Manel Rajkumar, Chairperson of D & R Exports (Pvt) Ltd, has been honored with the prestigious 'Legendary Woman of the Year' award in the Large-Scale Category at the Women Legend Awards 2025. This recognition celebrates her exceptional leadership and significant contributions to Sri Lanka's food and beverage export industry over more than three decades.
Journey from Local Startup to Export Powerhouse
D & R Exports began its remarkable journey in 1993 as a local food and beverage company in Sri Lanka. Under Rajkumar's visionary leadership, the company has transformed from a domestic operation into a major player in international markets. The pivotal moment came in 2002 when the company made its strategic expansion into global markets, marking the beginning of its export success story.
The company's growth trajectory reflects the broader evolution of Sri Lanka's export sector, demonstrating how local businesses can successfully compete on the international stage. This expansion not only increased the company's revenue streams but also contributed significantly to the country's foreign exchange earnings through food and beverage exports.
Recognition of Outstanding Female Leadership
The Women Legend Awards 2025 specifically recognizes women who have made exceptional contributions to their respective industries while breaking barriers and inspiring others. Rajkumar's selection for the 'Legendary Woman of the Year' award in the Large-Scale Category highlights her role as a trailblazer in Sri Lanka's business landscape.
This prestigious recognition comes at a time when female leadership in corporate Sri Lanka continues to gain prominence. Rajkumar's success story serves as an inspiration for aspiring women entrepreneurs and business leaders, demonstrating that with vision, determination, and strategic planning, it is possible to build and sustain successful international businesses.
Impact on Sri Lanka's Food and Beverage Sector
D & R Exports has established itself as a key contributor to Sri Lanka's food and beverage export industry, which plays a crucial role in the country's economy. The company's success under Rajkumar's leadership has helped position Sri Lankan food products in international markets, enhancing the country's reputation as a reliable supplier of quality food and beverage products.
The food and beverage export sector has been identified as one of Sri Lanka's priority areas for economic growth and foreign exchange generation. Companies like D & R Exports, with their established international presence and proven track record, serve as anchors for the industry's continued expansion and development.
Strategic Vision and Market Expansion
Rajkumar's leadership philosophy appears to center on strategic market expansion and maintaining high-quality standards. The company's successful transition from a domestic operation to an international exporter required significant investment in infrastructure, quality control systems, and market development initiatives.
The timing of D & R Exports' international expansion in 2002 proved to be strategically sound, as it coincided with growing global demand for diverse food and beverage products. This foresight in market timing, combined with consistent quality delivery, has enabled the company to establish and maintain its position in competitive international markets.
Inspiring the Next Generation
The recognition of Manel Rajkumar as 'Legendary Woman of the Year' extends beyond personal achievement to represent broader themes of female empowerment in business. Her success story provides a roadmap for other women entrepreneurs looking to scale their operations and compete internationally.
The award also highlights the importance of recognizing and celebrating successful female business leaders who contribute significantly to economic growth and job creation. Such recognition helps create positive role models and encourages more women to pursue leadership roles in various industries.
Looking Forward
As D & R Exports continues to operate in international markets, the company's experience and Rajkumar's leadership provide valuable insights for Sri Lanka's broader export strategy. The success achieved over more than two decades of international operations demonstrates the potential for Sri Lankan companies to compete effectively in global markets.
The 'Legendary Woman of the Year' award serves as recognition not only of past achievements but also as an acknowledgment of ongoing contributions to Sri Lanka's economic development. As the country continues to focus on export-led growth strategies, successful companies like D & R Exports and leaders like Manel Rajkumar play crucial roles in demonstrating what is possible through strategic vision and consistent execution.
This prestigious award recognition reinforces the importance of celebrating business excellence while highlighting the significant contributions of women leaders to Sri Lanka's economic landscape. Rajkumar's achievement stands as testament to the potential for sustained business success through dedicated leadership and strategic market development.