Anne Diana Nilanthi Has Won Outstanding Women Leadership Award

Ayubowan, I am Anne Diana Nilanthi from Sri Lanka. I am the Managing director of Shena Import & Export Pvt ltd. I’m an independent, free-spirited person who loves to learn new things and this is my story.

Becoming a successful designer was my dream as a teenager which I had my passion towards. I believe that if you are passionate about what you do, it’s much easier and quicker to realize it than you think. I always put my very best into everything I engaged in and that’s simply who I am. I want to put my footprint towards making the world a more beautiful place than yesterday and I will continue doing so. Chasing and achieving my dreams while being a wife, a mom, and running my own business seems tough, and yet here I am today balancing my work life as I always say you need to trust the process because it is worth it in the end.

I began my career as a trainee supervisor in the textiles Industry and within a few months was promoted to Assistant Production Manager, and due to my hard work and dedication, I was quick to be promoted to Manager in the Computer Marker Department. This motivated me to dream big and I decided to move into International Trade as I always believed change was good at the right time! This put the foundation to the place I am today and it was one of the best decisions I took.

As a result, I established a Trading Company of my own in Shanghai, China, and initially began trading between China and Sri Lanka and started my business as the sole agent of China and the representative of Hyson Ceylon Tea. At that time I appointed sub-agents to purchase tea in packed and bulk from the finest tea estates in Sri Lanka.

My creative DNA always inspired me to do more and I designed gift packages of our finest Ceylon tea for the high-end market. During this time, I got the opportunity to partake in international exhibitions held in China and Macao. This led me to meet industry experts and some potential customers. Soon after I began to introduce and endorse Sri Lankan gemstones in the Chinese market which became abundantly successful within a short period. I have successfully organized private and exclusive Gem Exhibitions during my stay in China. This laid the foundation for me to establish my second company here in Sri Lanka which is Shena Import & Export Pvt ltd with support from SISKA Management Systems (pvt) LTD, one of the leading companies in providing Accounting, Auditing, and Secretarial services led by Mr. Rohan Fernando who is also the secretary of my company.

I believe I am a born leader and I am good with interpersonal skills which support me as a great strength. In December 2019, I moved to my home in Sri Lanka to work with Chinese investors. With the unfortunate events of the pandemic, I stepped out of my business and contributed towards volunteering giving a helping hand to the community. Volunteering is in my blood since I have always wanted to make the world a better place and give a helping hand wherever and whenever for those who are in need. I began my volunteer work when I was 11 years old, by joining a first aid organization.

I have worked as a Sunday school teacher at St. Peter's church in Shanghai, China. I was also a parent leader at Shanghai United International School.

Sky Gardens has been home to me and my family for six years. I was first appointed as a council member and also the event organizer making all the social events and gatherings happen which establishes a happy community. During the pandemic, we all witnessed the bitter side of the difficulties our community has faced. I have contacted the supplier and vendors of food and essentials and supported our Sky Gardens community by easing up their needs with doorstep deliveries. I have a special place for Sky Gardens in my heart and I am sure I am in theirs. Soon I have taken over the Fairway sports complex and successfully managed it for 2 years with zero complaints and a lot of happiness. During that time I had partnered up with Barista Coffee Lanka (PVT) LTD by opening an outlet at Fairway Sports Complex.

As of today I have successfully managed and supported the prestigious sky gardens community for more than two years as the  the honourable treasure .

Being the treasurer of a large and one of the prestigious condominiums in Sri Lanka was quite a challenge but I was all in for that. The experience and skills I have gained through the position of treasurer are significant in preparing and presenting budgets, managing funds, investments, and budget allocation, and not only limiting to finances but also building development and maintenance. I love where I live and I am proud to say that I have committed to making this place beautiful and flourish. Not only being limited to contributing towards my community but to the whole society, I recently joined the Lions Club to extend my volunteering work.

I did my Executive MBA at the HULT International Business School. During my stay at HULT, I was fortunate enough to pursue my studies at several HULT campuses based in USA, China, and Dubai. The exposure I gained during this time facilitated me to enhance my capabilities in International Trade furthermore and I had the chance to get to know and build strong relationships with international clientele and mentors who supported me to reach the success I have today.

I’m grateful for what I have achieved so far, thanks to my past experiences, timely changes and choices I made, and the International Education I received, which assisted me to materialize my passion and my dreams. And there is a lot more to bring to the world and leave my print in the things I love and adore.

I have introduced and run operations currently through an online platform where prestigious high-end Chinese clientele can purchase precious Sri Lankan Gemstones sourced from reputed Gemstones suppliers in Sri Lanka.

I would love to share with you my motto for life which always reminded me of the place where I wanted to be. “If there’s a will, there is a way.” You can achieve anything if you put your mind and focus and your potential is endless. Be the best version of yourself. Connect