Talawakelle Tea Estates PLC (TTE), one of Sri Lanka’s premier Regional Plantation Companies and a member of the Hayleys Group, has appointed Nishantha Abeysinghe to its Board as Director/Chief Executive Officer, effective 1 August 2025.
Mr. Abeysinghe was also appointed as a Director of TTEL Hydro Power Company (Private) Limited, TTEL Somerset Hydro Power (Private) Limited and Hayleys Plantation Services (Private) Limited.
Under the leadership of Dr. Roshan Rajadurai and newly appointed, Nishantha Abeysinghe, the company is set to elevate its offerings, strengthen its market position and expand its reach, all while staying true to its commitment to sustainability and exceptional craftsmanship.
Nishantha Abeysinghe brings over 36 years of distinguished experience in the plantation industry. He began his career in 1988 at the Sri Lanka State Plantations Corporation and joined Talawakelle Tea Estates PLC in 1992, after privatisation. Since then, he has steadily advanced through the organisation, most recently serving as Director – Plantations before his appointment as Director/Chief Executive Officer.
Holding a Master of Business Administration from the University of Southern Queensland (USQ), Australia, Abeysinghe has played a pivotal role in driving the company’s growth trajectory, enhancing operational efficiency, strengthening estate management practices and leading sustainability-focused initiatives. His leadership is marked by a strong commitment to innovation, operational excellence and talent development. With his strategic vision and deep-rooted expertise, he is well positioned to lead TTE into its next chapter of growth and industry leadership.
Nestled in the picturesque Dimbulla and Ruhuna Valleys, TTE is renowned for producing some of the finest Ceylon Teas from its prestigious Tea gardens, spanning Somerset, Great Western, Wattegodde, Radella, Mattakelle & Dessford in the Dimbulla region to Deniyaya, Kiruwanaganga and Moragalla in Ruhuna.
Recording the highest Gross Sales Averages and securing the No. 1 ranking among all Regional Plantation Companies (RPCs), TTE has also led the National Sales Averages across both Up-Country and Low-Country estates – a testament to its unwavering commitment to excellence, recognised on both local and global platforms.
The company has been recognised locally and internationally, receiving honours at the Commonwealth Business Excellence Awards, Global Sustainability and HR Awards, Global Performance Excellence Awards 2024, and the National Business Excellence Awards in Sri Lanka. Notably, TTE made history by becoming the first Regional Plantation Company in the world to be certified as a Great Place to Work®, reflecting its people centric culture and dedication to employee well-being.