“As a JKHMT, I was assigned a
project in Supply Chain in the
Retail Sector. As my background
is in Finance, I had little
knowledge about this subject.
But with immense support and
guidance from the senior
management and the mentor
assigned to me, I now lead
the team that handles Fresh
Supply Chain and Demand
Planning & Ordering, for
all Keells Super outlets.”
“During the JKHMT programme, I was
involved in many different projects;
from being on the set of a
‘Miss Intercontinental’ photoshoot
to the trading room of a stock
broking firm. It’s a 15 month
journey, which helps you find out
what you’re truly
passionate about.”
“During my JKHMT stint at Cinnamon Hotels,
I was fortunate to be a part of the core
team that drove a world-class culinary
experience with judge of MasterChef
Australia, George Calombaris. Whilst
working with the dynamic Brand Marketing
Team at Cinnamon Hotels, I was glad to
be a part of a meticulously crafted
branding experience.”
“The retail sector recently took
on an exercise to rebrand ‘Keells
Super’ and I got the privilege
of being in the forefront of
this project, to spearhead it
from conception to seeing it
through to a reality; a
journey which was nothing
short of amazing!”
“There is always so much going on
within the John Keells Group, that
exciting new opportunities tend to
present themselves. As a JKHMT a few
years ago, when the Deputy Chairman
first told me about the opportunity
at John Keells Research, it sounded
so exciting, that while I knew this
was going to take me out of the usual
JKHMT path, I had decided I wanted in,
before that conversation even ended!
It was the allure of the ‘road less
travelled’ which really made me go for it!”
“Each JKHMT is assigned a mentor
from the Senior Leadership at the
start of the Programme; my mentor’s
informal, open-door policy has helped
me obtain guidance whenever I needed
it and his style of mentoring
inspired and motivated me to
pursue my career with
more confidence.”
“The JKHMT Programme is probably
the best in Sri Lanka due to the
opportunity it provides to gain
work-experience in the diverse
industries the Group companies
operate in. The knowledge and
exposure I gained, from being
placed at 12 different Group
companies within 15 months,
was amazing!”
“Since I’m from a Finance background,
it was a complete change for me to join
the Cinnamon Brand Marketing Team,
after completing my JKHMT stint.
It’s taken me out of my comfort-zone
but, it’s been awesome; there’s always
something exciting and creative to
work on – be it organising an
international travel bloggers
conference or staging a
Broadway musical!”
“Working at different Group companies
during the 15-month JKHMT stint, is
not only helping me understand the
diversity of the Group and its
culture, but also gives me the
opportunity to build a good
rapport with teams across
all 7 sectors.”
“When we were young graduates, we
thought we had all the knowledge
and skills to succeed in the
corporate world; the JKHMT Programme
broadens that thinking and helps you
identify not only your strengths, but
also your weaknesses, while giving
you the opportunity to delve into
the heart of the Group’s businesses.
It’s like an MBA on steroids!”
“During the JKHMT Programme, we are
assigned a strategic CSR project
of the John Keells Foundation as
well; the CSR project I am working
on, involves connecting with the
youth in Mullaitivu, to improve
their livelihoods by providing
them with better career guidance.
It’s a great opportunity to
empower our youth and give
back to our communities.”
“The mentors from the Senior
Leadership Team who are assigned
to us, during the JKHMT Programme,
have a wealth of knowledge to be
passed down to us; as JHKMTs, we
are fortunate to have the
opportunity to browse that
knowledge, which is a great
value addition to both our
professional and personal
development.”
“The best thing about the JKHMT
Programme, for me, was the
diversity. During the 15-month
Programme, I worked in Retail,
Finance, IT, BPO, Logistics
and Leisure. It gave me an
understanding of how different
businesses worked, which
helped me a lot during
my career.”
“Ahead of completing the JKHMT
Programme, I was offered a position
in the Retail Sector, to lead a
project, which changed the Retail
business, not only within the
newly rebranded Keells Super
outlets, but also the entire
industry in Sri Lanka. The
project involved market
research, concept development,
trials, resource planning,
feasibility studies and the
roll-out within a period of
just 6 months!”
“During my JKHMT stint with the
Consumer Foods Sector, I was
given a project relating to the
Group’s social entrepreneurship
initiative, Plasticcycle - to
develop sustainable solutions
by which this Sector could
contribute to reducing plastic
consumption and increase the
responsible recycling of plastic
waste. This is the kind of
multi-disciplinary, cross
functional exposure you gain
during the 15 months
of the Programme.”
“When I joined as a JKHMT,
John Keells didn’t have a
Hockey team, so when I proposed
the idea to the management,
they encouraged us. With that
support, we went on to win two
Mercantile 7s Tournaments
in the last three years.”
