Anthony Chakravarti Wijenathen

Biography

Anthony Chakravarti Wijenathen, affectionately known as 'Chuck' was born to a family of high social standing in the north of Sri Lanka. He received his education at St. Joseph’s College, Colombo and during the war years at St Patrick's College, Jaffna during the war years in the 1940s when schools in Colombo had to be closed. - both highly respected educational institutions in the Country. 'Chuck' was a Big man - a ‘Giant’ of a man among humanity - an outstanding character who possessed the gift of a natural leader. 'Chuck's’ entry into the Pharmaceutical industry was influenced during his stint at A F Jones & Co Ltd in the mid 50's. With the closure of the foreign Pharmaceutical operations in Sri Lanka in the ‘50s by the then Socialist Government, 'Chuck' was appointed as a Consultant for Merck Sharp & Dohme (MSD), U.S.A. From thereon, ‘Chuck’ continued to establish himself in the industry. Although he was educated to be a lawyer, he was a qualified Management Consultant and established Mansel(Ceylon) Ltd in 1964. In addition to the Consultancy work undertaken, Mansel also handled the marketing of the products of MSD. When the new Government elected in mid-1977 opened the doors to free enterprise, Mansel re-commenced imports and retail sales of MSD products. Medochemie Ltd, Cyprus among other leading Pharmaceutical manufacturers in the world were added in the early ‘80s. He built Mansel from a Company of just three(3) employees to One Hundred and Thirty(130), marketing hundreds of Pharmaceutical products from across the globe. Been a successful entrepreneur was not all that 'Chuck' sought in life. Though he may have moved and dined with the highest echelons of society, his love and affection for the marginalised always found him involved in programmes designed to improve their lot. This led him to join the Lions Movement in 1966, and over the years, his dedication to the success of the Lions Clubs in Sri Lanka, found him appointed not only as a District Governor but also the First Sri Lankan to serve in the Board of International Directors of Lions International, USA. A truly large hearted and benevolent man, 'Chuck' was loved by everyone who knew him. His numerable personal contributions and achievements are too many to record and are noted elsewhere. 'Chuck' was an exceptionally affable and adorable personality and can only be best described as a 'Gem of a Man'.

Research Interest

To provide high quality and cost effective pharmaceuticals to the Healthcare Sector.