Biography of Amila Surangi Goonawardane (Alagiyawanna)

Early Life and Family Background

Amila Surangi Goonawardane, known for her vibrant energy and unwavering dedication to her profession, was born in the historic city of Galle, located on the southern coast of Sri Lanka. Galle, with its rich cultural heritage, colonial architecture, and bustling harbor, shaped much of Amila’s early worldview. Growing up in a family deeply rooted in engineering and education, Amila was immersed in an environment that valued both intellectual rigor and practical skill. Her father, Suren Ravindranath Goonawardane, an accomplished engineer, and her mother, Samanmalee Goonawardane, played pivotal roles in instilling the values of hard work, determination, and resilience in her.

Amila shares a strong bond with her siblings, Primila Surammi Goonawardane, an engineer, and Nuwan Suranga Goonawardane. The values imparted by her parents and the supportive family environment cultivated her innate curiosity and passion for learning. These qualities would later define her career in marketing and business development.

Amila married Alagiyawanna Mohotti Appuhamilage Thilak Ramesh Kumara Alagiyawanna, a distinguished Consultant Judicial Medical Officer. Their partnership is marked by mutual respect, shared aspirations, and a commitment to professional excellence. Together, they have raised two children: their daughter, Ravishi Sasanka Alagiyawanna, who is currently pursuing medical studies, and their son, Raveen Sasanka Alagiyawanna, an undergraduate specializing in cybersecurity. The family resides at 68G “Green View,” Mudungoda, Miriswatta, Gampaha, Sri Lanka, where they foster an environment of growth, learning, and love.

Educational Journey and Professional Development

Amila's academic journey is a testament to her relentless pursuit of knowledge and professional growth. She began her higher education with a Bachelor of Business Management in Marketing from the University of Kelaniya, which she completed in April 2006. Her time at the university was marked by a strong academic performance, active participation in student organizations, and an early inclination towards leadership roles. This degree laid the foundation for her understanding of market dynamics, consumer behavior, and strategic communication.

Driven by a desire to deepen her expertise, Amila pursued a Master of Business Administration in Human Resources Management at the University of Colombo, completing it in June 2012. This advanced degree provided her with a comprehensive understanding of organizational behavior, human capital management, and strategic planning.

Her Studies were not just about academic enrichment; they also helped her develop a holistic view of business operations and the importance of aligning human resources with overall business strategy.

To further solidify her credentials in the financial aspects of business management, Amila achieved the Certified Management Accountant (CMA) designation from Australia in July 2013. This certification equipped her with advanced skills in financial analysis, strategic cost management, and decision support, all of which have been instrumental in her role as a marketing leader.

Beyond formal education, Amila has been committed to continuous professional development, completing a range of specialized courses. Notable among these are a program on "Corporate Management for Sri Lanka" conducted by the Overseas Resources and Industry Development Association in Japan, and workshops on leadership, performance, and team management at Hayleys Business School, Sri Lanka. She also completed courses in computer science and English, reflecting her commitment to staying relevant in an ever-evolving business environment.

Career at Communications Engineers Lanka Pvt Ltd

Amila’s professional journey began in 1998 when she joined Communications Engineers Lanka Pvt Ltd as a Marketing Executive. In this role, she was responsible for implementing foundational marketing strategies and building brand awareness in a competitive landscape. Her ability to understand market needs, coupled with her enthusiasm for connecting with customers, quickly distinguished her as a valuable asset to the company.

By 2011, Amila had risen to the position of Senior Marketing Executive, where she expanded her responsibilities to include overseeing a wider range of marketing initiatives. Her innovative approach to campaign management and her dedication to understanding customer preferences led to significant improvements in market reach and brand loyalty. Amila's efforts were particularly focused on creating impactful marketing and promotional materials, ensuring that they remained up-to-date with evolving product and service offerings.

Her leadership capabilities and her knack for strategic planning were recognized in 2012, when she was promoted to Assistant Marketing Manager. In this capacity, Amila played a key role in defining the company’s marketing strategy, identifying target markets, 

and developing comprehensive marketing plans that aligned with the organization’s long-term goals. Her proactive identification of products and services to focus on throughout the sales cycle, coupled with effective communication and promotional tactics, contributed to sustained business growth.

In 2015, Amila took on the role of Marketing Manager, a position that allowed her to further shape the company's market positioning and competitive strategy. She was instrumental in refining brand management practices, optimizing marketing campaigns, and leveraging digital marketing platforms to enhance customer engagement. Her ability to conduct thorough customer and market research ensured that Communications Engineers Lanka Pvt Ltd stayed ahead of market trends and consumer expectations.

Amila's commitment to excellence and her strategic vision led to her appointment as Director of Sales and Marketing in January 2022, a role she holds to this day. As a member of the company’s executive team, she is responsible for steering the overall marketing strategy, managing high-impact campaigns, and maintaining strong relationships with key stakeholders. Her leadership has been crucial in driving the company's growth in various sectors, including telecommunications, car park solutions, renewable energy, and the fabrication of steel for projects.

Under her guidance, Communications Engineers Lanka Pvt Ltd has achieved numerous milestones, such as securing a turnkey project for the Parking Guidance System (PGS) and Parking Management System (PMS) for the biggest car park in Sri Lanka. Amila's innovative approach to marketing, combined with her deep understanding of market dynamics, has helped the company to position itself as a market leader in the segment, with a reputation for high-quality products sourced from Australia and Austria.

Roles, Responsibilities, and Achievements

Amila’s roles at Communications Engineers Lanka Pvt Ltd have encompassed a wide range of responsibilities, each of which has allowed her to demonstrate her multifaceted skills and adaptability. As Director of Sales and Marketing, she has been instrumental in defining and managing the brand, developing and executing marketing campaigns, and overseeing both digital and traditional marketing efforts. Her leadership extends to:

• **Brand Management**: Amila has been responsible for maintaining a consistent brand image, ensuring that all marketing and communication efforts align with the company's values and objectives. Her efforts have significantly increased brand recognition and customer loyalty.

• **Campaign Management**: She has led numerous successful marketing campaigns, leveraging a combination of digital and traditional marketing channels. Her campaigns are known for their creativity, effectiveness, and ability to engage target audiences.

• **Market Research and Analysis**: Amila has spearheaded market research initiatives to identify new opportunities, understand consumer needs, and monitor competitor activities. Her insights have informed strategic decisions and helped the company stay competitive in a dynamic market.

• **Digital Marketing**: Recognizing the growing importance of digital channels, Amila has overseen the development of the company's online presence, including social media management, content marketing, and search engine optimization. Her digital strategies have increased online engagement and driven significant traffic to the company’s website.

• **Vendor and Agency Management**: Amila has effectively managed relationships with external vendors, including advertising agencies, print vendors, and PR firms. Her ability to coordinate and collaborate with these partners has ensured the seamless execution of marketing campaigns and initiatives.

Lecturing and Mentorship

In addition to her corporate responsibilities, Amila has made significant contributions to the field of marketing education. She has served as a guest lecturer at several esteemed institutions, including SLEDA, Kent Ridge, Regional Development Bank, and LPEC. In these roles, she shares her extensive knowledge and experience with aspiring marketers and business professionals. Her lectures are known for their practical insights, real-world examples, and actionable strategies, reflecting her deep understanding of the field.

Amila’s commitment to mentorship extends beyond the classroom. She is passionate about developing future leaders and has been involved in various mentoring programs within her organization and the broader community. Her mentorship has helped many young professionals navigate their careers, build essential skills, and achieve their professional goals.