“The mentoring aspect of the
JKHMT Programme provides a
unique opportunity, which gives
us a comfortable space to speak
about our career aspirations and
our personal development goals,
directly with a President of the
Group. The relationship with our
mentor extends beyond the 15
months of the JKHMT Programme
and we have their guidance
whenever necessary.”
“Joining John Keells Group has
given me the opportunity to
get back into competitive
swimming, which I find
important to maintain
a healthy work-life
balance.”
“Following the JKHMT stint,
I joined Cinnamon Life, a
company that is instrumental
in changing the city landscape
and the entertainment sphere
of Colombo. It’s given me the
opportunity to work on events
involving celebrity Chefs and
a Broadway musical production!
It’s kept me on my toes and
made me think out of the box,
to achieve international
standards in what we deliver.”
“I’ve been involved in
sports - mostly Swimming and
Netball, since childhood and
continued even at University.
Joining John Keells has given
me the opportunity to pursue
sports at Inter-company and
Mercantile tournaments, which
is great, as it not only
about being able to still
actively participate in sports,
but it’s also a fun way of
getting to know my colleagues
from the different companies
within the Group!”
Treshan - Former JKHMT
Assistant Manager - Supply Chain Development,
JayKay Marketing Services (Pvt.) Ltd.
Graduate of University of Nottingham (Malaysia)
Cheanthe - Former JKHMT
Assistant Manager - Business Expansion,
Cinnamon Hotel Management Ltd.
Graduate of University College London
Russel - Former JKHMT
Assistant Brand Manager - Ceylon Cold Stores
Graduate of University of Wales
Nilusha - Former JKHMT
Manager - Customer Relationship Management, Jaykay Marketing Services (Pvt.) Ltd.
Graduate of University of Colombo
Thilina - Former JKHMT
Assistant Vice President – Intellectual Property & Technology Strategy, John Keells Research
Graduate of Iowa State University
Nibasanda - Former JKHMT
Assistant Manager - New Projects, John Keells Logistics (Pvt.) Ltd.
Graduate of RMIT University, Melbourne
Atif - Former JKHMT
Manager - Procurement Destination Management Sector
Graduate of Monash University
Waseem - Former JKHMT
Manager – Brand Marketing Events, Cinnamon Hotel Management Ltd.
Graduate of Monash University Malaysia
Lasith - Former JKHMT
Assistant Manager Sales - Cinnamon City Hotels
Wishanth - Former JKHMT
Manager - Head of John Keells X
Graduate of University of Colombo
Shakoor - Former JKHMT
Assistant Manager New Business Development - John Keells Properties
Sachintha - Former JKHMT
Assistant Manager Makreting - Keells Food Products
Hishan - Former JKHMT
Executive Vice President - Sector Head Leisure Resorts (Sri Lanka and the Maldives)
Graduate of University of Moratuwa
Husnun - Former JKHMT
Assistant Manager – Prepared Food,
Jaykay Marketing Services (Pvt.) Ltd.
Graduate of University of Wales
Devni - Former JKHMT
Assistant Manager Sales and Marketing - Cinnamon Hotels and Resorts
Lasitha – Former JKHMT
Manager - Head of Solutions & Delivery, John Keells Logistics (Pvt.) Ltd.
Graduate of University of Moratuwa
School colours for Hockey, University colours for Hockey & Captain of the University of Moratuwa Hockey team (2013)
Lahari - Former JKHMT
Assistant Brand Manager – Frozen Confectionery, Ceylon Cold Stores PLC
Graduate of Staffordshire University
Anjanie - Former JKHMT
Assistant Manager - Operations, John Keells Properties
Graduate of National School of Business Management
School colours for Swimming, Diving and Water Polo, Captain of the Bishop’s College diving team (2006)
& Vice-captain of the Water Polo team (2007)
Udara - Former JKHMT
Assistant Manager – Promotions & Events, Cinnamon Life
Graduate of University of Sheffield
Minoshala - Former JKHMT
Assistant Manager HR - JayKay Marketing Services
National colours for swimming, University colours for swimming, Badminton, Netball and Athletics,
Games Captain of Methodist College (2011) & Captain of the Methodist College swimming team (2008-2009)
JKHMTs 2018 :
Deelaka Dharmadasa - LLB - University of Manchester, United Kingdom |
Shehan Gunathilaka – BSc. Electrical and Electronic Engineering, General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University |
Lakna Gunasekera – CIMA (Passed Finalist) |
Susith Dewaraja - LLB (Hons) University of London |
Daniella De Mel - BA (Hons) Philosophy, Politics and Economics, University of Manchester
Management Trainees
John Keells Group Management Trainee Programme - #JKHMT
Applications for JKHMT 2019 are now closed.
