Chandana Samarasinghe – Sri Lanka

Chandana Samarasinghe from Sri Lanka

Joined our company in 2009

Senior Auditor and Operations Manager

Tell us a little about your background

I have two master’s degrees: one in Applied Finance and another in Organizational Management, along with a bachelor in Agriculture – Biology. Additionally, I am also a Ceylon Chamber of Commerce Registered Surveyor for all cargo, and Qualified Internal auditor for ISM/ ISPS/MLC (IR Class), authorized for IHM (ABS). My qualifications are supported by work experiences in organic industry, banking and finance, exports and trading, and sales and marketing.

My career at CU India began in 2009 as an Operation Manager and Certifier for the textile certification division. In 2012, I became Inspections Manager for CU Sri Lanka. Since then, I have joined the collateral desk in Rotterdam, where I handled internal auditing and staff training for CMS-related activities.

What is your role at Control Union?

At present, I am a one of the Directors for CU Sri Lanka and General Manager for Inspection. I oversee reporting-related services such as commodity inspections, collateral services, industrial inspections in and around Sri Lanka. Additionally, I serve as an internal auditor on behalf of the Collateral Desk in Rotterdam.

What do you find the most interesting aspect in your role?

I enjoy the freedom of working independently. Whether in the role of manager, surveyor, collateral manager, or testing partner, my work is always professional and objective. I appreciate the objectivity of my profession, and opportunities are endless for those who are willing to be move forward.

Why did you join the company?

It was one of my dreams to join Skal. In late 2002, I was working for one of pioneering organic farming and processing companies in Sri Lanka, which certified by was Skal. [Skal is an independent organization for the supervision of organic production in the Netherlands]

The professionalism of Skal Auditors and management, along with global image of the organization, made a strong impression on me. It became my goal to join such a global organization – a dream that became true in 2009 when I joined Control Union.

Can you share the opportunities you have had since becoming part of the company?

There have been so many opportunities. Most importantly, the chance to work under friendly and emotionally supportive leaderships, and to gain global exposure to share my knowledge and experience stands out.

I also had an opportunity to be supported by management with authentic friendly relationship who encouraged me to develop the inspection business in Sri Lanka and to support Collateral management services desk.

What is your best advice to someone who wants to join our company?

Join us for a long-term commitment and continue to work honestly. If you are determined, opportunities will exceed your expectation.