Exterminators clinches Gold at Sri Lanka Entrepreneur Awards

Exterminators PLC, Sri Lanka’s premier pest management digi-tech environmental enhancement company, clinched Gold at the Sri Lanka Entrepreneur Awards (Western Province) in the Selected Category. 

Organised by the National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka and National Enterprise Development Authority, this prestigious event took place at the BMICH in Colombo on December 11. 

The awards aim to celebrate entrepreneurial excellence in areas such as financial performance, innovation, employment generation, productivity and corporate social responsibility.

Tharindu Sooriyampola, joined Exterminators PLC as an intern in 2008 and now serves as Head of Sales and Marketing, alongside Hiroshima Senadheera, who began her career with the company in 2014 as an intern and currently holds the position of Customer Relationship Manager, represented the firm at this prestigious ceremony. Their impressive, combined tenure of over 26 years highlights the company’s commitment to fostering talent and promoting professional growth within its ranks.

The selection process for these awards involved a rigorous evaluation that ensured transparency and fairness. Applicants were judged based on criteria, including business focus, market reach, market share and environmental sustainability. The process unfolded through three key stages: preliminary screening, interviews and field visits, underscoring the commitment to a thorough assessment of each candidate’s and company’s contributions to the respective fields.

Exterminators PLC’s Gold accolade marks the 67th award the company has received, reflecting its outstanding achievements across various domains, including business excellence, brand leadership, corporate governance, environmental leadership and corporate social responsibility. This recognition highlights Exterminators’ pivotal role in transforming pest management practices, both locally and regionally.

The company, founded in 1998 by Marlon Ferreira, began its journey with a modest initial investment of Rs.75,000 (approximately US $ 1,000) and a single employee equipped with a spray gun and a motorbike. Under Ferreira’s leadership, Exterminators PLC has redefined industry standards to become Asia’s first publicly listed, carbon-neutral and Great Place to Work-certified pest control company. The organisation’s commitment to environmental stewardship is further evidenced by its certifications: it is Sri Lanka’s first 14001, ISO 9001 and ISO 45001 certified pest management company and Sri Lanka’s second ISO 22000 food safety certified pest control company, firmly establishing its dedication to quality, health, safety and food safety standards.

Ferreira emphasises that his vision as a leader transcends mere profit generation; he aims to enhance human life by developing and sharing wealth with all stakeholders, thereby achieving a delicate balance between people, planet and profit. Ferreira’s perspective distinguishes entrepreneurs from mere businessmen. While the latter may emphasise profit at any expense, entrepreneurs like Ferreira are committed to social responsibility alongside commercial success. This balance not only fosters business success but also enriches communities and protects the planet.

In expressing gratitude to the NCCSL and NEDA for honouring entrepreneurial spirit in Sri Lanka, Ferreira reinforces a powerful message: entrepreneurship can be a force for good, contributing positively to society while achieving financial success. His vision set an inspiring example, reinforcing the belief that ethical and sustainable business practices can coexist with profitability.