Dushan Manaranga Fernando

Currently leading productivity improvement and strategic project initiatives focused on transforming Distribution Center operations to better support the end-to-end supermarket supply chain. Based full-time at the Distribution Center, I oversee comprehensive reviews of DC processes to identify simplification opportunities and eliminate manual interventions. I drive floor layout optimizations, SAP EWM enhancements and labor planning strategies to reduce inefficiencies and increase throughput. I work cross-functionally to implement solutions that improve operational performance with minimal disruption and actively support long-term capability building across teams to ensure sustainable, scalable results.

Led Supply Chain Development and Productivity Transformation initiatives aimed at further improving end-to-end processes across all Distribution Centers (Dry, Bulk, Fresh, Chilled, Fish and Direct Imports). Focused on continuous improvement, process simplification and operational excellence by identifying bottlenecks, streamlining workflows and enabling scalable solutions. Took ownership of key initiatives, collaborating closely with leadership to evaluate and implement decisions with minimal disruption to operations and stakeholders including Demand Planning and retail outlets. Mentored and developed my team to take greater ownership and solve operational challenges independently, enabling me to focus on strategic priorities and manage by exception. Played a critical role in aligning execution across DCs and ensuring smooth coordination across warehouse, transport and system-led initiatives.

Operations Leadership: Led network planning across all Distribution Centres (Dry, Bulk, Fresh, Chilled, Fish and Direct Imports), aligning supply chain strategy, capacity planning and last-mile execution with demand planning and DC teams. Directed the Supply Chain Development Division, driving cross-DC efficiency, managing a team of six, and delivering key operational enhancements including automation, hygiene upgrades and optimized delivery handling.

Project Manager - Centralized Distribution Centre: Successfully led the implementation of a centralized distribution centre integrating Dry, Bulk, Fresh & Chilled operations. Oversaw layout design, workflow optimization, and transition planning with minimal disruption. Also managed the setup of a new chilled DC, ensuring strict temperature control and quality assurance standards, from feasibility through to on-time, in-budget delivery.

System Implementation – SAP EWM: Core project member in Sri Lanka’s first SAP EWM implementation across all DCs (except Fish). Led requirement gathering, process mapping and solution design for delivery-critical functions, including Fresh DC’s “Pick by Line” operation. Provided hands-on post-go-live support, ensuring stability and operational continuity. Honored with the John Keells Group Chairperson’s Award for excellence in system implementation and supply chain transformation.

Following the successful execution of the "Fresh by 7:30 AM" project, drove productivity improvements by introducing new loose equipment, including nestable crates and dollies. These enhancements streamlined the allocation process at the Fresh Distribution Center, improving time efficiency and product quality.

Led the introduction of a case-based ordering system for fresh items, optimizing product flow and reducing waste, while fine-tuning demand planning to align with actual sales, enhancing product freshness.

Played a key role in the feasibility study and strategic planning for a New Centralized Distribution Center, contributing to the design and operational launch of the facility.

Stock Manager – Household & Homeware Departments
Led demand planning, forecasting and stock optimization, reducing excess inventory while improving supplier availability. Enhanced inventory accuracy and product availability through continuous supplier performance monitoring and strategic stockholding.

Project Manager – Daily Fresh Items Delivery Transformation
Spearheaded a complete operational overhaul to ensure timely daily delivery (Fresh by 7:30am) of fresh produce to all Keells outlets. Developed and executed a comprehensive transformation plan covering logistics, HR, change management and operations. Implemented a new ordering system, optimized route planning, and streamlined workforce scheduling, resulting in significant improvements in delivery speed, product freshness, operational efficiency and employee satisfaction.

Completed projects include analyzing the functions and undertaking a requirement analysis to implement a bar-code based Warehouse Management System to streamline the activities of the Logistics & Planning Department. And have done an statistical analysis of the distributors' activities which affect the Logistics & Planning Department.