The talent and the brains
behind our success
Bairaha is the collective effort of a group of people who share the common goal of enriching the nation with Healthy Food for Healthy Living. We find it a privilege to be able to produce food that is undoubtedly safe and secure to all. We, at Bairaha, wear many hats at work. From understanding the customer needs to innovating products that match the local culinary needs and ensuring the products are available in every corner of the island to be conveniently purchased, the Bairaha team aims for excellence in every step of the journey.
Our humble leaders have been paving the path for the organization to grow tremendously over the years. Meet the team of leaders who drive forward the team of like-minded members. The leadership is divided among the public and between the family members of the founder, late Mr. M.I.M Naleem Hajiar. Maintaining a strong stance within the stock market, our leadership has created a synergy that empowers Bairaha to grow immensely.
Chairman
Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer
Mr Yakooth Naleem is the CEO of the Company.
He has been the Managing Director since 1990. He has a BA Econ. (Hons.) Degree from the University of Manchester (formerly known as the Victoria University of Manchester) of the United Kingdom. He was awarded the Entrepreneur of the Year 2000 – merit award in the extra-large category in the Western Province by FCCISL. He was elected in January 2013 as the first Chairman of the newly-established Standing Committee on Dairy and Livestock of the National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka.
Executive Director
Mr Kamil Naleem has been a Director of the Company since 1984. He previously looked after the operations of the Golden Rooster Restaurant chain until the operation was discontinued. He was also educated in the United Kingdom.
Executive Director
Mr Riyal Yakoob is an Executive Director of the Company.
He worked as a Senior Assistant Accountant of Bairaha for seven years and subsequently he was appointed as an Executive Director of the Company and he has been in this position since 1990. He received his Higher National Diploma (Business and Finance) from the Southwest London College of the United Kingdom.
Executive Director
Mr Mubarak Naleem joined the Company in January 1994 as an Executive Director and he was in-charge of the super markets chain until it was disposed off. He was also educated in the United Kingdom.
Director Operations
Mr Mohamed Imtizam Wahid has been working with the Company since 1985 to now, for a period of more than 30 years. He has wide experience in all aspects of poultry management, including hands-on-management especially on contract farming as well-broiler farming.
Non - Executive Director
Prof Harischandra Abeygunawardena received his Bachelor’s Degree in Veterinary Science (BVSc) in 1977 from the University of Peradeniya and his MSc and PhD Degrees in 1985 and 1987, respectively from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign USA. He commenced his academic career in 1978 as an Assistant Lecturer at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science. He was later promoted as a Senior Lecturer in 1987, Professor in 2000 and Senior Professor in 2008. In 2000, he became the Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science and continued in this capacity until he assumed duties as the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Peradeniya in 2006. In October 2009, he was appointed as a member of the University Grants Commission and served in that capacity until March 2015. He retired from the University in April 2015. In 2017, Prof Abeygunawardena was bestowed with the honour of being one of the most outstanding alumni of the University of Peradeniya at its Diamond Jubilee Ceremony.
