Ideal Motors (Pvt) Ltd, the authorized distributor for Mahindra vehicles in Sri Lanka and a flagship subsidiary of the Ideal Group, announced on Friday the appointment of Dilani Yatawaka as its Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective April 1, 2025.
A release issued by the Ideal Motors said: Yatawaka becomes the first female business leader to hold this position in Sri Lanka’s automotive industry, setting a new precedent for women in leadership.
With over 25 years of experience in finance and the automotive sector, Yatawaka transitions from her previous role as Group Finance Director, bringing a proven track record of strategic leadership and operational excellence to her new position.
A distinguished alumna of St. Bridget’s Convent, she is a Fellow Member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka (FCA), the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants UK (FCMA, UK), and the Institute of Certified Management Accountants of Sri Lanka (FCMA). She is also a Certified Management Accountant (CIMA). Yatawaka began her career at Ernst & Young before joining Associated Motorways (AMW) as Financial Controller, eventually rising to the role of Group Finance Director.
Her pivotal role in restructuring AMW following its acquisition by the UAE’s Al-Futtaim Group showcased her strategic acumen and leadership capabilities.
She joined the Ideal Group in 2017 as Finance Director and has since steered the company through multiple crises—including the Easter Sunday attacks, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the economic downturn—without layoffs or salary cuts, exemplifying resilience and compassionate leadership.
Identifying an opportunity to strengthen Mahindra & Mahindra’s after-market segment, Yatawaka led a strategic overhaul that included pricing revamps, securing supplier support from Mahindra, and launching targeted awareness campaigns. Within five months, these initiatives significantly boosted after-market sales.
Yatawaka’s leadership philosophy centers on the principle that “companies and employees grow together through recognition and empowerment.” Her appointment reflects her ability to drive profitability while nurturing a people-centric culture.
Nalin Welgama, Founder and Chairman of the Ideal Group, praised her historic appointment:
“Dilani’s strategic vision and resilience were instrumental in Ideal Motors’ turnaround. Her success in revitalizing our after-market business—and her unwavering commitment to our team—made her the natural choice to lead the company into its next decade of growth. Her appointment as the first female MD/CEO in Sri Lanka’s automotive sector is a proud moment for our industry.”