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Prabath Fonseka is a Sri Lankan entrepreneur known for his significant contributions to animal nutrition, veterinary medicine, and the hospitality industry. He has also made notable strides in the consumer goods sector by integrating local raw materials into production to support local economies and reduce import dependence.

Prabath Fonseka was born in Kalutara, Sri Lanka, to parents involved in government service. His father was an agricultural officer, and his mother worked in the postal department. Fonseka received his early education at Mahanama College in Colombo before moving to Thurstan College for his secondary education. He later studied chemistry at the Institute of Chemistry Ceylon, where he was influenced by the teachings of Professor Leslie Gunathilaka on the efficacy of bioactive compounds.

Fonseka began his professional career in the quality assurance and marketing departments of the food, feed, and chemical industries, working with companies like Haycarb, CIC, and Ceylon Grain Elevators. In 1987, he founded Agro Nutrition Pvt Ltd, focusing initially on animal feed nutritional supplements. The company expanded into veterinary medicine, producing Sri Lanka’s first locally manufactured antibiotics and dewormers for the poultry industry.

He further ventured into the consumer goods industry in 2009 by establishing Cerestar Pvt Ltd, which produced the first locally-made cornflakes in Sri Lanka, using local agricultural products. This move was part of his commitment to adding value to the local economy and reducing reliance on imports.

In addition to his contributions to agriculture and consumer goods, Fonseka entered the hospitality industry, opening the Mirage Colombo City Hotel and acquiring and renovating the historic Alveston property in Nuwara Eliya into the Mirage Kings Cottage.

Fonseka has also served on the board of Milco Pvt Ltd, the largest dairy company in Sri Lanka, and was a member of the interim committee of Sri Lanka Cricket from 2010 to 2012. His work has been recognized with several awards, including the Most Innovative Exporter Award in 2018 from the National Chamber of Export.