Changing Culture and Systems at Ceylon Ceramics Corporation

The earlier episode described how I decided to take up the position of General Manager (GM) of the Ceylon Ceramics Corporation. When I showed no interest, I was persuaded to try it for one year, and I accepted. The events I will describe today will show you what a hectic year it was.

- BY SUNIL G WIJESINHA

My arrival at Ceylon Ceramics was very low-key. Unlike today, there were no welcoming ceremonies. I crept into my drab room, met my secretary, and then met the Chairman, who held a meeting and introduced me to the staff. In the next few weeks, I visited the Piliyandala office, where the primary operations and the real head office were. It was a large organization with two plants in Piliyandala and Negombo producing tableware and sanitary ware, five plants producing raw materials and even supplying Noritake and Dankotuwa, located in all parts of the country; Boralesgamuwa, Meetiyagoda, Hungama, Owala Kaikawala, Dediyawala. The Brick and Tile Division had factories in Mahiyangana, Yatiyana, Bingiriya, Bangadeniya, Elayapattuwa, Odussudan, and Irakkamam. There was an Ornamental ware factory in Peradeniya. With 4,500 people, it was indeed a vast and complex operation. Managing it was a formidable task. For the first time, I worked for a female boss, Mrs Beligammana, who was very smart, having attended the London School of Economics, and I got on very well with her.

First Task