Ceylon Tobacco Company PLC (CTC) recently bestowed the company’s highest honour, the ‘Chairman’s Award 2023’, on Asela Gunasinghe, Factory Electrical Technician. The award recognises the outstanding personal contribution to the growth and development of the company during the year, from among all the company’s employees.
Gunasinghe single-handedly completed an emergency complex repair to CTC’s leaf processing machinery to ensure business continuity. The company recognised his exemplary leadership and drive in the delivery of business results and operating excellence.
Gunasinghe said, “Winning the Chairman’s Award has been one of the greatest honours of my professional career and I am so happy to have been able to make a positive contribution to the company.
“At CTC, we are given the space to perform at our best and this award is a recognition of the enabling culture that has allowed me to take on the leadership of a challenging project and deliver exceptional results. I consider it a privilege that my work helped secure the sustainability of our company,” he said.
Lakshitha Rajendra and Wijerathne Bandara were adjudged first and second runners-up, while the group award was won by a six-member team from Operations, comprising Yasantha Manukulasooriya, Vinoth Prasath, Harith Samarasinghe, Prashan Chinthaka, Sameera Mendis and Chandana Jagath, who were recognised for their exceptional skills across the manufacturing operations of the company.
SMD Manufacturing Manager, Yasantha Manukulasooriya representing the Operations Team that won this award said, “Last year was a landmark year for the Operations function, with the team setting 23 new records in machinery performance. I am proud of my team for putting CTC on the map in the global sphere as they set a benchmark for BAT factories across Asia Pacific, Middle East, and Africa (APMEA).”
Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of CTC, Monisha Abraham said, “I would like to congratulate all the winners and nominees this year. I am inspired by their commitment to elevate the business further, despite multiple challenges faced. At CTC, we take pride in nurturing talent that is empowered to responsibly take bold initiatives and transform the business, while furthering personal growth of our employees.”
