This is a website dedicated to those who worked or were associated with a great Sri Lankan company, formerly known as Imperial Chemical Industries (Export) Ltd., which became Chemical Industries (Colombo) Ltd., in 1964.
The company commenced operations by manufacturing agricultural pipes and marketing a range of locally manufactured paints. Today, CIC has expanded into Agri Businesses, Animal Feed, Farm Produce, Veterinary Medicine, Day Old Chicks, Agro Chemicals, Adhesives, Consumer Products, Industrial Raw Materials, Pharmaceuticals, Packaging, Herbal Products and Health and Personal Care Products. Its on-going progress as a leading Company in Sri Lanka is recorded on the CIC website http://www.cic.lk
A warm welcome to all ex- and present CIC staff and that of our associate Company Chemanex. This is your page to put down your thoughts and your recollections of two organisations where we once met, made great friends and still carry memories of a time in Sri Lanka which is so sadly lost to those of us now living in all corners of the world. We invite all ex-employees - and their friends and relatives! - to regale us with your tales and send us your photos from times gone by. There are a few already on our album; how handsome and pretty we all looked, THEN!
To those still working at CIC/Chemanex, send us an e-mail and tell us how things are going there. We would love to hear from you! All your suggestions and contributions to make this a great website will be warmly welcomed. Keep us up to date on what is happening within the two companies and in your personal/working lives. If you have any photos you would like to share, please send them with a bit of background information. We would love to publish them.
From time to time, we come visiting and try to re-establish contact with as many colleagues as possible. Our secret dream is to have one big family gathering in Sri Lanka one day and make the companies foot the bill! We can make it happen, if you share our enthusiasm. So make your voices heard!
From time to time, we get emails from those outside CIC/Chemanex; staff from other companies who worked in the same buildings and made friends with us. So this page is an opportunity for their recollections as well, the ones who passed us daily in the corridors and lifts, made eyes at "our" girls and we at theirs, of Harrisons & Crossfield, Gaffoor, Chartered Bank and Hemas Buildings. No doubt they will have many stories to tell that will decorate the rich tapestry of life we experienced at both work and play.
The articles and links are meant for ALL of you. Your contributions and feedback will be a tribute to great two Companies and their staff, living and dead. The least we hope to do through these pages is to remember as many of them as possible and acknowledge the contributions they have, and continue to make. We sincerely hope you share our dream.
Contact Email: elmoper@bigpond.net.au
On the death of Margaret Thatcher - April 2013
CIC NEWS UPDATE
CIC eyes Kenya, Ethiopia and Uganda for agri-investments
CIC Holdings PLC is in the process of finalising joint venture partners in Africa to invest in agricultural farming, officials said.
“We’re planning to go to Kenya, Ethiopia and Uganda with horticulture and rice production through our partners in the Middle East,” Samantha Ranatunga Managing Director/CEO CIC told the Business Times. He said this is at the preliminary stage and the company is trying to first identify land in these countries. Mr. Ranatunga said CIC wants to start the projects by next year.
He said that CIC is discussing with two partners – one in Qatar and another in Saudi Arabia – in this regard.
CIC’s agriculture and livestock sector stands as the core business contributing nearly 64 per cent of total revenue and 72 per cent of total net earnings in financial year 2012/13. This sector is involved in producing agricultural inputs such as seeds, planting material, livestock products, distribution of machineries plus blending and marketing fertilizer.
Mr. Ranatunga said that in a bid to beat the uncertainties of the weather, the company has made a strategic decision to shift to value addition in their products and large dairy projects. “We are the largest exporter of high quality rice. We also increased exports in banana and other fruits. We’re going into other areas such as fruit varieties, mangoes, pineapples, etc.”
The company’s Rs 600 million dairy milk processing operation in Dambulla will be commissioned in July. “We’re trying to set up a production facility in Dambulla for dairy products,” Mr. Ranatunga said, adding that this facility will have around 25,000 litre capacity per day and all the products will be used for local consumption.
He also said that CIC’s Hingurakgoda Farms and newly commissioned Siddapura and Muthuwella farms are expected to cater to the growing demand of the dairy industry in the country.
The group recorded a net earnings dip of 53 per cent year on year to Rs 55.3 million in the last quarter of the 2012/13 financial year and 73 per cent to Rs 230.9 million for the whole year largely due to a poor performance from its agriculture sector.
Enderby joins CIC boardApril 12, 2013, 9:19 am
Mr. S.M. Enderby has been appointed to the Board of Directors of CIC Holdings PLC as an Independent Non-Executive Director with effect from April 11, the company announced in a Stock Exchange filing on Thursday.
