Deshamanya Kandiah “Ken” Balendra, the first Sri Lankan to hold the position of Chairman at John Keells Holdings (JKH), has passed away at the age of 84. A visionary leader in Sri Lanka’s corporate sector, Balendra played a pivotal role in shaping both national and international business landscapes for nearly four decades.
Born in 1940, Ken Balendra embarked on his corporate journey as a highly skilled executive. His exceptional leadership abilities and business acumen enabled him to steadily rise through the ranks, culminating in his historic appointment as the first Sri Lankan Chairman of John Keells Holdings. His leadership marked a significant transition, as a Sri Lankan businessman took the helm of a company that had been led by British executives since the colonial era.
Throughout his career, Balendra held several prestigious positions, including:
- Chairman of Ceylon Tobacco Company
- Chairman of Brandix
- Chairman of Union Assurance
- Chairman of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce
- Chairman of the South Asian Regional Fund of the Commonwealth Development Corporation
Balendra made substantial contributions to strengthening South Asia’s corporate ties and played a crucial role in enhancing regional economic cooperation as the Chairman of the Commonwealth Development Corporation’s South Asian Regional Fund.
As Chairman of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, he actively represented Sri Lanka’s business community, influencing key economic policies. Under his leadership, John Keells Holdings expanded into one of the largest and most diversified conglomerates in Sri Lanka, setting new benchmarks for corporate excellence.
Balendra’s passing is an immense loss to Sri Lanka’s corporate sector, but the principles and business practices he pioneered will continue to guide future generations of entrepreneurs and business leaders.