Ashani Jayasinghe, Chairperson of the Antler Group of Companies, is a leader shaped by a journey of continuous learning, resilience, and innovation. With a foundation built during her studies at the American National College between 2001 and 2005, Ashani joined the family business in October 2005 and has since risen through every level of the organization.
Today, she leads a group that partners with global brands such as Nike, Lululemon, and Victoria’s Secret. Her leadership is defined by authenticity, a deep respect for people, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. In this interview, she reflects on her transition to the top role, the lessons learned from her late father Ananda Jayasinghe, and how she balances a demanding career with family life and personal passions.
Q Can you walk us through your transition from joining the business to becoming the Chairperson of the Antler Group?
I joined Antler immediately after graduating in 2005, starting as a management trainee in employee engagement. My father believed that understanding the people who drive a business is the best place to begin. In that role, I planned cultural events, educational programs, and even managed our internal monthly magazine. It gave me a real understanding of how employee connection powers a company. Later, I moved into Antler Fabric Printers, where I worked with R&D teams and learned the technical side of operations. That experience ignited my interest in design and innovation, leading to the creation of a product development unit that still drives our ability to deliver cutting-edge solutions for global brands. Over time, I gained experience in marketing, supply chain, and operations across the group. I became Director of Business Operations, leading performance transformations, implementing lean systems, and driving sustainability initiatives. My father and I had planned a phased transition, with me taking over as Chairperson in 2025. However, his sudden passing in October 2022 brought that transition forward. I became Chairperson on January 1, 2023, determined to honour his legacy and continue building on the foundation he laid.
Q What were some of the most defining moments in your 15 plus years of corporate experience?
One of the earliest lessons came from a small but critical mistake. I had designed a portfolio and missed a single letter in the final print. Only my father noticed, but it left a lasting impression on me. It taught me that details matter and precision reflects respect for the work and the people you serve. Another defining moment was watching my father negotiate with a supplier. He remained calm, clear, and firm until he achieved the outcome he wanted. That experience taught me confidence and the power of knowing your value.
In 2019, my father created a sculpture called The Golden Hands to honour the workforce and the three core roles that drive our business. It reminded me that organizations are not built by strategy alone but by the people who give their time and effort every day. Finally, stepping into the role of Chairman was a personal turning point. I always admired my father’s dedication, but only after taking on this role did I fully understand the solitude that often comes with leadership. It has made me stronger and more committed to creating space for others to lead alongside me.
Q Your father, Mr. Ananda Jayasinghe, is considered the father of screen printing in Sri Lanka. How has his legacy shaped your leadership journey?
My father’s influence is immeasurable. His journey from humble beginnings to pioneering Sri Lanka’s screen-printing industry shaped both the business and the person I have become. He taught me to face challenges with courage. He believed that if you fall, you get up, and as a leader you must define the way forward even when the path is unclear. He also instilled a relentless pursuit of excellence. His name became synonymous with quality, and he introduced systems like 5S and lean processes long before they became mainstream. Most importantly, he was an innovator. He could see where the market was heading and developed products and processes to stay ahead. I have tried to carry that same mindset into my own leadership, bringing in new energy while remaining deeply respectful of the craft and the industry he helped create.
Q What was the most valuable lesson you learned from your father, both as a business leader and as a parent?
The most important lesson was to “be you.” When you inherit a legacy business, there is often pressure to mirror the previous leader. My father freed me from that expectation. He always said, “You are not me, so be yourself.” That advice allowed me to lead with authenticity and confidence, while staying grounded in the values he built.
Q Antler works with globally renowned brands. What does it take to consistently meet and exceed the expectations of clients like NIKE, Lululemon, and Victoria’s Secret?
Working with world-class brands has shaped who we are. Our partnership with Nike spans over 35 years, and it has taught us to constantly raise our standards. To exceed expectations, we rely on rigorous systems, consistent processes, and a mindset of proactive improvement. We do not wait for feedback to point out flaws. Instead, we challenge ourselves to identify gaps and implement solutions before they become issues. Being agile, innovative, and deeply accountable is what keeps us aligned with the expectations of these global partners.
Q How do you see Sri Lanka’s manufacturing and chemical industries evolving in the next decade, and what role do you envision Antler playing?
The industry is evolving quickly with advancements in technology, materials, and production methods. For Sri Lanka to remain competitive, we must prioritize agility, innovation, and collaboration. Strategic partnerships and trade agreements will be essential for building stronger supply chains and higher-value outputs. At Antler, we are committed to staying ahead of global trends and co-developing solutions with our partners. We aim to become a platform where innovation, collaboration, and execution come together to shape the future of manufacturing in the region.
Q You are a business leader, a wife, and a mother of three. How do you balance your personal and professional life?
I would not say I have mastered balance, but I have learned to juggle. When I am fully focused on work, I miss moments at home, and when I give all my attention to family, something at work may need to wait. For me, it is about making conscious choices in each moment. Calendars keep my life organized, and I rely heavily on my support system, from my husband and mother-in-law to my teams at work. It truly takes a village, and I am grateful for the one I have.
Q Your husband leads the IT arm of the Antler Group. How do you both manage the balance between personal and professional collaboration?
I grew up in a home where business conversations were part of daily life, so it feels natural to have that dynamic with my husband. We support each other’s roles and understand the pressures we each face. While we may not always switch off from work, our shared vision for our family and business keeps us grounded. Mutual respect and space for individuality are key to maintaining harmony.
Q As someone who enjoys reading, drawing, and exploring food, how do these interests influence your leadership style or creativity in business?
Reading gives me perspective, art teaches me focus, and food brings me joy and creativity. These interests help me approach business challenges with curiosity and empathy. They allow me to see things differently, listen more attentively, and respond with imagination. In many ways, these passions have both grounded me and given me the ability to think beyond conventional boundaries.
RAPID FIRE ROUND
- Describe yourself in three words: Rooted, resilient, real.
- A leadership mantra you live by: In the noise, find your rhythm. In the struggle, lead with resilience. And always, empower others to rise.
- Morning person or night owl? Night owl.
- Your go-to stress buster: A smooth glass of whiskey, great food, and my inner circle of friends.
- One quality you admire in others: Quiet strength. I deeply admire people who lead with humility and conviction.
- Favourite cuisine to indulge in: As a foodie at heart, I don’t have a single favorite; I chase a feeling. I love the finesse of Japanese cuisine, the comfort and boldness of Asian curries, or just a perfectly done steak.
- Who inspires you the most? My father. His courage, humility, and values continue to guide me. Like many from his generation, he showed that true strength doesn’t need noise; only purpose.
- One thing people don’t know about you: I carry a lot of quiet emotion when it comes to legacy, people, and especially love. Also, I completely lose self-control around a perfectly baked Basque cheesecake.
- If you could mentor your 20-year-old self, what would you say? Question everything. Challenge the norms. Be bold enough to change what doesn’t feel right. Don’t be afraid to fall, because one day, you’ll fly. And when you do, you won’t just carry your own story, you’ll carry the love, strength, and legacy of everyone who came before you.
- Success to you is. Living with purpose. Leading with integrity. Still being able to come home, be present, and love fully. It’s about who I lift up, how I evolve, and choosing not to give up in the face of adversity.
