Thilan

Wijesinghe

Founder and Executive Chairman

Visionary PPP pioneer and investment banking trailblazer, Thilan Wijesinghe's influence spans boardrooms and global finance, with transformative ventures like Ceylon Tea Trails.

About

Thilan Wijesinghe is a visionary leader and accomplished entrepreneur with an illustrious career spanning over three decades. As the Founder and Executive Chairman of TWC, Thilan brings his extensive experience, strategic acumen, and innovative spirit to drive the company's growth and success.

Thilan's expertise lies at the intersection of investment banking, real estate development, and public-private partnerships (PPPs). He holds three bachelor's degrees in Industrial Engineering, Economics, and Business Administration from the State University of New York and Cornell University, USA. Throughout his career, Thilan has been directly involved in some of the largest financial, privatization, and PPP transactions in Sri Lanka from 1992 to 2015, valued at over $2 billion.

In the early 1990s, Thilan co-founded Asia Capital PLC, which quickly became Sri Lanka's largest investment bank and stockbroker, executing several landmark acquisition and IPO deals. He also co-promoted and served on the Board of the Dublin Listed Regent Sri Lanka Fund, the first-ever country fund dedicated to Sri Lankan equities.

Thilan's impact extends to the public sector, where he became the youngest ever Chairman of the Board of Investment (BOI) of Sri Lanka in 1995. During his tenure, he pioneered PPP transactions in the country, setting up the Bureau of Infrastructure Investments (BII) in 1996. Under his leadership, the BII financially closed PPPs valued at almost $1 billion within five years, including first-time PPPs in various sectors. This period also marked the highest net FDI as a percentage of GDP in Sri Lanka's history.

Beyond his professional achievements, Thilan is a multifaceted individual with diverse interests. He is a former national cricketer, a musician, a dedicated family man, and a spiritual Buddhist. His dynamic personality and ability to excel in various fields reflect his entrepreneurial spirit and drive for success.

At TWC, Thilan's role involves leveraging his expertise to foster innovation, drive growth, and ensure the company's continued success in its endeavors. His unique blend of financial acumen, strategic vision, and aesthetic sensibilities make him an invaluable asset to the organization.

Key Responsibilities

As the Founder and Executive Chairman of TWC, Thilan Wijesinghe is responsible for setting the strategic direction of the company, driving growth, and ensuring its continued success. He leverages his extensive experience in investment banking, real estate development, and public-private partnerships to guide TWC's endeavors and foster innovation.

Skills

  • Investment Banking

  • Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs)

  • Real Estate Development

  • Strategic Planning

  • Leadership

  • Entrepreneurship

Passion and Interest

Thilan is a man of diverse interests and talents. Beyond his professional pursuits, he is passionate about cricket, having represented Sri Lanka as a national player. He is also a skilled musician and finds solace in his spiritual Buddhist practices. Thilan values his role as a dedicated family man and cherishes the time he spends with his loved ones.

Quote / Fun Fact

"Success is not just about achieving financial milestones; it's about creating a lasting impact and leaving a positive legacy for generations to come."

Professional Background

  • TWCorp (Pvt) Ltd - Founder, Chairman & CEO (Jan 2011 - Present)

  • Sri Lanka Institute of Nanotechnology (SLINTEC) - Chairman (Part-time) (Sep 2022 - Present)

  • Sapphirus Lanka (Pvt) Ltd - Chairman/Co-founder (May 2008 - Present)

  • Ceylon Tea Trails (Pvt) Ltd - Director/Co-founder (Apr 2004 - Present)

  • MJF Leisure (Pvt) Ltd - Director (Jan 2004 - Present)

  • Resplendent Ceylon (Pvt) Ltd - Director/Co-founder (Jan 2004 - Present)

  • National Agency for Public Private Partnership - Chairman (Aug 2017 - Dec 2019)

  • Digital Commerce Lanka (Pvt) Ltd (Anything.lk which became Wow.lk) - Co-founder/Chairman/Director (May 2011 - Dec 2019)

  • Overseas Realty Ceylon PLC - Group Managing Director (Jan 2010 - Sep 2010)

  • Forbes & Walker Ltd (Full-time) - Group Managing Director (Jan 2004 - Dec 2008)

  • Board of Investment of Sri Lanka - Chairman & Director General (Sep 1995 - Mar 2001)

  • Asia Capital PLC - Executive Director/Co-founder (Nov 1991 - Aug 1995)

Educational Background

  • Cornell University - BSc, Industrial Engineering; BA, Economics

  • State University of New York at Fredonia - BSc, Business Administration