By Sri Lankan businessman Ken Balendra, former chairman of John Keells Holdings and several major companies including Brandix and Ceylon Tobacco, has passed away, a group official confirmed.
Balendra was widely regarded as a pioneering corporate leader who played a key role in shaping Sri Lanka’s business landscape. Under his leadership, John Keells Holdings expanded significantly to become one of the country’s leading listed conglomerates.
Brandix credits Balendra with instilling best practices in boardroom governance, improving decision-making, and promoting benchmarking with top global conglomerates. His influence extended across multiple sectors as he also served as chairman of the Bank of Ceylon, the Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka, and the Insurance Board of Sri Lanka.
In recognition of his contributions to the nation, he was honored with the Deshamanya title in 1998, one of Sri Lanka’s highest civilian awards.
Beyond his corporate career, Balendra also served as the Honorary Consulate General of Poland in Colombo. Known for his strategic vision, mentorship, and commitment to ethical business practices, he left a lasting legacy in Sri Lanka’s financial and corporate sectors.
Balendra was not only a respected businessman but also a devoted family man. He was admired for his humility, wisdom, and ability to inspire the next generation of corporate leaders. His contributions to Sri Lanka’s economic progress and governance will be remembered for years to come.
