Tuesday Dec 16, 2025
Tuesday Dec 16, 2025
Tuesday, 2 December 2025 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
The Management Club (TMC) Colombo has concluded its 2nd Power Breakfast Meeting on 29 October 2025 at Cinnamon Grand Hotel, Colombo, drawing a full house of senior leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals. The event, held under the theme “Where Leaders Share the Journey,” brought together industry pioneers for a morning of inspiration, leadership insights, and meaningful networking.
The keynote address was done by the dynamic JAT Holdings PLC Founder and Managing Director Aelian Gunawardena, who shared the compelling story behind building one of the Sri Lanka’s most successful conglomerates—a multibillion-rupee enterprise that grew from humble beginnings.
Gunawardena captivated the audience with reflections from his 32-year entrepreneurial journey, particularly his start as a pioneer in the local wood-coatings market, importing just two container loads to launch his business. He detailed how strategic foresight, product innovation, and an unyielding commitment for quality helped JAT Holdings to expand into paints, coatings, and home furnishings, eventually becoming a dominant regional player. He emphasised that the true drivers of sustainable business success lie beyond financials. “Trust, integrity and performance must be non-negotiable pillars if you want to build something that lasts,” he noted, adding that long-term stakeholder relationships were central to every milestone in his company’s evolution.
The event was booked to capacity, reaffirming the growing interest in TMC’s Power Breakfast series as a platform for knowledge sharing and leadership development. Attendees included CEOs, senior managers, entrepreneurs, and emerging leaders who were eager to engage with the speaker and each other in a collaborative atmosphere. The session concluded with breakfast and interactive discussions among participants.
TMC Colombo Chairperson and DUNEE’s Kitchen Managing Director Duneeshya Bogoda, highlighted TMC’s commitment to strengthening the leadership community through meaningful dialogue and continuous learning. The program was smoothly compered Shewon Silva, while Assistant Secretary and the Project Chairperson Ayesh De Silva delivered a heartfelt vote of thanks, appreciating the speaker, sponsors, organising committee, and the enthusiastic participation of attendees.
TMC Colombo Treasurer and Master Divers Ltd., and Pelwatte Coconut Industries Ltd., Director/Chief Executive Officer Priyantha Hapuarachchi was the moderator for the Q&A session who steered the conversation with insightful questions that brought out deeper layers of Gunawardena’s leadership philosophy. TMC Colombo continues to strengthen its role as a catalyst for professional growth, fostering spaces where leaders can share, learn, and inspire.
