Deloitte Sri Lanka recently acted as the Strategic Partner for the Sri Lanka Corporate Director Summit 2026, which was organized by the Sri Lanka Institute of Directors and took place at Cinnamon Grand Colombo. The summit facilitated significant discussions aimed at enhancing corporate governance and board leadership.
Under the theme “Future-Ready Sri Lankan Boards – From Compliance to Sustainable Growth,” the event attracted over 350 board directors, senior executives, and governance specialists, along with more than 15 international experts. This gathering also celebrated the 25th anniversary of the Sri Lanka Institute of Directors, recognizing its contributions to the advancement of corporate governance and board leadership in the nation.
Representatives from Deloitte played various roles throughout the summit, including keynote speakers, panelists, and moderators, offering a blend of local, regional, and global insights on pressing topics shaping the agendas of boardrooms.
A significant aspect of Deloitte’s involvement was the emphasis on the increasing obligations of boards in managing technological advancements. Duleesha Kulasooriya, the Asia Pacific Innovation Leader and Managing Director at Deloitte Center for the Edge, delivered a keynote address during the session titled “Governing AI, Cybersecurity & Digital Risk – A Boardroom Priority.” He underscored the risks that organizations face if they fail to embrace artificial intelligence, asserting that effective leadership is more influenced by the ability to learn and react than by geographic factors. He highlighted curiosity, curation, and courage as vital leadership traits, asserting that robust governance is crucial for fostering responsible innovation. Additionally, he remarked that competitive advantage arises not merely from technology, but from leaders who are quick to learn, make informed choices, and take decisive action.
Jehil Thakkar, Partner and Marketing, Brand & Communications Leader for Deloitte South Asia, served as a panelist in the discussion titled “Future-Ready Sri Lankan Boards – The Road Ahead.” His insights enriched the conversation with valuable regional context, presenting timely observations on how boards can adapt to swift technological progress, changing stakeholder demands, and fluctuating economic conditions. He stressed the necessity of clear guidance, effective communication, and building trust among stakeholders to help organizations manage uncertainty. This dialogue also explored how boards can foster innovation and enhance organizational resilience.
Thivanka Jayasinghe, Partner and Head of Audit & Assurance for Deloitte Sri Lanka & Maldives, co-moderated the session “Effective Boards Don’t Just Comply – They Lead.” This session focused on how boards can transcend mere regulatory compliance to offer more robust strategic direction and oversight, facilitated by independent judgment, constructive challenges, and effective governance frameworks.
Mayura Malagala, Human Capital Consulting, Engineering, AI & Data, and Growth Office Leader for Deloitte Sri Lanka & Maldives, co-moderated the discussion “Talent & Culture – What Boards Can No Longer Ignore.” This conversation highlighted the critical nature of workforce strategy, leadership, employee wellbeing, and organizational culture as essential boardroom priorities, especially in light of skills shortages, evolving employee expectations, new working styles, and technology-driven transformations.
Deloitte’s active participation in the summit demonstrated its dedication to fostering vital dialogues surrounding corporate governance and board leadership, providing pragmatic insights on emerging boardroom priorities and the future of governance in Sri Lanka.
As organizations continue to adapt to evolving economic, technological, and societal landscapes, strong and visionary board leadership will be crucial. Such leadership is pivotal in enhancing resilience, maintaining stakeholder trust, and generating sustainable long-term value.
