A dedicated journey over a decade and a half, a true pillar of strength and essence of humility at the core of transforming Haycarb into a purpose-driven leader in coconut carbon, renowned for sustainable innovation.
In the ever-evolving landscape of global manufacturing, where change is constant and innovation is critical, few leaders manage to shape a legacy that blends purpose with performance. At Haycarb, we are proud to celebrate one such journey – Mr. Rajitha Kariyawasan, who marks 15 years of visionary leadership and continues to guide us forward with clarity purpose, and strength.
His path has never been just about career progression. It’s been about reshaping how we think, work, and grow, as individuals and as a team. It’s about turning challenges into opportunities and possibilities into purposeful action.
Prior to taking on his role at Haycarb, Mr. Kariyawasan had already made his mark in Sri Lanka’s manufacturing sector. As Director/General Manager of Ansell Lanka (Pvt) Ltd, he managed a large-scale multinational glove manufacturing operation focused on surgical and industrial exports. He also served as Chairman of the Manufacturing Association of the Export Processing Zone in Biyagama, advocating for industry advancement and best practices.
He brings a rare combination of technical expertise and strategic insight – holding a BSc in Electronics and Telecommunications Engineering from the University of Moratuwa, a Fellowship from the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (UK), and a Six Sigma Black Belt from Motorola University, Malaysia. This multidisciplinary foundation would later become a hallmark of his leadership.
In 2010, Mr. Kariyawasan joined the Hayleys Group as Managing Director of Haycarb PLC, stepping into a company with strong roots and tremendous potential. With his guidance, Haycarb evolved beyond its role as a manufacturer, embracing a purpose-led direction rooted in innovation, sustainability, and long-term impact. His influence extended beyond markets and margins – fostering a resilient, forward-thinking culture that empowered teams and championed continuous progress.
The true test of leadership comes in times of crisis. During the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic downturn in Sri Lanka, Haycarb remained steady under his guidance. With the support of a committed senior leadership team and the guidance of the Board and Chairman, he steered the company through global and local challenges – ensuring continuity, care for employees, and consistent delivery to global partners. While many organizations pulled back, Haycarb stayed the course and found room to grow.
Fifteen years on, the legacy Mr. Kariyawasan has built is visible not just in Haycarb’s global presence, product portfolio, or innovation pipeline. It is seen most clearly in the people, leaders who have been mentored, teams who have grown stronger, and a culture that has become more collaborative, open, and forward-thinking.
He plays a pivotal role across the Hayleys Group, currently serving as Deputy Chairman of Dipped Products PLC and Hayleys Fibre PLC, in addition to his role at Haycarb. His position on the Hayleys Group Management Committee and Main Board of Hayleys PLC reflects the broader influence he holds in shaping the Group’s strategic direction. Rajitha is also a Board Member of SLINTEC (Sri Lanka Institute of Nanotechnology), representing Hayleys in one of the country’s leading platforms for science-driven innovation.
In recent years, Haycarb has entered a transformative phase under his leadership – expanding into the Energy Storage market with high-performance activated carbon solutions tailored for supercapacitors and battery applications. This milestone positions Haycarb as a key player in one of the fastest-growing and technologically demanding segments of the industry, reinforcing its commitment to continuous innovation and future-ready solutions.
Outside the boardroom, Mr. Kariyawasan is a passionate wildlife photographer and nature enthusiast. His time in Sri Lanka’s wilderness reflects the same values he brings to work – patience, perspective, and a respect for balance. His love for nature mirrors Haycarb’s sustainability-driven mission and makes him not just a corporate leader, but a natural advocate for responsible business.
As we celebrate this 15-year milestone, we do so with immense gratitude and with great anticipation for what’s next. With Mr. Rajitha Kariyawasan continuing to lead Haycarb into its next phase of growth, his vision and leadership remain central to our journey.
On behalf of the entire Haycarb and Hayleys family, we congratulate Mr. Rajitha Kariyawasan on this important milestone as we look forward to continuing the journey together. Here’s to the road ahead, guided by purpose, built on trust and led with vision.
