Redefining Leadership in the Automotive Sector : Deep Dive with Dilani Yatawaka

I am Dilani Yatawaka, the first female CEO in Sri Lanka’s automobile sector, currently leading Ideal Motors. With over 25 years of experience in finance and management, I am also a mother of three and a lifelong athlete. My journey has been defined by resilience, adaptability, and a passionate drive to uplift women in leadership roles. I am a Fellow member of The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka, a Fellow member of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (UK), and a Fellow member of the Institute of Certified Management Accountants Sri Lanka.

What unique challenges and opportunities did you face when becoming the first female CEO of an male-dominated industry?

Stepping into the CEO role in a male-dominated industry has been both daunting and exhilarating for me. My background is rooted in finance, and transitioning into the technical world of automobiles required me to embrace a steep learning curve every single day. I did not grow up as a car enthusiast, so I had to immerse myself in the intricacies of the sector, learning about vehicle technology, distribution, and market trends. This constant learning has become a daily discipline, and I view every challenge as a chance to grow stronger and more capable.

Being a woman in this role means confronting preconceived notions about what women can achieve in this sector. I have often needed to prove myself, not just to others but to myself as well, by stepping into unfamiliar territory and excelling. I am determined to use my position to inspire other women to persevere in their ambitions, regardless of family or societal pressures. My mother, a successful career woman herself, always advised me not to make impulsive decisions to quit for the sake of the family unit—advice I have carried throughout my career.

It was my father, however, who truly directed me on the path of finance and guided me into the corporate world. He was a national cricketer for Sri Lanka and one of the first cricketers to go to university, teaching me the importance of work-life balance and always striving to do my best. His influence was instrumental in shaping my professional journey and instilling in me the values of commitment and excellence.

I believe that as more women ascend to leadership roles, organizations will naturally become more empathetic to the unique challenges women face, fostering a culture that supports female advancement. I want my journey to be a beacon for other women, showing them that it is possible to manage both career and family without compromise.

How can organizations foster a culture of empathy for working mothers ?

Balancing my demanding responsibilities as CEO with motherhood has only been possible because of robust support systems at work and at home. At work, I have been fortunate to have understanding bosses—many of whom were fathers themselves—who allowed me the flexibility to be present for my children’s important milestones. This organizational culture of empathy and support is crucial for mothers who aspire to leadership.

At home, my spouse and immediate family have played vital roles. Although my parents were both working professionals with limited time, they provided support when needed. External caregivers also helped me manage multiple responsibilities. Importantly, my children have learned to understand and support the roles I play, and I have always been a hands-on mother, never missing a key moment unless I was overseas.

For women who wish to advance in their careers, the combination of a supportive workplace and family is essential. Organizational culture and family understanding are the two most important factors that enable women to balance their professional and personal lives successfully.

How has playing sports helped you become a better leader, and why do you think activities outside of school are important?

My background in athletics and netball has been a cornerstone of my leadership style. Sports have taught me discipline, teamwork, and the ability to handle pressure—qualities that are invaluable in the corporate world. The lessons I learned on the field about meeting challenges, working with a team, and pushing through adversity have translated directly into my approach to business leadership.

I believe that extracurricular activities are essential for developing the soft skills that academic achievements alone cannot provide. Books can only take you so far; it is the exposure and training from sports that build resilience, adaptability, and a winning mindset. Discipline is a non-negotiable prerequisite for success, whether in sports, career, or family.

How did overcoming your injury and recovery experience shape your views on resilience and perseverance, and how do you share these lessons with your team?

In August of last year, I suffered two fractures during a sports tournament, which required major surgery and weeks of immobility. For someone as active as I am, being confined was especially challenging. I relied on technology to continue working from home and found motivation through social media, particularly from motivational quotes on Instagram. My family and colleagues provided unwavering support, and my daughters stepped up to manage household responsibilities, allowing me to focus on healing.

This experience reinforced my belief in perseverance and adaptability. Despite being advised to slow down because of my age, I refused to let setbacks define me and returned to training as soon as I could. I believe adversity can be a source of strength, and neither age nor setbacks should ever be an excuse to stop pursuing one’s passions. I now share these lessons of resilience and adaptability with my team at Ideal Motors, encouraging them to face challenges head-on and never give up.

How might Ideal Motors further integrate renewable energy into its growth plans ?

As CEO, I am leading Ideal Motors into new areas, including the launch of passenger vehicles and the local assembly of new models. We are the distributor for Mahindra commercial vehicles, and soon, we will be launching the passenger range—a totally new area for Ideal Motors. This expansion opens up numerous opportunities for the company and the industry as a whole.

Sustainability is at the heart of our strategy. We are currently evaluating the assembly of new vehicle models in Sri Lanka and leveraging renewable energy, with most of our group’s rooftops covered in solar panels. Employee development is another priority, with technical training programs for youth to help them build careers in the automotive sector. These initiatives not only benefit the company but also contribute to national development and sustainability by providing employment and skill-building opportunities for young people.

What advice would you give to young professionals, especially women, about choosing the right workplace and achieving success in their careers?

To young professionals, especially women, my advice is to carefully evaluate company culture before joining an organization. It is important to align your work environment with your personal values and life goals. Passion, goal-setting, integrity, and discipline are central to my philosophy. I encourage women to plan their careers with clear milestones, remain adaptable, and seek supportive environments that foster both professional and personal growth.

My personal mantra is to always give your best and never settle for mediocrity. With the right mindset, passion, and support, anyone can achieve their goals, regardless of age or gender. I believe that every individual has the potential to succeed if they are willing to work hard, set clear goals, and pursue their passions relentlessly.

Dilani’s story is a testament to the power of resilience, passion, and support in breaking barriers and redefining leadership in Sri Lanka’s corporate world.