The announcement said that Enderby "has a strong and successful track record in the private equity place with Actis, a leading global emerging market fund" and had during his career worked for the fund in the UK, Thailand, Uganda, Swaziland, Sri Lanka and most recently in India. He retired as a partner of Actis in 2011.
He had led multiple successful private equity transactions, including South Asia Gateway Terminals, Ceylon Oxygen and Millennium Information Technologies in Sri Lanka and also served on the boards of many leading businesses in India and Sri Lanka including JKH, Lion Brewery and Punjab Tractors.
Enderby, with a BSc Econ (Hon) in Economics and Accounting from Queens University, Belfast, is a CIMA member studying for a Master’s degree of Development Studies at the University of Melbourne.
He currently has executive responsibilities in the Hemas Group.
Asia Responsible Entrepreneurship Award
CIC Agri Businesses Managing Director/Chief Executive Keerthi Kotagama received a prestigious International Award for being a Responsible Business Leader in South Asia at the Asia Responsible Entrepreneurship Awards (AREA) held in New Delhi.
Welcome news Cyril -tks. I think CIC under BRL Fernando has diversified operations in a very substantial manner. CIC Rice is now available in
Canada- what a journey ? Eric
It is certainly welcome NEWS, as you say BRL should be commended for grooming Keerthi K . When we talk of the present CIC Agribusiness we should not forget where the journey began. It was KOK, CSDES, Dr.OSP, Dr.RAPM and SBR who commenced it by taking part in the SL Government's Food Production Drive promoting rice, soyabean and sugarcane cultivations and growing Caster for Oil extraction at that time. If any Evergreen is in touch with BRL and KK this message should be shared with them. Cyril
You are right; it is most relevant to go back in time and remember those 'greats' who responded to the Government's programme and joined the mainstream. The names you had correctly mentioned had a share in the success story of the present times. Chairman mentioned that KOK had visited SL from his domicile in Oz. SB was a fine chap whose energy and motivation in the agro field were exemplary in addition to being a 'jolly fellow' at our CIC parties. I believe Dr.OSP is in the land beyond; how about Dr.RAPM? The demise of burly Cambridge Blue (Boxing) CSDES was a shock. How many of you are aware that Chris De Saram & K Ganesan opened batting for Royal? Eric
Thanks for endorsing my appreciation of the 'greats' as you correctly termed them. Elmo still owes a visit to KOK in Oz. SB had been jovial whenever he was in a group. When he joined us on tours in the field he kept us going combining serious business and humor. Most of the present bosses apply the condom theory but the five ' greats' had been a contrast. I still keep in touch with RAPM. You may not be aware that when I was Head of Agro Division in Mackwoods RAPM was my Director. His wife passed away few months ago.
By the way, the cricketing partnership of CSDeS and KG at Royal is NEWS to me. Cyril
About the CIC greats you and Cyril concur, I take a moment to remember Lou Adhihetty, a fine cricketer from Wesley. Wasn't he attached to Agro Chemicals at CIC? Ana.
Ana, you are 'spot on'. The late Lou Adihetty (Wesley & Cambridge) was a fine cricketer and was in charge of Agro Chemicals Dept too. Lou played many a fine innings for CIC with his brilliant batting which was a treat to watch. Lou who won his Cambridge Blue for Hockey was our custodian when CIC won the Mercantile C Division double in 1966 under my captaincy ably supported by maestro MD Leelasena the Matale wizard,Ivor & Elmo De Silva,Sam Jacob,Joe Roche, J D Rajendram, James Alagaratnam, Francis D'Almeida, S.Kanagalingam. Eric
Ana, you are correct, Lou A was one of the pioneers in the Agro Department although I did not meet him there as I was working at the Coconut Research Institute at that time. If I remember correct he was more on the Plantation Chemicals side and CIC got closer to the farmer after his period. Let us add him to the GREAT FIVE to make it GREAT SIX. Eric, you have come out with a lot of information and let us thank Ana for making you retrieve that. By the way, SBR is in Kandy. I am trying to get his contact details. Cyril
Many thanks for your prompt and cogent contributions to the topic of the GREAT 6-it is a part of CIC history.Ana did goad me to shed more info on that versatile sportsman Lou Adihetty, an icon from Wesley. If you are able to reach SBR pls. keep us 'in the loop'-tks. Eric
CIC eyes Kenya, Ethiopia and Uganda for agri-investments
CIC Holdings PLC is in the process of finalising joint venture partners in Africa to invest in agricultural farming, officials said.
