Appointments & Executive Moves
View all(28)Dialog Axiata Appoints Arjuna Herath to Board 📈
Dialog Axiata PLC has announced the appointment of Arjuna Herath as an Independent Non-Executive Director, effective 1 May 2026. The move aims to strengthen the company’s governance and digital strategy. • Expertise & Background: Herath brings a diverse portfolio across consulting, corporate finance, and regulatory governance. He is a Fellow Member and Past President of CA Sri Lanka. • Key Public Sector Roles: • Former Chairman of the Board of Investment (BOI) of Sri Lanka. • Inaugural Chair of the Sri Lanka Data Protection Authority. • Current Director of the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE). • Private Sector Leadership: Previously served as Senior Partner and Head of Consulting at Ernst & Young (EY) Sri Lanka & Maldives. He also held roles at Ceylon Tobacco Company and Merchant Bank of Sri Lanka. • Strategic Impact: His appointment is expected to provide critical insights into the ICT/BPM and digital landscapes, particularly regarding regulatory compliance and institutional environments in Sri Lanka.
🏛️ Leadership Shift: SEC Chairmen Vying for Japura VC Post
• Current Developments: Applications have been called for the position of Vice Chancellor at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, with 9 candidates reportedly in contention. • Key Candidates: High-profile applicants include the current Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Chairman and former SEC Chairman Professor Lalith Samarakoon. • Selection Process: • A total of 9 candidates are vying for the role. • A shortlist of 3 names will be finalized. • Final appointment will be made by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. • Context: The potential move suggests a transition of leadership within Sri Lanka's capital markets regulatory body toward higher education administration. Based on reports as of April 20, 2026.
### Dhammika Fernando Re-elected FTZMA Chairman at 45th AGM 📈
The Free Trade Zone Manufacturers Association (FTZMA) held its 45th AGM, re-electing Dhammika Fernando as Chairman for the 2026/2027 term. The association, representing diverse foreign direct investors under the Board of Investment (BOI), called for urgent policy reforms to safeguard the export sector. • Leadership Team 2026/27: • Chairman: Dhammika Fernando (Tropical Findings Ltd) • General Secretary: M. H. Z. M. Marzook (Filotex Lanka Ltd) • Vice Chairmen: Fazal Abdeen (ATG Ceylon) and Nishantha Bakmeege (Screenline Holdings) • Treasurer: Manjula Mahadanaarchchi (Lalan Rubbers) • Strategic Focus: FTZMA emphasized its role in representing a wide industrial base, including apparel, rubber, electronics, and engineering. The chairman highlighted the association's critical impact on national employment, export revenue, and investor confidence. • Key Challenges & Demands: • External: Geopolitical tensions in West Asia and shifting US tariff measures are driving up costs and affecting global competitiveness. • Domestic: Exporters face bureaucratic delays and regulatory bottlenecks within the BOI system. • Requirements: Calls for policy consistency, faster approvals, and improved ease of doing business to maintain Sri Lanka's position in global value chains. • Stakeholder Support: The event saw participation from high-level government officials, the EDB, and diplomatic representatives from the US, India, and Japan, signaling the sector's importance to national economic stability.
⚖️ Union Bank Appoints Legal Expert Shaheeda Barrie to Board
Union Bank of Colombo PLC has announced the appointment of Shaheeda Barrie as an Independent Non-Executive Director, strengthening the bank’s governance with extensive expertise in financial regulation and banking law. • Professional Profile: A senior legal practitioner with over 25 years of experience, Barrie is an Attorney-at-Law (Sri Lanka) and a Barrister-at-Law (England & Wales). She previously served as Deputy Solicitor General at the Attorney General’s Department. • Regulatory Impact: She has played a pivotal role in legislative reforms involving the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, the Securities and Exchange Commission, and the Colombo Port City. Her background includes advisory roles for the World Bank, ADB, and IFC. • Current Roles: Beyond her new board seat, she heads her own chambers and serves as a Director of the Personal Data Protection Authority of Sri Lanka. 📈 This appointment aligns with a focus on board independence and robust regulatory compliance within Sri Lanka’s banking and finance sector.
