Hemantha exits Kelani Cables after strong role

Hemantha Perera, the Managing Director of Kelani Cables PLC who transformed the company from a turnover of Rs. 536 million to a 3.8 billion company, resigns on 31 March 2011.

Kelani Cables, now a marketing-oriented company, has steadily gained the trust of customers due to its quality products, reliable distribution network, high confidence of its management and people-oriented leadership.

Since the takeover of office by Perera, the company grew from strength-to-strength. The turnover of Rs. 536 million in 2003 grew up to Rs. 3.3 billion within a short period of time of just seven years.

The company expects the turnover to reach Rs. 3.8 billion, recording a growth of 600 per cent by the end of this financial year. Perera built a dynamic local brand with a strong local presence.

Speaking on the progress of Kelani Cables, Perera said: “We work as a team irrespective of the person’s position; as each person is afforded respect and dignity.”

Under his leadership, Kelani Cables, which at one time was a stagnant entity, commenced blossoming into a leading cable manufacturer in Sri Lanka. Thereafter, the changed management resulted in the winning numerous awards for the company.

“When I was appointed MD, the company had a de-motivated workforce of 350 people, a zealous union, and a flawed company management structure. Addressing these issues was crucial. To revamp the organisation, we paid much attention to identify the labour related problems of the company. Collectively management and workers attended to these issues and created an entirely new outlook and an environment within all sections of the organisation,” Perera said.

He restructured the sales operation by appointing separate sales teams to cater to Government, institutional and distribution markets. The company also has seven area sales managers to strengthen the re-distribution channels. Today Kelani Cables has a very strong distribution network in excess of 100 distributors islandwide.

Further, a mindful plan was initiated with internal teams to aim to win awards for the company, thereby differentiating them from the competitors.

All these changes have transformed the company’s bottom-line and the total turnover will now exceed Rs. 3.8 billion, an almost seven fold increase in a time frame of seven years. Perera attributed their success to their focus on employee wellbeing and sound leadership. The company places an emphasis about on-the-job training, in-house training and outsources training to enhance the skills of employees.

The company commendably committed to CSR with numerous projects being embarked on at any given time. These projects range from substantial assistance to many institutions and individuals.

Brand development and image building through various innovative programs is one of the major areas that Kelani Cables looks at.

These policies of Kelani Cables have rewarded them with many national awards; the National Quality Award in 2006, National Safety Awards in 2010 and the CNCI Industrial excellence Gold Award consecutively in 2006, 2007 and 2008 for the first time in Sri Lanka in the cable manufacturing industry. It was also bestowed the CNCI Industrial Excellence Crystal Award in 2008 for the first time in Sri Lanka.

Among other superior achievements are the Taiki Akimoto 5S Gold Award for overall and manufacturing sector in 2007, the Superbrands Status in 2008 and the ‘Soorya Singhe Logo’ with Certification as a Truly Sri Lankan Brand by Mawbima Lanka Foundation.

“The Kelani story is worthy of a case study,” Perera said.

Holding a Masters Degree in Business Administration, Perera, a product of Royal College, commenced his career in the tea industry as a tea taster and auctioneer in 1984. He changed his career path when he moved to Keells Aquariums, where he progressed to become Director, Sales and Marketing.

In 2001, Perera was invited to join the Board of ACL Cables Limited and ACL Kelani Magnet Wire Ltd. In 2003, he was appointed to the Board of Kelani Cables Limited as the company’s Managing Director. Very much a people-oriented personality who takes pride in leading from the front, Perera envisioned growing Kelani Cables from strength to strength.

Retracing the history of Kelani Cables, Perera stated: “Kelani Cables was founded by the Wijegunawardena family in 1969 and became a public quoted limited liability company in 1973. In 1994, its management was transferred to an Australian company called Pacific Dunlop which ran the company for a short period of time before withdrawing from the cable business. In late 1999, ACL bought 80 percent of Kelani Cables shares and he was appointed to its Board of Directors in 2003.