“We’re planning to go to Kenya, Ethiopia and Uganda with horticulture and rice production through our partners in the Middle East,” Samantha Ranatunga Managing Director/CEO CIC told the Business Times. He said this is at the preliminary stage and the company is trying to first identify land in these countries. Mr. Ranatunga said CIC wants to start the projects by next year.
He said that CIC is discussing with two partners – one in Qatar and another in Saudi Arabia – in this regard.
CIC’s agriculture and livestock sector stands as the core business contributing nearly 64 per cent of total revenue and 72 per cent of total net earnings in financial year 2012/13. This sector is involved in producing agricultural inputs such as seeds, planting material, livestock products, distribution of machineries plus blending and marketing fertilizer.
Mr. Ranatunga said that in a bid to beat the uncertainties of the weather, the company has made a strategic decision to shift to value addition in their products and large dairy projects. “We are the largest exporter of high quality rice. We also increased exports in banana and other fruits. We’re going into other areas such as fruit varieties, mangoes, pineapples, etc.”
The company’s Rs 600 million dairy milk processing operation in Dambulla will be commissioned in July. “We’re trying to set up a production facility in Dambulla for dairy products,” Mr. Ranatunga said, adding that this facility will have around 25,000 litre capacity per day and all the products will be used for local consumption.
He also said that CIC’s Hingurakgoda Farms and newly commissioned Siddapura and Muthuwella farms are expected to cater to the growing demand of the dairy industry in the country.
The group recorded a net earnings dip of 53 per cent year on year to Rs 55.3 million in the last quarter of the 2012/13 financial year and 73 per cent to Rs 230.9 million for the whole year largely due to a poor performance from its agriculture sector.
Enderby joins CIC boardApril 12, 2013, 9:19 am
Mr. S.M. Enderby has been appointed to the Board of Directors of CIC Holdings PLC as an Independent Non-Executive Director with effect from April 11, the company announced in a Stock Exchange filing on Thursday.
The announcement said that Enderby "has a strong and successful track record in the private equity place with Actis, a leading global emerging market fund" and had during his career worked for the fund in the UK, Thailand, Uganda, Swaziland, Sri Lanka and most recently in India. He retired as a partner of Actis in 2011.
He had led multiple successful private equity transactions, including South Asia Gateway Terminals, Ceylon Oxygen and Millennium Information Technologies in Sri Lanka and also served on the boards of many leading businesses in India and Sri Lanka including JKH, Lion Brewery and Punjab Tractors.
Enderby, with a BSc Econ (Hon) in Economics and Accounting from Queens University, Belfast, is a CIMA member studying for a Master’s degree of Development Studies at the University of Melbourne.
He currently has executive responsibilities in the Hemas Group.
Asia Responsible Entrepreneurship Award
CIC Agri Businesses Managing Director/Chief Executive Keerthi Kotagama received a prestigious International Award for being a Responsible Business Leader in South Asia at the Asia Responsible Entrepreneurship Awards (AREA) held in New Delhi.
Welcome news Cyril -tks. I think CIC under BRL Fernando has diversified operations in a very substantial manner. CIC Rice is now available in
Canada- what a journey ? Eric
It is certainly welcome NEWS, as you say BRL should be commended for grooming Keerthi K . When we talk of the present CIC Agribusiness we should not forget where the journey began. It was KOK, CSDES, Dr.OSP, Dr.RAPM and SBR who commenced it by taking part in the SL Government's Food Production Drive promoting rice, soyabean and sugarcane cultivations and growing Caster for Oil extraction at that time. If any Evergreen is in touch with BRL and KK this message should be shared with them. Cyril
You are right; it is most relevant to go back in time and remember those 'greats' who responded to the Government's programme and joined the mainstream. The names you had correctly mentioned had a share in the success story of the present times. Chairman mentioned that KOK had visited SL from his domicile in Oz. SB was a fine chap whose energy and motivation in the agro field were exemplary in addition to being a 'jolly fellow' at our CIC parties. I believe Dr.OSP is in the land beyond; how about Dr.RAPM? The demise of burly Cambridge Blue (Boxing) CSDES was a shock. How many of you are aware that Chris De Saram & K Ganesan opened batting for Royal? Eric
Thanks for endorsing my appreciation of the 'greats' as you correctly termed them. Elmo still owes a visit to KOK in Oz. SB had been jovial whenever he was in a group. When he joined us on tours in the field he kept us going combining serious business and humor. Most of the present bosses apply the condom theory but the five ' greats' had been a contrast. I still keep in touch with RAPM. You may not be aware that when I was Head of Agro Division in Mackwoods RAPM was my Director. His wife passed away few months ago.
