Deshamanya Kandiah “Ken” Balendra, a distinguished figure in Sri Lanka’s corporate sector, has passed away at the age of 85. Born in 1940, Balendra was renowned for his transformative leadership and significant contributions to the nation’s business landscape.
An alumnus of Royal College, Colombo, Balendra excelled in rugby during his school years. He began his professional journey in the tea and rubber plantation industry, dedicating seven years to this sector before joining the John Keells Group in 1969. Over a span of 31 years, he ascended to the position of the first Sri Lankan chairman of John Keells Holdings Ltd. (JKH), serving from 1990 to 2000. Under his leadership, JKH evolved into Sri Lanka’s largest conglomerate, diversifying into various sectors and setting benchmarks in corporate excellence.
Beyond his tenure at JKH, Balendra held prominent roles including chairman of Brandix Lanka Ltd. and the South Asia Regional Fund of the Commonwealth Development Corporation. He also served as the chairman of the Ceylon Tobacco Company PLC from 2003 to 2008.
In recognition of his services to the nation, Balendra was conferred the title of Deshamanya in 1998, one of Sri Lanka’s highest civilian honors.
Balendra’s legacy is chronicled in his biography, “They Call Him Ken: The Life and Times of a Corporate Colossus,” which details his journey from a schoolboy rugby star to a dynamic corporate leader.
The business community and the nation mourn the loss of a visionary leader whose contributions have left an indelible mark on Sri Lanka’s corporate history.
