WISDOM FROM THE FRONTLINES
The Leadership Journey of Thushani Samaranayake
Manager-Procurement, Supply Chain at Nestlé Lanka Limited
DRIVING VALUE, BUILDING TRUST
When people hear the word procurement, they often associate it with purchasing materials, negotiating prices, and managing supplier contracts. Yet behind every product that reaches a consumer lies a far more complex story-one involving strategic decisions, supplier relationships, risk management, innovation, and sustainability.
For Thushani Samaranayake, Manager-Procurement, Supply Chain at Nestlé Lanka Limited, procurement is much more than a business function. It is a platform for creating value, enabling growth, and ensuring continuity across the entire supply chain.
"Procurement is not just about buying products. It is about building partnerships, driving innovation, supporting sustainability, and creating long-term value for the business."
FROM CURIOSITY TO PROCUREMENT
Like many supply chain professionals, Thushani’s journey began with a curiosity about how products move from raw materials to customers.
During her university years, she became fascinated by the intricate network of activities that take place behind every product available on a store shelf. While consumers often see only the final product, she saw the countless decisions, partnerships, and operational processes that made that journey possible.
This fascination eventually led her to supply chain management and, ultimately, to procurement-the strategic heart of the value chain.
Today, she views procurement as one of the most influential business functions within an organization. From sourcing materials and services to supporting manufacturing operations and enabling logistics networks, procurement plays a critical role in connecting every link of the value chain.
What continues to motivate her is the dynamic nature of the profession. No two days are ever the same. One day may involve strategic supplier negotiations, while another may require solving supply challenges, managing risks, supporting sustainability initiatives, or collaborating with cross-functional teams to address business priorities. For Thushani, that constant evolution is what makes procurement both challenging and rewarding.
TURNING PROCUREMENT INTO A STRATEGIC DRIVER
Throughout her career, Thushani has demonstrated how procurement can contribute directly to organizational performance and long-term growth.
Her experience spans strategic sourcing initiatives, supplier development programs, procurement transformation projects, and sustainability-focused improvements across sourcing and logistics operations. She has successfully delivered cost savings through strategic sourcing, supported supplier development and local vendor onboarding initiatives, pioneered digital procurement tools including e-auctions and e-catalogues, and contributed to procurement transformation efforts that improved efficiency and effectiveness.
She has also played a key role in maintaining supply continuity during some of Sri Lanka’s most challenging periods, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the economic crisis, and other major supply chain disruptions.
Through strategic sourcing, supplier collaboration, innovation, and sustainability initiatives, procurement can directly influence business growth, resilience, and long-term competitiveness. In her view, the true value of procurement lies not only in reducing costs but in enabling organizations to adapt, innovate, and succeed in an increasingly complex business environment.
LEADERSHIP IN TIMES OF UNCERTAINTY
Some of the most valuable lessons in leadership emerge during periods of uncertainty, and for Thushani, one of those defining periods came during Sri Lanka’s economic crisis.
At the time, she was responsible for logistics-related procurement categories, including transportation, fuel, freight, and other critical services that support the company. The environment was highly volatile. Supply disruptions, fluctuating prices, transportation challenges, and economic uncertainty created significant pressure across supply chains nationwide.
Managing these complexities required more than technical expertise. It demanded resilience, adaptability, and the ability to work closely with a diverse network of suppliers and stakeholders.
Looking back, Thushani considers this period one of the greatest learning experiences of her career. The experience taught her that leadership is not about having all the answers or controlling every outcome. Instead, it is about staying composed amidst uncertainty, making thoughtful decisions, and bringing people together to move forward with a shared purpose.
Most importantly, it reinforced the importance of empathy. Behind every contract, supplier discussion, and negotiation is a person navigating their own challenges. Understanding those realities enabled stronger partnerships and better outcomes for both the business and its stakeholders.
Her experience reinforced a lesson that continues to guide her today: in times of disruption, emotional intelligence can be just as powerful as strategy.
WHEN A SETBACK BECAME A TURNING POINT
Another pivotal chapter in Thushani’s professional journey occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic.
As organizations around the world responded to unprecedented economic challenges, many young professionals found themselves facing unexpected career setbacks. Thushani was among them.
