Asanka Ranathunga, who works for Fonterra Brands Lanka as a senior Engineering Assistant, has won the 2008 CEO Award from the worldwide parent company.

The Fonterra Global CEO Award brings with it not only honour and recognition, but also demonstrates a high level of innovative skills that has commanded the respect and attention in a very competitive arena.

This program inspires all its employees to engage in business activities and the best ideas are channeled to the global CEO Awards. Ranathunga, 36, became one of the six winners within the Fonterra global network and received a handsome cash reward which he could spend on personal or professional development.

A proud product of Deliwala Central College, Rambukkana, he was ‘Energized by Innovation’ – the criteria for being recommended for the award - while Fonterra Brands Lanka managers were mulling over the arduous task of developing a new product that would appeal to the taste and nutritional needs of Sri Lankan children.

Ranathunga developed a machine fabricated entirely of locally found material that enabled his project team to produce set yoghurt layered with locally grown fruits. More importantly, it was implemented on time. It was a victory that was appreciated and celebrated throughout the company.

He lives in Gampaha with his wife Chandrika Damayanthi, son aged five years and one-month-old baby daughter and has been working for the Fonterra dairy factory for 11 years.

"To lead in dairy we need much more than the best milk, the best equipment and the best products. We also need the best people. The CEO Awards are a unique opportunity to acknowledge the role our colleagues play in Fonterra’s success", said Andrew Ferrier, Chief Executive Officer of Fonterra congratulating the winners.