By the way, the cricketing partnership of CSDeS and KG at Royal is NEWS to me. Cyril
About the CIC greats you and Cyril concur, I take a moment to remember Lou Adhihetty, a fine cricketer from Wesley. Wasn't he attached to Agro Chemicals at CIC? Ana.
Ana, you are 'spot on'. The late Lou Adihetty (Wesley & Cambridge) was a fine cricketer and was in charge of Agro Chemicals Dept too. Lou played many a fine innings for CIC with his brilliant batting which was a treat to watch. Lou who won his Cambridge Blue for Hockey was our custodian when CIC won the Mercantile C Division double in 1966 under my captaincy ably supported by maestro MD Leelasena the Matale wizard,Ivor & Elmo De Silva,Sam Jacob,Joe Roche, J D Rajendram, James Alagaratnam, Francis D'Almeida, S.Kanagalingam. Eric
Ana, you are correct, Lou A was one of the pioneers in the Agro Department although I did not meet him there as I was working at the Coconut Research Institute at that time. If I remember correct he was more on the Plantation Chemicals side and CIC got closer to the farmer after his period. Let us add him to the GREAT FIVE to make it GREAT SIX. Eric, you have come out with a lot of information and let us thank Ana for making you retrieve that. By the way, SBR is in Kandy. I am trying to get his contact details. Cyril
Many thanks for your prompt and cogent contributions to the topic of the GREAT 6-it is a part of CIC history.Ana did goad me to shed more info on that versatile sportsman Lou Adihetty, an icon from Wesley. If you are able to reach SBR pls. keep us 'in the loop'-tks. Eric
CIC sets up satellite research lab in Bangladesh
CIC Holdings’ tissue culture lab is setting up a satellite facility in Bangladesh to support the processing of certain plant species, specifically targeting the expansion into Australia in particular.
The company, detailing its research facilities, said it is currently extending its reach to the region.
In the statement, the company said it leverages its ‘significant prowess’ in research to successfully anticipate wants and needs which are constantly evolving, and to offer products and services which enhance the lives of its customers.
The company noted that it is the only one to own and operate seed and soil laboratories. The company’s seed paddy enterprise has made a significant impact in the local agriculture landscape with the extensive research and trials carried out on the farms, including the introduction of a new variety of rice, the statement added.
The Red Basmati rice has a low glycaemic index, meaning that it releases sugar slowly, making it a healthier option, and is the first to be introduced in the country by any private sector entity.
Strengthening its already existing inventory, a new strain of hybrid corn seed of enhanced quality and yield was registered by CIC during 2011, while over 150 acres of farmland are under cultivation with a premium strain of bananas, which is predominantly marketed locally under the brand ‘CIC Quality Banana’, it said.
CIC Holdings’ tissue culture lab is setting up a satellite facility in Bangladesh to support the processing of certain plant species, specifically targeting the expansion into Australia in particular.
The company, detailing its research facilities, said it is currently extending its reach to the region.
In the statement, the company said it leverages its ‘significant prowess’ in research to successfully anticipate wants and needs which are constantly evolving, and to offer products and services which enhance the lives of its customers.
The company noted that it is the only one to own and operate seed and soil laboratories. The company’s seed paddy enterprise has made a significant impact in the local agriculture landscape with the extensive research and trials carried out on the farms, including the introduction of a new variety of rice, the statement added.
The Red Basmati rice has a low glycaemic index, meaning that it releases sugar slowly, making it a healthier option, and is the first to be introduced in the country by any private sector entity.
Strengthening its already existing inventory, a new strain of hybrid corn seed of enhanced quality and yield was registered by CIC during 2011, while over 150 acres of farmland are under cultivation with a premium strain of bananas, which is predominantly marketed locally under the brand ‘CIC Quality Banana’, it said.
Eric's visit to Sri Lanka - March 2013
Returning to life in BC after a 4 weeks sojourn in SL. I had the pleasure of meeting up with Chairman, Messrs. CS Edwards, Sam Sirimanne & Lal De Alwis. Ranjit Ponnaperuma was kind enough to 'drop in' to say hello hours prior to my departure from Colombo whilst Fareeda did respond to my telephone call.