For a fresh graduate entering the professional world with ambitious goals and high expectations, the experience was understandably difficult. However, rather than allowing the setback to define her future, she chose to focus on growth.
She invested time in personal development, remained persistent in seeking opportunities, and continued moving forward despite the uncertainty surrounding the job market. That perseverance ultimately opened the door to new opportunities and a professional environment that would significantly contribute to her development as a supply chain professional.
Far from being a failure, the experience became a defining milestone in her professional journey, shaping her character, strengthening her resilience, and influencing the leader she would become.
BALANCING LEADERSHIP, CAREER, AND LIFE
Beyond her professional achievements, Thushani successfully balances multiple roles as a corporate leader, mother, wife, daughter, mentor, and active contributor to professional and industry networks.
Balancing these responsibilities requires careful planning, prioritization, and discipline. Her approach is straightforward: be fully present wherever you are.
During working hours, she focuses on delivering results, supporting her team, and creating value for the organization. Outside of work, she prioritizes family and personal commitments, ensuring that both aspects of her life receive the attention they deserve.
A strong support system has been instrumental in helping her maintain this balance.
Over time, she has learned that success is not about perfection. Instead, it is about making conscious choices, staying true to personal values, and focusing on what matters most.
A LEADERSHIP PHILOSOPHY ROOTED IN VALUE CREATION
At the core of Thushani’s leadership philosophy are three fundamental values: integrity, respect, and accountability. These principles guide her decision-making, particularly during challenging situations where pressure and uncertainty are at their highest.
She believes that while responsibility may sit with an individual, accountability rests with the leader. Taking ownership, treating people with respect, and maintaining transparency are qualities she considers essential for building trust and achieving sustainable results.
For her, leadership is not measured by authority or position, but by the positive impact created through people and relationships.
THE FUTURE OF PROCUREMENT
As supply chains continue to evolve, Thushani believes procurement will play an increasingly strategic role in driving business success.
Digital procurement platforms, artificial intelligence, advanced analytics, and automation are transforming how organizations manage suppliers and make decisions, enabling procurement professionals to create greater value through faster insights and smarter strategies.
At the same time, sustainability and responsible sourcing have become business imperatives. Building resilient supply networks, fostering innovation, and strengthening supplier partnerships will be critical in navigating an increasingly complex global environment.
Ultimately, the future of procurement will belong to professionals who can successfully balance IQ and EQ.
DO WHAT YOU LOVE AND LOVE WHAT YOU DO
Reflecting on her journey, one principle continues to guide both her professional and personal life: “Do what you love and love what you do.”
For Thushani Samaranayake, this philosophy is not about finding the perfect role or waiting for ideal circumstances. Careers rarely unfold exactly as planned, and many professionals find themselves in roles they never originally envisioned. What matters is approaching every opportunity with passion, commitment, and a willingness to create value.
Even when you cannot always do what you love, you can learn to love what you do by embracing growth, making an impact, and giving your best to the responsibilities entrusted to you.
A MESSAGE TO THE NEXT GENERATION
When asked what advice she would offer young professionals beginning their careers, her message is clear: never stop learning.
In today’s fast-changing world, success depends on staying curious, embracing new knowledge, and keeping pace with emerging trends, technologies, and ways of working.
She encourages young professionals to remain curious, stay humble, build meaningful relationships, and embrace opportunities to learn from everyone around them. Most importantly, she advises focusing on creating value rather than simply pursuing titles.
Whether navigating economic crises, overcoming professional setbacks, managing complex supplier networks, or balancing leadership with family life, her approach has remained consistent: focus on creating value, continue to learn, and give your best to the people and responsibilities entrusted to you.
LEADERSHIP THAT LEAVES A LEGACY
As Manager-Procurement, Supply Chain at Nestlé Lanka Limited, her journey demonstrates that successful leadership is not measured solely by business outcomes. It is reflected in the credibility built with stakeholders, the resilience shown during difficult times, and the positive impact created for teams, partners, and the wider organization.
Her story is a reminder that leadership is not simply about navigating challenges or achieving results. It is about creating value, building trust, learning continuously, and bringing out the best in the people around you.
"Leadership is not about being the best; it is about bringing out the best in others."
True success is measured by the value you create the credibility you build, and the leaders you develop.