Indira Malwatte has been appointed as the new Chairperson of Samson International PLC. Malwatte,a has served as an Independent Non-Executive Director of the company since August 2020. She fills in for Dr. D. Kulatunga Rajapaksa, who resigned in November 2024.

Samson International, part of the DSI Samson Group, is a leading manufacturer of rubber and PVC-based products. They cater to both local and international markets.

Malwatte brings a wealth of experience to her new role. With a combined degree in Economics and Geography from the University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, she has over 40 years of experience in export promotion and government service, domestically and internationally. Her career includes stints as the first female Chairperson of the Export Development Board (EDB), where she made significant contributions to Sri Lanka’s trade and export sector.

Malwatte also serves as an Independent Non-Executive Director at Cargills (Ceylon) PLC and Lanka Shipping and Logistics Ltd and is also involved in consultancy work, focusing on international trade, as well as promoting women entrepreneurship and the development of the SME sector.

Her extensive background spans multiple industries, including agriculture, services, supply chain management, and international marketing. Throughout her career, she has served on numerous boards and worked on various World Bank, ITC, GIZ, CBI, and JETRO export development projects.

In recognition of her exceptional contributions to business and commerce, Malwatte was honoured with the WIFTS Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016, an accolade she received in London, UK. She made history as the first Sri Lankan to receive this prestigious international award.

Malwatte’s appointment marks a new chapter for Samson International, where her leadership and expertise are expected to further strengthen the company’s position in both domestic and international markets.