’s Convent, Yatawaka is qualified as a Fellow Member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka (FCA), Fellow Member of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants UK (FCMA,UK) and Fellow Member of the Institute of Certified Management Accountants Sri Lanka (FCMA). Further she was qualified as Certified Management Accountant (CIMA) by the age of 23. She began her career at Ernst & Young before joining Associated Motorways (AMW) as Financial Controller, rising to Group Finance Director.

Her pivotal role in restructuring AMW post its acquisition by the UAE’s Al Futtaim Group showcased her strategic vision.

Joining the Ideal Group in 2017 as Finance Director, she navigated the company through multiple crises, including the Easter Sunday attacks, COVID-19 pandemic, and economic downturn — without layoffs or salary cuts, demonstrating resilience and compassionate leadership.

Recognising an opportunity in Mahindra’s after-market segment, Yatawaka by revamping pricing strategies, securing supplier support from Mahindra and Mahindra, and launching targeted awareness campaigns. Within five months, her initiatives increased after-market sales.

Yatawaka’s leadership philosophy centres on “companies and employees growing together with due recognition and empowerment.” Her appointment reflects her ability to drive profitability while fostering a people-centric culture.

Ideal Group Founder and Chairman Nalin Welgama praised her groundbreaking achievement: “Dilani’s strategic vision and resilience were instrumental in Ideal Motors’ turnaround. Her success in revitalising our after-market business — and her unwavering commitment to our team — made her the natural choice to lead the company into its next decade of growth. Her appointment as the first female MD/CEO in Sri Lanka’s automotive sector is a proud moment for our industry.”