Global CEO Magazine met with Kumarie Fernando, the steady hand at the helm of Neil Marine.

Her journey is shaped by a father’s fearless spirit, a mother’s unwavering belief, and her own quiet courage.

She reflects on storms survived, lessons treasured, and a legacy she carries with grace, grit, and a steadfast vision for Sri Lanka’s marine future.

01. Who were your chief mentors or influencers along the way?
From a young age, my greatest mentors have been my parents. My father, who lost his parents at just 12 years old, showed incredible resilience and vision. He started the business in the late 1960s, during a time of political turmoil and economic challenges.

Despite the odds, he built a successful company—driven by his love for the country and a strong belief that we must always give back to our motherland. The training he received at Walkers helped shape his character, but it was his courage to go against the tide, choosing entrepreneurship over the stability of a government job, that truly inspired me. His words of wisdom and determination have paved the way for my own journey.

My mother has been equally influential, always the driving force behind my confidence. She encouraged me to believe in myself even when circumstances were difficult, teaching me the power of persistence.

Beyond my parents, I have been inspired by role models like Richard Branson, Lakshmi Mittal, Ottara Gunawardene, and many others. These individuals exemplify perseverance, innovation, and purpose-driven leadership—showing how to face adversity head-on while staying focused on one’s goals. Their examples have helped me understand the importance of resilience and determination in both personal and professional life.

2. What lessons did you learn early in your career, that guide you to this day?
Being an only child, I joined the family business just two months after graduating from the University of San Francisco. I still vividly remember my late father calling me on my very first day at the office. He reminded me that everyone knew him for who he was—Neil Fernando—and that I too needed to create my own identity through my work and values.

He made it clear that there would be no special privileges. I had to earn respect as Kumarie Fernando, not just as his daughter. That lesson has stayed with me ever since. It taught me the importance of humility, integrity, and proving myself through action—not association.
It’s a principle that continues to guide me as I build on my father’s legacy and lead the company with purpose and independence.

3. What were your stiffest career challenges, and how did you tackle them?
One of my toughest challenges came in 2021, shortly after I lost my father in early January. Although at that time I had 18 years of experience as Group Directress, I had to suddenly step into the role of Chairperson during an extremely difficult time.

We were just emerging from the COVID-19 pandemic when the country entered a serious economic crisis. Exporters like us were hit hard—we had orders to fulfil but faced severe difficulties sending remittances to import raw materials and equipment. On top of that, there were frequent power-cuts, and severe shortages of fuel with long queues, and we had to struggle to keep our generators running.

In the face of these unprecedented challenges, my team and I relied on flexible thinking and quick decision-making to navigate the turmoil. Despite the hardships, we kept the business steady, paid salaries on time, and honoured all our orders. This period was a time that tested my leadership like never before, but it strengthened my resolve and commitment to the company’s future.

4. Looking back, what accomplishments are you most proud of?
I am very humbled and grateful to be the only woman entrepreneur in the boatbuilding industry in Sri Lanka. Many might think running an already established company is easy, but maintaining our position as the No. 1 boat builder in the country and expanding our horizons internationally—such as our expansion to Australia in 2021—has been a significant challenge.

I’m especially proud of my team, whose advice and dedication helped us overcome the hurdles of 2021. Together, we have grown our network both locally and internationally by acquiring and upholding new franchises.

Personally, I am honoured to have been recognised among the 100 Iconic Sri Lankan Women 2025 by the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation during its centenary celebration—an award we did not apply for, making it even more special. Additionally, I was proud to receive the Entrepreneur of the Year 2024 award from COYLE.

These accomplishments are a testament to hard work, resilience, and the collective effort of everyone involved.

5. Could you outline the most memorable milestones of your organisation in recent years?
For over five decades, Neil Fernando & Company (Pvt) Ltd, operating under the renowned Neil Marine brand, has charted an inspiring course in Sri Lanka’s boatbuilding industry. In recent years, the company has achieved several defining milestones that reaffirmed its leadership in innovation, sustainability, and export excellence.