The JKHMT Programme is for those who take initiative and have the drive and motivation to take on any challenge and are adaptable and innovative to take our Group into the future, with an attitude that says ‘nothing is impossible’ and the integrity to do the right thing, always!
Treshan - Former JKHMT
Assistant Manager - Supply Chain Development, JayKay Marketing Services (Pvt.) Ltd.
Graduate of University of Nottingham (Malaysia)
"As a JKHMT, I was assigned a
project in Supply Chain in the
Retail Sector. As my background
is in Finance, I had little
knowledge about this subject.
But with immense support and
guidance from the senior
management and the mentor
assigned to me, I now lead
the team that handles Fresh
Supply Chain and Demand
Planning & Ordering, for
all Keells Super outlets."
Cheanthe - Former JKHMT
Assistant Manager - Business Expansion, Cinnamon Hotel Management Ltd.
Graduate of University College London
"During the JKHMT programme, I was
involved in many different projects;
from being on the set of a
‘Miss Intercontinental’ photoshoot
to the trading room of a stock
broking firm. It’s a 15 month
journey, which helps you find out
what you’re truly
passionate about."
Russel - Former JKHMT
Assistant Brand Manager - Ceylon Cold Stores
Graduate of University of Wales
“During my JKHMT stint at Cinnamon Hotels,
I was fortunate to be a part of the core
team that drove a world-class culinary
experience with judge of MasterChef
Australia, George Calombaris. Whilst
working with the dynamic Brand Marketing
Team at Cinnamon Hotels, I was glad to
be a part of a meticulously crafted
branding experience.”
Nilusha - Former JKHMT
Manager - Customer Relationship Management, Jaykay Marketing Services (Pvt.) Ltd.
Graduate of University of Colombo
“The retail sector recently took
on an exercise to rebrand ‘Keells
Super’ and I got the privilege
of being in the forefront of
this project, to spearhead it
from conception to seeing it
through to a reality; a
journey which was nothing
short of amazing!”
Thilina - Former JKHMT
Assistant Vice President – Intellectual Property & Technology Strategy, John Keells Research
Graduate of Iowa State University
“There is always so much going on
within the John Keells Group, that
exciting new opportunities tend to
present themselves. As a JKHMT a few
years ago, when the Deputy Chairman
first told me about the opportunity
at John Keells Research, it sounded
so exciting, that while I knew this
was going to take me out of the usual
JKHMT path, I had decided I wanted in,
before that conversation even ended!
It was the allure of the ‘road less
travelled’ which really made me go for it!”
Nibasanda - Former JKHMT
Assistant Manager - New Projects, John Keells Logistics (Pvt.) Ltd.
Graduate of RMIT University, Melbourne
“Each JKHMT is assigned a mentor
from the Senior Leadership at the
start of the Programme; my mentor’s
informal, open-door policy has helped
me obtain guidance whenever I needed
it and his style of mentoring
inspired and motivated me to
pursue my career with
more confidence.”
Atif - Former JKHMT
Manager - Procurement Destination Management Sector
Graduate of Monash University
"The JKHMT Programme is probably
the best in Sri Lanka due to the
opportunity to gain work-experience
in the diverse industries the
Group companies operate in. The
knowledge and exposure I gained,
from being placed at 12 different
Group companies within 15
months, was amazing!"
Waseem - Former JKHMT
Manager – Brand Marketing Events, Cinnamon Hotel Management Ltd.
Graduate of Monash University Malaysia
"Since I’m from a Finance background,
it was a complete change for me to join
the Cinnamon Brand Marketing Team,
after completing my JKHMT stint.
It’s taken me out of my comfort-zone
but, it’s been awesome; there’s always
something exciting and creative to
work on – be it organising an
international travel bloggers
conference or staging a
Broadway musical!"
Lasith - Former JKHMT
Assistant Manager Sales - Cinnamon City Hotels
“Working at different Group companies
during the 15-month JKHMT stint, is
not only helping me understand the
diversity of the Group and its
culture, but also gives me the
opportunity to build a good
rapport with teams across
all 7 sectors.”
Wishanth - Former JKHMT
Manager - Head of John Keells X
Graduate of University of Colombo
When we were young graduates, we
thought we had all the knowledge
and skills to succeed in the
corporate world; the JKHMT Programme
broadens that thinking and helps you
identify not only your strengths, but
also your weaknesses, while giving
you the opportunity to delve into
the heart of the Group’s businesses.
It’s like an MBA on steroids!”
Shakoor - Former JKHMT
Assistant Manager New Business Development - John Keells Properties
"During the JKHMT Programme, we are
assigned a strategic CSR project
of the John Keells Foundation as
well; the CSR project I am working
on, involves connecting with the
youth in Mullaitivu, to improve
their livelihoods by providing
them with better career guidance.