🕊️ Legacy of Emerging Markets Pioneer Mark Mobius (1936–2026)
The investment world mourns the passing of Mark Mobius at age 89, a legendary figure who transformed global perspectives on frontier economies like Sri Lanka. • Impact on Emerging Markets: Known as the "Father of Emerging Markets," Mobius spent over 30 years at Franklin Templeton, where he pioneered one of the world's first funds dedicated to developing economies. • Connection to Sri Lanka: He was instrumental in directing global capital toward the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) and other frontier markets during periods when they were largely overlooked by institutional investors. • Investment Philosophy: Championed a "boots-on-the-ground" approach, traveling extensively to identify undervalued opportunities in Asia and Africa, helping to reframe the perceived risk-reward ratio for international portfolios. • Final Chapter: After leaving Franklin Templeton in 2018, he co-founded Mobius Capital Partners, maintaining a lifelong commitment to promoting growth in the world’s most dynamic economies. 📈 His death marks the end of an era for the global investment management and financial services sectors, leaving a legacy that remains deeply embedded in the growth story of frontier markets.
New Commissioner General Appointed for Registration of Persons 📜
• Executive Appointment: The Cabinet has approved the appointment of H.M.J.M. Herath, a Special Grade Officer of the Sri Lanka Administrative Service (SLAS), as the permanent Commissioner General of the Department of Registration of Persons. • Current Role: Herath transitions from his current position as the District Secretary and Government Agent of the Kegalle District. • Strategic Focus: A primary objective of this permanent appointment is to expedite the issuance of the Sri Lanka Digital Identity Card, a critical component of the national ICT and digital economy framework. • Administrative Context: The move aims to stabilize day-to-day operations, replacing the temporary acting arrangement held by an Additional Secretary. The proposal was submitted by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in his capacity as Digital Economy Minister. 📈
Shiran Fernando Appointed CEO of Ceylon Chamber of Commerce 📈
The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce (CCC) has announced a leadership transition, appointing Shiran Fernando as Secretary General and CEO, effective 8 May 2026. He succeeds Buwanekabahu Perera following a three-year tenure focused on institutional strengthening. Key Appointments & Continuity: • Shiran Fernando (CEO-designate): Currently Chief Economic Policy Adviser and former Chief Economist. His appointment signals a focus on the policy and research agenda, ensuring continuity in economic diplomacy and national reform. • Buwanekabahu Perera (Outgoing CEO): Concludes a term marked by enhanced international engagement, including chairing the Indian Ocean Rim Association Business Forum (IORBF). • Alikie Perera (Deputy SG/COO): Remains in her role to provide operational stability and financial discipline, leveraging over three decades of institutional memory. Strategic Context: • The transition emphasizes governance and succession planning to maintain the Chamber’s role in shaping Sri Lanka's private-sector growth. • Ongoing focus remains on flagship platforms like the Sri Lanka Economic and Investment Summit (SLEIS) and the Best Corporate Citizens Awards. The CCC aims to leverage this "continuity with purpose" to support the evolving needs of the banking and financial sector and the broader national economy.
Colombo Dockyard PLC Announces Strategic Board Appointments Following MDL Acquisition 📈
• Leadership Transition: Capt. (Retd.) Jagmohan has been appointed as the Non-Executive Chairman. He currently serves as Chairman and Managing Director of Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL), which now holds a 51% majority stake in the company. • Executive Continuity: Thimira S. Godakumbura has been nominated as an MDL Director and will continue his role as Managing Director and CEO. • Strategic Board Additions: • Vish Govindasamy joins as an MDL Nominee Director. He brings extensive multi-sectoral expertise from Sunshine Holdings and the Central Bank of Sri Lanka. • Senthilverl Nandhanan joins as a Nominee Director for Senthilverl Holdings Ltd, adding over 20 years of experience in financial services, energy, and FMCG. • Economic Context: These appointments follow the acquisition of a majority stake by India’s MDL, signaling a push for enhanced governance and operational excellence within Sri Lanka's shipbuilding and marine engineering sector. The move integrates regional expertise to drive sustained growth and strategic diversification.
