The celebration, held in the heart of one of the country’s most vital rubber latex collection regions, brought together rubber smallholders, latex collectors, Smallholder Entrepreneur Associations, transport partners, DPL leadership and employees.
A total of 66 awards were presented, including 50 to individual latex entrepreneurs, 12 to associations and 4 to transport partners.
The honours reflected diversity and resilience, with recognition extended to women and individuals overcoming physical challenges.
Among the recipients, five individuals received special honours for their contributions: Mrs. D. Mallika Wijesooriya (Longstanding Smallholder), Mr. H. M. G. Wijethunga (Highest Latex Contributor), Mrs. K. M. N. S. Tharangika (Outstanding Female Smallholder), Mr. R. M. Ajith Kumara (Resilience in Action), and Mr. R. M. Wasantha Bandara (Best Male Smallholder).
Addressing the gathering, DPL Managing Director Pushpika Janadheera said,
“We are grateful for the support of our latex entrepreneurs, partners in DPL’s journey who make a vital contribution to Sri Lanka’s export economy.
The world relies on the quality that begins here, in our grassroots communities.
These honours reflect DPL’s longstanding engagement with rubber-growing communities and stand as a tribute to their resilience and the value they create for the nation.”
Over decades of work at the grassroots, DPL has engaged directly with rubber-growing communities, providing resources and technical support to strengthen livelihoods.
These efforts have enabled smallholders to increase incomes, build resilience and play a stronger role in the export economy.
Today, the latex collected in villages across Monaragala and other regions forms the base of DPL’s premium value-added hand protection exports.
This model has effectively linked rural villages to the world, with natural latex from smallholder farmers forming the basis of hand protection solutions recognised in supply chains across more than 70 countries.
Complementing these efforts, the company’s Firstlight initiative has long focused on empowering children, families, and communities in rubber-growing regions.
Sharing his thoughts, award recipient Wasantha Bandara, said
“This recognition gives us great pride.
For many years, our families have quietly worked in the industry.
To be honoured in this way reminds us that our work is part of something larger, contributing to communities like ours and to Sri Lanka’s exports.”
The Entrepreneurial Excellence Awards were part of DPL’s 50th anniversary celebrations, which recognised farmers, associations and transport partners across the value chain.
The initiative reflects the company’s belief in sustainability through partnership, recognising that its success is rooted in the wellbeing and strength of partner communities.
Photo Captions
Image 01 : Awardees and DPL leadership Facility during the Entrepreneurial Excellence Awards.
Image 02 : Special award winners honoured at DPL’s Entrepreneurial Excellence Awards 2025 in Monaragala.