Rukshan Gunatilaka

Rukshan Gunatilaka has a diverse work experience spanning over three decades. Rukshan began their career as a Production Executive at Nestle S.A. in 1993. Rukshan then moved on to Hingurana Sugar Industries where they served as an Additional General Manager from 1995 to 1996. Rukshan then joined Talawakelle Tea Estates PLC as an Assistant Manager from 1996 to 1997. From 1997 to 2012, they worked at British American Tobacco, holding various positions including Director of Operation Leaf Supply Chain and Regional Operations Manager, Agronomy (Asia Pacific). Rukshan was responsible for overseeing the transfer of technology and managing the supply chain in multiple countries. In 2012, Rukshan became the Operations Director at British American Tobacco and held this position until 2019. In 2020, they joined Ceylon Biscuits Limited as the Operational Director of the Kandy Factory and Agribusiness. In this role, they managed end-to-end operations, with a focus on high-nutrition cereal products and sustainability. Rukshan also led the modernization of the organization's agriculture footprint. In 2023, Rukshan served as a Consultant on Operations Management before assuming the role of Deputy Chief Executive Officer at Hayleys Agriculture Holdings Limited.

Rukshan Gunatilaka has a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree in Agriculture, which they obtained from the University of Peradeniya in 2007. Prior to that, they earned a Master of Science (M.Sc.) degree in Agricultural Economics from the same university in 1997. Rukshan also holds a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree in Biology from Delhi University, which they completed from 1990 to 1993. Rukshan Gunatilaka attended Royal College Colombo from 1978 to 1989, though the specific degree or field of study is not provided.