Renowned Business Leader Ken Balendra Passes Away at 85

COLOMBO (News 1st); Deshamanya Kandiah (Ken) Balendra, a renowned Sri Lankan business leader, passed away this morning at the age of 85. 

Balendra was the first Sri Lankan chairman of John Keells Holdings Ltd., the largest conglomerate in the country, and a towering figure in Sri Lanka's corporate sector.

Throughout his career, Balendra held numerous significant positions, including chairman roles at Union Assurance, Brandix, and several other companies. 

He also served as the chairman of the Ceylon Tobacco Company and the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce from 1998 to 2000.