Driving Force Behind MAC

A well-known industry expert with over 30 years of experience in the transportation & logistics industry, Andre was the founding Chairman/Managing Director of Expeditors Lanka Private Limited. He joined MAC Holdings (Private) Limited in 2003 upon leaving Expeditors in 2002. He is the immediate past Chairman & a member of the executive board of the Sri Lanka Logistics Providers Association. He served as an executive committee member of Sri Lanka Logistics & Freight Forwarders Association in the late nineties and is currently the Vice Chairman of the association. In 2023 he was appointed to the technical committee to assist the policy committee on Formulation of Logistics Development Programme to Develop a Comprehensive and Sustainable Logistics Development Programme for Sri Lanka. He is a past Chairman of the ECCSL Market Access Team (MAT) Tourism committee.

Mr. Andre Fernando was appointed as the Honorary Consul of the Republic of Bulgaria in March 2021. He is also a member of the Logistics Advisory Committee of the Export Development Board and is the Chairman of the Ports & Aviation Committee of the National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka. He is the Vice President of the Sri Lanka France Business Council and Vice President of the Sri Lanka Nordic Business Council and also holds office in many business councils’ executive committees. He is the president of the Sri Lanka Bangladesh Co-operation Business Council. His family owns 100% shares of the parent company, “MAC Holdings Private Limited,” which has three majority-owned JVs, four associates with ten fully owned subsidiaries. The company plans to acquire operations in India in both freight forwarding and airline agency representation.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/amefernando

Syed Ershad Ahmed is a renowned business leader and the Founding Managing Director of Expeditors (Bangladesh) Ltd, a pioneer in the country’s logistics sector. With over 40 years of industry experience, he has played a key role in driving operational excellence and adopting innovative technologies. His career includes senior roles at global corporations such as Phillips, Singer, and the US Fortune 500 company Expeditors, with leadership tenures in Singapore and Thailand.

Mr. Ahmed is currently serving as President of the American Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh (AmCham), a role he previously held from 2007 to 2010. He also led the Foreign Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industries (FICCI) from 2011 to 2013 and was part of the Executive Committee of the ICC Bangladesh Chapter.

He has been actively involved in social causes since his youth, including leadership roles in Rotary International and recognition as Brand Ambassador for Rotary Bangladesh. A regular columnist and sought-after speaker, Mr. Ahmed was the only Bangladeshi business leader invited to the 2012 Global Business Conference hosted by Hillary Clinton. A Dhaka University alumnus and Fellow of CILT (UK), he continues to contribute significantly to business and society.

He functions as the Group Director/Chief Financial Officer in the holding company, and he is responsible for the entire finance functions of the group, with the respective line managers reporting to him.

Tilak started his career at Ernst & Young, having worked there for 15 years as a senior manager, and then joined Amba Research as a vice president for 02 years, engaged in high-profile research and consultancy work, and his last stint was with Aitken Spence in the capacity of VP Finance/CFO of Aitken Spence Hotel Holdings Plc for over 10 years.

He possesses over 30 years of experience in the field of finance, and he is a Fellow Member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants, a Fellow Member of the Society of Certified Management Accountants, and a Member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants – UK. He also served on the board of NSBM Green University. He is currently the president of the Sri Lanka-USA Business Council and the Sri Lanka-Singapore Business Council under the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/tilak-gunawardana-a2283a106

Nalin Perera, former managing director of the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB), currently heads the hospitality and leisure sector. Nalin is a
seasoned leader with over 35 years of experience in the service and mobile telecommunications sectors. He played a pivotal role in introducing mobile
telephony to Sri Lanka and held many senior management roles, including CEO, COO, CMO, and Country Manager across local and international
markets. Renowned for driving performance-driven cultures, he holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Marketing (UK) and a Master of Business Studies
from the University of Colombo. His expertise spans brand marketing, product development, project management, channel development, and international
market development.

