March 21, 2025
Sunshine Holdings embarks on a new chapter as Shyam Sathasivam succeeds veteran leader Vish Govindas
Sunshine Holdings PLC (CSE: SUN) announced that Vish Govindasamy will be stepping down from his executive role within the Group to a Non-Executive role as Deputy Chairman after an illustrious 28-year journey marked by bold leadership, transformative innovation, and deep-rooted commitment to responsible entrepreneurship. Govindasamy will continue to support the Group in an advisory capacity, ensuring continuity and strategic guidance during this important transition.
To honour Govindasamy’s remarkable journey and lasting contributions, a farewell event was held recently, bringing together key business leaders of the country, members of Sunshine’s senior leadership team, and other industry stakeholders. The event celebrated his legacy and his contribution to the Group.
Group Chief Executive Officer Shyam Sathasivam will be taking over the reins from Govindasamy to lead the Group’s next phase of growth. Shyam, assumed the role of Group Chief Executive Officer in 2024, joined the company in 2005, is a long-standing member of the Sunshine Group’s leadership team and a key architect of its recent growth trajectory of the group. Having worked closely with Govindasamy for over two decades, Shyam brings a wealth of experience, insight, and a future-focused mindset as he steps into the next chapter of leadership at Sunshine Holdings.
Govindasamy joined Sunshine Holdings in 1997 as CEO of Watawala Plantations and transformed it into Sri Lanka’s most valuable regional plantations company. He was instrumental in launching iconic brands such as Zesta, Watawala Tea, and Ran Kahata, and expanding the Group into healthcare, consumer goods, renewable energy, and dairy. In 2003, he introduced Healthguard Pharmacy, a pioneering concept that redefined pharmaceutical retail in Sri Lanka.
“The last three decades has been a journey of growth and as I take on this larger role, I am very much committed to continuing the journey which Mr. Govindasmy has nurtured. It is to build a business with purpose and to always care for all our stakeholders, bringing good thing to the lives of everyone. I thank him for showing us what it is to lead a business with a vision and heart, transforming Sunshine Holdings to what it is today. I wish him all the best.”
Shyam Sathasivam
Group CEO
About Sunshine Holdings
Sunshine Holdings PLC is a publicly listed diversified conglomerate contributing to ‘nation-building’ by creating value in vital sectors of the Sri Lankan economy – Healthcare, Consumer Brands and Agribusiness. Established in 1967, the group is now home to leading Sri Lankan brands such as Zesta Tea, Watawala Tea, Ran Kahata, Daintee, Milady, Healthguard Pharmacy and Lina Manufacturing, with over 2,000 employees and revenue of LKR 55 billion FY 23/24. The business units comprise of Sunshine Healthcare Lanka, Sunshine Consumer Lanka and Watawala Plantations PLC, which are leaders in their respective sectors and many of them certified as a “Great Place to Work” in 2024.