Key achievement has been the successful delivery of over 40,000 vessels worldwide, establishing Neil Marine as one of the South Asia’s largest fibreglass boat manufacturers. The company introduced solar-electric and hybrid marine boats, demonstrating its commitment to green maritime technology. International expansion has also been remarkable, with Neil Marine’s footprint now extending across Australia, the UK, the Netherlands, Africa, the Maldives, India, and Southeast Asia.

Under my late father’s leadership, the foundation was laid for a strong culture of quality, discipline, and international compliance. Building on that legacy, we went on to achieve Lloyd’s Register and ISO 9001:2015 certifications—ensuring that every vessel meets the highest global safety and quality standards. The introduction of SAP-based ERP systems, local value addition exceeding 50%, and consistent foreign exchange earnings collectively highlight Neil Marine’s evolution from a traditional boatbuilder into a globally-trusted marine brand.

6. How has the company evolved over the years to stay relevant to its industry or sector?
From its inception in 1969, Neil Marine has evolved from a family-owned boatyard into a technology-driven global enterprise, seamlessly blending craftsmanship with innovation. The company’s ability to stay relevant lies in its constant pursuit of engineering excellence, environmental stewardship, and customer satisfaction.

Our design and production are powered by state-of-the-art technologies, including computational design tools and Lloyd’s Register-certified production systems. The use of eco-friendly materials such as imported Flexi Teak, and the incorporation of electric, solar, and hybrid propulsion systems, reinforce our commitment to sustainability.

Our ISO-certified Quality Assurance procedures enhance precision, reduce production lead times, and deliver real-time project transparency to clients worldwide. Our ability to customise—from fishing boats and patrol crafts to luxury leisure vessels—ensures that every client receives a tailored solution, backed by comprehensive maintenance, spares support, and training.

By fostering a culture of continuous learning and innovation, Neil Marine stands at the forefront of South Asia’s fibreglass boatbuilding sector, admired for its reliability, design ingenuity, and eco-conscious operations.

7. What legacy does the company aim to stamp on its industry or sector?
My late father, Neil Fernando—the Founder and former Chairperson of the Neil Marine Group—was a true pioneer. He introduced GRP (Glass-Reinforced Plastic) technology for manufacturing fishing boats in Sri Lanka, at a time when fishermen were still using wooden boats like Theppam and Vallam. After successful testing, GRP boats were accepted due to their durability, low-maintenance, and long-term cost savings. This innovation also reduced the need to cut down trees for boatbuilding, easing the burden on our environment.

That is the legacy my father created—one of innovation, sustainability, and responsibility—and it’s a legacy I am proud to carry forward.

Today, as the largest boatyard in Sri Lanka, we are committed to pushing boundaries with new technologies and environmentally friendly practices, just as he did. Our focus is now on energy-efficient, sustainable boat designs, and we are working to expand into new sectors, including luxury yachts for European markets. Our vision is to evolve while staying true to the values of innovation and environmental stewardship that built this company.

8. What are your organisation’s future plans for innovation, expansion, new products/services, etc.?
Neil Fernando & Company (Pvt) Ltd is moving confidently towards a future of sustainable growth and innovation. We plan to introduce new electric and hybrid boats, reflecting our commitment to cleaner and more energy-efficient marine solutions. We are also expanding our modern production facilities to meet growing demand from international clients.

Through the use of smart manufacturing systems and advanced composite technology, Neil Marine aims to increase productivity, improve quality, and create more flexible designs for diverse customer needs. We are expanding further into Europe, Africa, Australia, India, and Southeast Asia, working closely with a strong network of regional partners and agents.

In Sri Lanka, Neil Marine continues to play a key role in supporting the growth of nautical tourism and promoting the island as a marine destination. For our valued clients, we remain known for personalised service, quick delivery, technical expertise, and strong after-sales support.

Guided by my vision, Neil Marine is committed to building boats that are safe, sustainable, and inspiring—connecting people and communities across oceans with trust and innovation.