Neil Kottege accompanied me on my visit to see Chairman and on our return invited me to Otters for a chilled Beer before we parted company. The scorching heat was tough to contend with and at every turn I 'cooled' off with Lion or Carlsberg for good measure!!I had the privilege of meeting two of my classmates (Doctors in UK) after nearly 60 years in the precincts of the Royal Colombo Golf Club. Mr.Edwards hosted me to lunch at the GOH which brought back memories of the good old 'CIC era'.
Elmo gave us the good news of Mr.K Arichandran joining us-KA in an email queried if I could remember the ICI/Ford Rhodes cricket fixture in 1957 where he amassed 159 n.o. and we were bundled out for 101 with only Kingsley Fernando and me entering double figures-those were the days! KA's partner GC Wijesinghe (son of the famous ECB) rattled 71 and bowled with all fury with his burly frame.
Now its time to be back on the CIC wavelength and thanks for keeping me off your list for over 4 weeks.
PS: Met Kennedy son of late ICI/CIC stalwart SD(Solomon) Michael at a funeral in Kanatte-the meeting was providential since John& Pat Arachi and Pushparanee & I are God parents to two of Solomon's siblings. Solomon was Sales Rep. for the Chemicals Dept.under V.Ratnaarjah & John Arachi.
Returning to life in BC after a 4 weeks sojourn in SL. I had the pleasure of meeting up with Chairman, Messrs. CS Edwards, Sam Sirimanne & Lal De Alwis. Ranjit Ponnaperuma was kind enough to 'drop in' to say hello hours prior to my departure from Colombo whilst Fareeda did respond to my telephone call.
Neil Kottege accompanied me on my visit to see Chairman and on our return invited me to Otters for a chilled Beer before we parted company. The scorching heat was tough to contend with and at every turn I 'cooled' off with Lion or Carlsberg for good measure!!I had the privilege of meeting two of my classmates (Doctors in UK) after nearly 60 years in the precincts of the Royal Colombo Golf Club. Mr.Edwards hosted me to lunch at the GOH which brought back memories of the good old 'CIC era'.
Elmo gave us the good news of Mr.K Arichandran joining us-KA in an email queried if I could remember the ICI/Ford Rhodes cricket fixture in 1957 where he amassed 159 n.o. and we were bundled out for 101 with only Kingsley Fernando and me entering double figures-those were the days! KA's partner GC Wijesinghe (son of the famous ECB) rattled 71 and bowled with all fury with his burly frame.
Now its time to be back on the CIC wavelength and thanks for keeping me off your list for over 4 weeks.
PS: Met Kennedy son of late ICI/CIC stalwart SD(Solomon) Michael at a funeral in Kanatte-the meeting was providential since John& Pat Arachi and Pushparanee & I are God parents to two of Solomon's siblings. Solomon was Sales Rep. for the Chemicals Dept.under V.Ratnaarjah & John Arachi.
Preethi retires as Chemanex MD/CEO after 6 year stint
Published : 1:23 am April 2, 2013
Managing Director and CEO Preethi Jayawardena has retired from the Chemanex Plc from last week having served for six years in that position. The Company also announced Jayawardena stepped down from the Board with effect from 31 March.
Jayawardena was first appointed to the Board of Chemanex in May 1994. Chemanex is a subsidiary of CIC Holdings Plc.
A Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka and Certified Professional Managers, Jayawardena is also the Non-Executive Chairman of The Finance Company PLC, a Non-Executive Director of CIC Holdings PLC, Keells Food Products PLC, Commercial Bank of Ceylon PLC, and RAM Rating (Lanka) Ltd.
He served at Zambia Consolidated Copper Mines Limited for 13 years and held several senior positions including Head of Treasury. He is Member of the Monetary Policy Consultative Committee of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka and Chairman of the Ceylon National Chamber of Industries
Published : 1:23 am April 2, 2013
Managing Director and CEO Preethi Jayawardena has retired from the Chemanex Plc from last week having served for six years in that position. The Company also announced Jayawardena stepped down from the Board with effect from 31 March.
Jayawardena was first appointed to the Board of Chemanex in May 1994. Chemanex is a subsidiary of CIC Holdings Plc.
A Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka and Certified Professional Managers, Jayawardena is also the Non-Executive Chairman of The Finance Company PLC, a Non-Executive Director of CIC Holdings PLC, Keells Food Products PLC, Commercial Bank of Ceylon PLC, and RAM Rating (Lanka) Ltd.
He served at Zambia Consolidated Copper Mines Limited for 13 years and held several senior positions including Head of Treasury. He is Member of the Monetary Policy Consultative Committee of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka and Chairman of the Ceylon National Chamber of Industries