Chandana Samarasinghe – Sri Lanka

Chandana Samarasinghe from Sri Lanka

Role: Senior Auditor and Operations Manager

Business unit: Control Union Sri Lanka

Joined our company in 2009

From agriculture to finance

I have two master’s degrees: one in Applied Finance and another in Organizational Management, along with a bachelor in Agriculture – Biology. Additionally, I am also a Ceylon Chamber of Commerce Registered Surveyor for all cargo, and Qualified Internal auditor for ISM/ ISPS/MLC (IR Class), authorized for IHM (ABS). My qualifications are supported by work experiences in organic industry, banking and finance, exports and trading, and sales and marketing.

My career at CU India began in 2009 as an Operation Manager and Certifier for the textile certification division. In 2012, I became Inspections Manager for CU Sri Lanka. Since then, I have joined the collateral desk in Rotterdam, where I handled internal auditing and staff training for CMS-related activities.

My role at Control Union

At present, I am one of the Directors for CU Sri Lanka and General Manager for Inspection. I oversee reporting-related services such as commodity inspections, collateral services, industrial inspections in and around Sri Lanka. Additionally, I serve as an internal auditor on behalf of the Collateral Desk in Rotterdam.

The most interesting aspect in my role

I enjoy the freedom of working independently. Whether in the role of manager, surveyor, collateral manager, or testing partner, my work is always professional and objective. I appreciate the objectivity of my profession, and opportunities are endless for those who are willing to move forward.

Why did I join the company?

It was one of my dreams to join Skal. In late 2002, I was working for one of pioneering organic farming and processing companies in Sri Lanka, which was certified by Skal. (Skal is an independent organization for the supervision of organic production in the Netherlands).

The professionalism of Skal Auditors and management, along with global image of the organization, made a strong impression on me. It became my goal to join such a global organization – a dream that became true in 2009 when I joined Control Union.

The opportunities I had since becoming part of the company

There have been so many opportunities. Most importantly, the chance to work under friendly and emotionally supportive leaderships, and to gain global exposure to share my knowledge and experience stands out.

I also had an opportunity to be supported by management through authentic and friendly relationships who encouraged me to develop the inspection business in Sri Lanka and to support Collateral management services desk.

My best advice to future colleagues

Join us for a long-term commitment and continue to work honestly. If you are determined, opportunities will exceed your expectation.