Global CEO Magazine sat down with Ms Dilani Yatawaka, Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Ideal Motors, to discuss her trailblazing journey as the first woman to lead a major automotive company in Sri Lanka.
With over two decades of experience in finance and corporate leadership, Ms Yatawaka shares insights into her transition from finance to operations, her leadership philosophy, and the future of Sri Lanka’s automotive industry.
Q: You have recently made history as the first woman to lead a major automotive company in Sri Lanka. What does this appointment mean to you personally and professionally?
I come from a finance background and have spent my entire career in that space. When this opportunity was offered to me by our Chairman, I saw it as a new challenge—a chance to apply my financial acumen to a broader operational role. Personally, it was a significant moment; professionally, it was an opportunity to add tangible value to the organisation. I believe that every leadership role should build upon one’s existing strengths while expanding one’s capacity to influence growth and transformation.
Q : How did your background in finance prepare you for this new role as Group Managing Director and CEO of Ideal Motors?
Finance is the backbone of any organisation. It provides structure, discipline, and visibility into performance—especially vital in an industry as complex as automotive manufacturing and distribution. The past few years have been particularly challenging for our sector, with economic downturns and disruptions. My finance background has helped me steer the company through these headwinds by focusing on resource optimisation, prudent decision-making, and maintaining fiscal discipline. Ultimately, good financial management is the foundation of corporate resilience.
Q: The automotive sector in Sri Lanka has seen significant fluctuations. How has your financial expertise helped Ideal Motors navigate such periods of uncertainty?
It all comes down to how effectively we manage our resources. Whether financial, human, or operational, every resource must be utilised to its fullest potential. In difficult times, this means making strategic choices—prioritising key investments, ensuring liquidity, and maximising efficiency. Finance gives you that lens: it helps you understand the relationship between risk and reward. If finance is not managed carefully, even the most promising company can falter. So, I view financial stewardship as the cornerstone of sustainable leadership.
Q: Digital transformation has become a key driver of competitiveness. What strategic priorities have you set for Ideal Motors in this regard?
We are the authorised distributor for Mahindra India in Sri Lanka—a brand well known for its technological innovation and robust engineering. Mahindra’s new-generation vehicles are highly futuristic, and as we launch our passenger-vehicle segment, we aim to align our operations with the same forward-looking spirit. Technology is reshaping how we connect with customers, optimise supply chains, and deliver after-sales service. Our strategic priority is to embed digital capability into every layer of the business, making Ideal Motors more agile, data-driven, and customer-centric.
Q: The automotive industry has traditionally been male-dominated. What challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them?
It is true—the industry has historically been male-dominated. However, my approach has always been to focus on competence and collaboration rather than gender. I may not be an automotive engineer, but leadership is about bringing together the right people with the right skills and creating an environment where they can excel. Ideal Motors has a strong team of professionals who are deeply knowledgeable in their respective areas, and I trust their expertise. My role is to enable, support, and align their efforts with our organisational goals. When you build a culture based on respect and meritocracy, gender ceases to be a barrier.
Q: Ideal Motors has been described as a cornerstone of Sri Lanka’s automotive industry. What innovations or partnerships can we expect in the coming years?
Our Chairman, Mr Nalin Welgama, is a visionary leader—bold, forward-looking, and unafraid to challenge convention. His dynamic thinking continuously pushes us to explore new possibilities, whether in electric mobility, customer experience, or sustainable manufacturing. Under his leadership, Ideal Motors has already introduced several pioneering initiatives, and many more are on the horizon. The future will see deeper collaborations, smarter technology integration, and products that redefine what Sri Lankan motorists can expect from a trusted local brand.
Q: Finally, what message would you like to share with aspiring female leaders in Sri Lanka?
As women, we juggle multiple responsibilities—our careers, families, and communities. The journey is not easy, but it is certainly possible. My message to young women is simple: never give up. Seek support from your peers, family, and mentors; Sri Lanka has a wonderful network of people who uplift one another. Challenges will come, but perseverance, focus, and self-belief can overcome them all. Leadership is not about being perfect—it is about staying determined, learning continuously, and leading with empathy.