It’s a great opportunity to
empower our youth and give
back to our communities."
Sachintha - Former JKHMT
Assistant Manager Makreting - Keells Food Products
“The mentors from the Senior
Leadership Team who are assigned
to us, during the JKHMT Programme,
have a wealth of knowledge to be
passed down to us; as JHKMTs, we
are fortunate to have the
opportunity to browse that
knowledge, which is a great
value addition to both our
professional and personal
development.”
Hishan - Former JKHMT
Executive Vice President - Sector Head Leisure Resorts (Sri Lanka and the Maldives)
Graduate of University of Moratuwa
“The best thing about the JKHMT
Programme, for me, was the
diversity. During the 15-month
Programme, I worked in Retail,
Finance, IT, BPO, Logistics
and Leisure. It gave me an
understanding of how different
businesses worked, which
helped me a lot during
my career.”
Husnun - Former JKHMT
Assistant Manager – Prepared Food, Jaykay Marketing Services (Pvt.) Ltd.
Graduate of University of Wales
“Ahead of completing the JKHMT
Programme, I was offered a position
in the Retail Sector, to lead a
project, which changed the Retail
business, not only within the
newly rebranded Keells Super
outlets, but also the entire
industry in Sri Lanka. The
project involved market
research, concept development,
trials, resource planning,
feasibility studies and the
roll-out within a period of
just 6 months!”
Devni - Former JKHMT
Assistant Manager Sales and Marketing - Cinnamon Hotels and Resorts
“During my JKHMT stint with the
Consumer Foods Sector, I was
given a project relating to the
Group’s social entrepreneurship
initiative, Plasticcycle - to
develop sustainable solutions
by which this Sector could
contribute to reducing plastic
consumption and increase the
responsible recycling of plastic
waste. This is the kind of
multi-disciplinary, cross
functional exposure you gain
during the 15 months
of the Programme.”
Lasitha – Former JKHMT
Graduate of University of Moratuwa
Manager - Head of Solutions & Delivery, John Keells Logistics (Pvt.) Ltd.
School colours for Hockey, University colours for Hockey & Captain of the University of Moratuwa Hockey team (2013)
“When I joined as a JKHMT,
John Keells didn’t have a
Hockey team, so when I proposed
the idea to the management,
they encouraged us. With that
support, we went on to win two
Mercantile 7s Tournaments
in the last three years.”
Lahari - Former JKHMT
Assistant Brand Manager – Frozen Confectionery, Ceylon Cold Stores PLC
Graduate of Staffordshire University
“The mentoring aspect of JKHMT Programme
provides a unique opportunity, which
gives us a comfortable space with to
speak about our career aspirations
as well as our personal development
goals, directly with a President
of the Group. This relationship
with our mentors extend beyond the
15 months of the JKHMT programme
and we have access to speak to
them whenever necessary.”
Anjanie - Former JKHMT
Assistant Manager - Operations, John Keells Properties
Graduate of National School of Business Management
School colours for Swimming, Diving and Water Polo, Captain of the Bishop’s College diving team (2006) & Vice-captain of the Water Polo team (2007)
“Joining John Keells Group has
given me the opportunity to get
back into competitive swimming,
which I find important to maintain a
healthy work-life balance.”
Udara - Former JKHMT
Assistant Manager – Promotions & Events, Cinnamon Life
Graduate of University of Sheffield
“Following the JKHMT stint,
I joined Cinnamon Life, a company that
is instrumental in changing the city
landscape and the entertainment sphere
of Colombo. It’s given me the opportunity
to work on events involving celebrity
Chefs and a Broadway musical production!
It’s kept me on my toes and made me
think out of the box, to achieve
international standards in
what we deliver.”
Minoshala - Former JKHMT
Assistant Manager HR - JayKay Marketing Services
National colours for swimming, University colours for swimming, Badminton, Netball and Athletics,
Games Captain of Methodist College (2011) & Captain of the Methodist College swimming team (2008-2009)
“I’ve been involved in sports - mostly
Swimming and Netball, since childhood
and continued even at University.
Joining John Keells has given me
the opportunity to pursue sports
at Inter-company and Mercantile
tournaments, which is great, as
it not only about being able to
still actively participate in
sports, but it’s also a fun
way of getting to know my
colleagues from the different
companies within the Group!”
Back to Previous Page
John Keells Group Management Trainee Programme - #JKHMT
Applications for JKHMT 2019 are now closed.
The JKHMT Programme is for those who take initiative and have the drive and motivation to take on any challenge and are adaptable and innovative to take our Group into the future, with an attitude that says ‘nothing is impossible’ and the integrity to do the right thing, always!