Dr. Sulakshana Jayawardena Appointed Acting Chairman of BOI Sri Lanka 📈
The Board of Investment (BOI) has announced the appointment of Dr. Sulakshana Jayawardena as its acting Chairman, bringing over 23 years of experience from the Sri Lankan Administrative Service (SLAS) to the nation's primary investment promotion agency. • Leadership & Background: A veteran administrator with a PhD and a Master’s in Business Studies. He is recognized for his extensive tenure in the power and energy sector, focusing on renewable energy and strategic policy frameworks. • Strategic Focus: His appointment aims to modernize BOI processes and attract high-quality Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). Key objectives include fostering a digitally enabled, sustainable, and Industry 4.0 friendly business ecosystem. • Economic Context: Dr. Jayawardena's expertise in large-scale project management and infrastructure development is expected to enhance stakeholder engagement and streamline the investment climate for growth sectors. • Key Expertise: Beyond energy, his track record includes significant work in infrastructure development, human resources, and public administration. This transition occurs as the BOI seeks to strengthen Sri Lanka’s global competitiveness through sustainable and technology-driven investment strategies.
📈 The Leadership Shift: Why IQ Alone Fails the C-Suite
A veteran corporate leader with 54 years of experience argues that technical brilliance is merely a management tool, while true leadership is an art of interpersonal influence. As professionals ascend, roles must shift from functional experts to culture architects. • The Leadership Differentiator Technical competencies are viewed as "load-bearing pillars," but the true competitive advantage lies in navigating human motivation. Organizations often mistakenly prioritize "calculators over conductors" when hiring for CEO and executive roles. • 5 Pillars of Effective Leadership • Integrity: The non-negotiable alignment of values and actions; acts as a "velocity" booster for organizational trust. • Transparency: Reduces office politics by providing the "why" behind difficult decisions. • Authenticity: Replacing the "robotic executive" mask with human vulnerability to foster innovation. • Empathy: A strategic tool used to anticipate market needs and understand the "human architecture" of a team. • Humility: Prevents corporate stagnation by transforming a leader from a bottleneck into a learning gateway. • Key Takeaways for Sri Lankan Corporates • Soft Skills are structural necessities, not optional ornaments. • High EQ prevents toxic attrition and cultural erosion during crises. • Leadership is defined by the ability to act as a "force multiplier" rather than a solo performer. _Source: Insights from leadership coach Ronnie Peiris (provisional data based on 50+ years of C-suite experience)._
New Executive Leadership at LOLC Plantation Boards 📈
• Key Appointments: Niveyn Nanayakkara has been appointed as Executive Director to the boards of three LOLC Group entities: Udapussellawa Plantations PLC, Hapugastenne Plantations PLC, and Tea Smallholders Factories PLC. • Strategic Focus: Nanayakkara is tasked with advancing digital transformation and operational efficiency within the plantation sector. He advocates for a "human-in-the-loop" approach to Artificial Intelligence, aimed at balancing automation with human oversight to manage risk. • Sector Integration: These appointments strengthen his existing directorial mandate across the LOLC portfolio, which includes energy, mobility, hospitality, and plantations (e.g., Maturata and Pussellawa Plantations). • Professional Background: A University of Melbourne alumnus (Accounting and Finance), he has undergone specialized corporate leadership and technology training at Stanford and UC Berkeley, signaling a push toward global innovation standards in Sri Lanka’s agri-business landscape.
Pradeep de Almeida Appointed to HNB Board 📈
• The Appointment: Hatton National Bank PLC (HNB) has appointed Pradeep de Almeida as an Independent Non-Executive Director, effective April 2026. • Professional Profile: A Chartered Engineer with nearly 30 years of experience, de Almeida is a specialist in telecommunications, digital transformation, and ICT infrastructure. • Key Experience: Served 27 years at Dialog Axiata PLC, including 14 years as Group Chief Technology Officer. Led the deployment of 5G, LTE, and FTTH technologies in Sri Lanka. Currently serves as Director of Engineering Technology Operations at EDOTCO Group, overseeing strategy across seven countries. • Strategic Impact: His expertise in digitalization, AI, and security is expected to strengthen HNB’s technology strategy and governance frameworks as the banking sector increasingly prioritizes digital transformation. • Governance: Brings extensive board experience from entities including SLINTEC and Digital Reality Lanka, with an academic background from the University of Moratuwa and INSEAD.