Manaram Battaramulla serves as the Senior Vice President—Sri Lanka & Maldives at MAC, where he leads the Group’s Freight Cluster. A seasoned
A professional in the shipping and logistics industry, Manaram brings over 22 years of experience to the role. He has held various leadership positions across
Commercial, sales, and business development functions within several multinational organisations. He began his career at Maersk Line, where he spent 12 years before transitioning into logistics roles at Hellmann Worldwide Logistics, Expeditors, and Diamond Shipping Services (Sharaf Group). He holds
a diploma in information technology from SLIIT and a diploma in marketing from the Chartered Institute of

https://www.linkedin.com/in/manaram-battaramulla-b679a717/

Dilshan Perumal serves as the General Manager at MAC Supply
Chain Solutions (Pvt) Ltd. A seasoned professional with over 21 years of experience in the freight and logistics sector, he brings deep industry insight and operational leadership to the organisation.

Throughout his career, Dilshan has held key roles across business development, operations, and commercial functions, contributing to strategic growth and service excellence. He holds an MBA from the University of West London (UK).

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dilshan-perumal-85066599/

Chathuskka is a seasoned human resources professional with over 20 years of experience in Human Resources, including over 10 years of experience holding leadership positions. Prior to joining MAC Holdings (Pvt) Ltd., she held leadership positions at SLIIT (Director of Human Capital Management) and Aitken Spence Plc. (Deputy General Manager). She is also a certified transformative coach and a trainer. She holds an MBA from the Postgraduate Institute of Management (PIM) and a BSc in HR from the University of Sri Jayewardenepura. She is currently a PhD candidate at the University of Colombo.

An active contributor to the HR and coaching community, Chathuskka is the Assistant Secretary of the International Coaching Federation (ICF) Colombo Chapter. She is also a fellow member of the Association of HR Professionals

https://www.linkedin.com/in/chathuskka-liyanapatabandi-40a0673a/

Functions as the business head of Linehaul MAC Express (Pvt) Ltd, which markets the “Linex” brand, the wholesale courier GSA for Cathay Cargo.

Sudheera possesses over 27 years of experience in the courier industry. Initially engaging with the global brand TNT under Aitken Spence. During this period, he held the positions of operations manager and special services manager, a career that expanded over a decade.

Subsequently, he was invited to set up the Linex operation in Sri Lanka, under its previous JV with Finlays Colombo PLC. He continues his engagement with Linex to date, after the locally owned shares changed hands to MAC Holdings (Private) Limited.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sudheera-senaratne-83673544/

Surith Sriyantha is a seasoned professional in shipping and logistics, with extensive experience spanning ship agency operations, NVOCC, bunkering, marine lubricants, freight forwarding, and marine services. Recognised for driving operational excellence and leading strategic process improvements, he has consistently delivered impactful results across the maritime industry.

An alumnus of CINEC Campus, Surith also holds an MBA from Asia E-University. He has held several senior leadership positions, including Head of Operations and Business Development at Inchcape Mackinnon Mackenzie Shipping (Pvt) Ltd—a joint venture between Inchcape Shipping Services and John Keells Holdings.

In 2025, Surith was appointed General Manager of MAC Equity Maritime Services Limited, where he continues to lead with innovation, strategic foresight, and a strong focus on operational efficiency.

He is an active member of the Ceylon Association of Shipping Agents (CASA), serving as the vice chairman of the CASA Crew Transfer Committee, and is also an executive committee member of YoungShip Sri Lanka (2025/26), demonstrating his commitment to the advancement of the industry.

His earlier tenures at Lanka Marine Services and other key maritime firms highlight his deep expertise in bunkering, terminal operations, husbandry services, and logistics management. Surith’s versatile skill set and forward-thinking leadership continue to make him a valuable asset in the dynamic shipping sector.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/surith-sriyantha-a9b11211b/

Luke is a maritime and shipping services professional with over 18 years of extensive industry experience spanning across commercial shipping, bunkering, ship supplies, and marine technical services. Prior to joining MAC Holdings (Pvt) Ltd., he held senior leadership positions at several prominent shipping companies in Sri Lanka, contributing to business growth, operational excellence, and industry development.

He holds a Master of Arts (MA) and a Bachelor of Arts (BA) from The Open University of Sri Lanka (OUSL).

https://www.linkedin.com/in/luke-mendis-233759119/

Odatha Perera is an accomplished maritime and logistics professional with over 14+ years of progressive industry experience across Sri Lanka’s shipping, bunkering, and logistics sectors. Throughout her career, she has held key leadership positions within the country’s leading shipping conglomerates, gaining extensive experience in commercial management, strategic business development, and industry operations.

With strong commercial acumen and a strategic business perspective, Odatha has developed expertise in identifying growth opportunities, driving business expansion, establishing strategic partnerships, and fostering long-term stakeholder relationships. Her professional experience spans the maritime, energy, and logistics industries, with a strong focus on commercial excellence and sustainable business growth.

She holds an MBA from the University of Wolverhampton, United Kingdom, an LLB from the University of Greenwich, United Kingdom, and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka.

Combining extensive industry experience with a strong multidisciplinary academic background, Odatha brings a dynamic, commercially driven, and forward-thinking approach to leadership, strategic decision-making, and business development.

Sanjaya began his career in tourism at Tour East International, Sri Lanka, a reputed franchise travel company, and rose up the career ladder during his 11-year tenure. He was a co-founder of Asian Adventures Travel Management Company Ltd. in Sri Lanka and was instrumental in the growth of the company over a period of 13 years. Once again, in the year 2015, he became one of the founders of the Sri Lankan-based DMC brand, ‘Antiquity’.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sanjaya-dahanaggamaarachchi-673a46194

Shevan de Simon is currently focused on infrastructure, investments, and international partnership opportunities. He serves MAC Projects in the capacity of a Director for projects in Sri Lanka and South-East Asia. Shevan started his career in Information Technology Services and then moved into Brand Management, FMCG and Business Development with over 2 decades of experience in Sri Lanka and abroad.

Shevan has served leading global & local organizations such as the British Broadcasting Corporation London, Nestle Lanka (FMCG shelf-stable dairy sector), MAS Investments, and Access International. He has a postgraduate diploma from Durham Business School.

He has additionally penned business articles for local media and successfully secured financing/grants while cultivating markets for agricultural-focused companies in Sri Lanka.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/shevan-de-simon-29a42536

Functions as the business head of Linehaul MAC Express (Pvt) Ltd, which markets the “Linex” brand which is the wholesale courier GSA for Cathay Cargo.

Sudheera possesses over 27 years of experience in the courier industry. Initially engaging with the global brand TNT under Aitken Spence. During this period he held the positions of Operations Manager and Special Services Manager, a career that expanded over a decade.

Subsequently, he was invited to set up the Linex operation in Sri Lanka, under its previous JV with Finlays Colombo PLC. He continues his engagement with Linex to date, post the locally owned shares changing hands to MAC Holdings (Private) Limited.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sudheera-senaratne-83673544

His career in the tourism industry began in the early 90’s as a fresh executive at Walkers Tours Ltd (a subsidiary of John Keells Holdings Plc.). This experience was followed by his tenure in Dubai, with the Inbound Travel arm of Emirates Airlines (Arabian Adventures).

A stint with a European-managed inbound tour company based in Christchurch, New Zealand gave Jeromie further opportunities for advancement. In 2014 found the Sri Lankan-based DMC brand ‘Antiquity’.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeromie-daniel-4ab36116

With over 20 years of experience in the tourism industry, Achala Gamage specializes in the European market – particularly France, where his linguistic and cultural fluency has helped bring over 50,000 travellers to Sri Lanka.

A graduate of the University of Wales Institute, Cardiff (MBA) and Alliance Française de Colombo, Achala previously held senior management positions at Walkers Tours and Diethelm Travel. His expertise spans market-specific strategy, creative product design, and destination storytelling.

As Director and CEO of Legends & Paradise, he leads the development of high-end tailor-made travel, regenerative tourism programs, and exclusive golf experiences including the Legends & Paradise Golf Premier (LPGP) 2027.