As global climate disclosure mandates, investor expectations, and sustainability regulations evolve, companies are increasingly viewing sustainability as a vital component of their business strategy rather than merely a regulatory requirement. This perspective was a significant topic at Deloitte Sri Lanka’s recent client event titled “From Compliance to Capital: Turning Climate Disclosure into Strategic Advantage,” which took place on May 27, 2026, at the Sheraton Colombo.
The gathering attracted senior executives, sustainability experts, and industry authorities, all of whom engaged in discussions about the shifting climate and regulatory environment and its effects on business resilience, capital accessibility, governance, and the creation of long-term value across various sectors, such as telecommunications, finance, manufacturing, and agriculture.
Insights provided by Deloitte professionals from both Sri Lanka and India illuminated how companies can progress beyond mere compliance with disclosure mandates and incorporate sustainability into their broader strategic frameworks, resilience planning, governance, financing, and long-term value generation.
Guided by Shailesh Tyagi, Leader for Climate Change and Sustainability at Deloitte South Asia, and Piyush Yadav, Manager for Climate Change & Sustainability in Strategy, Risk & Transactions at Deloitte South Asia, the session delved into global climate trends and the implementation of SLFRS S2 through climate risk assessments and scenario analyses. Topics discussed included climate-related financial disclosures, pathways to decarbonisation, the nuances of Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions, and the increasing necessity for assurance-ready sustainability data.
Reflecting on the shift of sustainability from a compliance task to a crucial business focus, Shailesh remarked, “Forward-thinking organisations are increasingly recognising sustainability as a source of business value instead of just a reporting requirement. Managing climate risks and conducting scenario analyses yield essential insights that enhance resilience, facilitate capital access, and uncover opportunities for sustainable growth and competitive advantage.”
The session, led by Zahra Cader, ESG, Government & Public Services Leader at Deloitte Sri Lanka, and Chathumin Gunarathne, Partner in Audit & Assurance at Deloitte Sri Lanka, concentrated on local market developments, including SLFRS S1 and S2, vital regulatory updates, and climate policy considerations.
Zahra commented, “As the sustainability landscape in Sri Lanka continues to mature, organisations are facing increasing pressures from regulators, investors, and other stakeholders. Although challenges persist regarding data, governance, and execution, businesses that adopt a structured and pragmatic approach to sustainability will be more adept at securing financing, enhancing stakeholder trust, and fostering long-term resilience.”
Chathumin added, “With evolving sustainability expectations, organisations must transcend basic reporting obligations and consider how climate-related risks and opportunities impact business performance. Effective governance, trustworthy data, and strategic foresight are becoming essential to achieving resilience, competitiveness, and sustainable growth.”
The conversation underscored the necessity for sustainability assurance, expectations related to climate governance, updates on corporate governance requirements pertaining to sustainability, advancements in sustainable finance, green financing frameworks, and the increasing significance of sustainability disclosures in shaping investment and financing decisions.
The event wrapped up with a lively discussion on the future of sustainability reporting and climate resilience in Sri Lanka. Attendees were also informed about Deloitte Sri Lanka’s commitment to continue these dialogues through a series of sustainability-focused sessions designed to assist organisations in their sustainability initiatives.
Deloitte Sri Lanka remains dedicated to aiding organisations in navigating the changing sustainability landscape, enhancing resilience, adapting to new regulatory expectations, improving access to sustainable financing, and transforming climate-related disclosures into actionable strategies that promote long-term sustainable growth and bolster stakeholder confidence.
Image Caption – From left to right: Shailesh Tyagi, Leader – Climate Change and Sustainability, Deloitte South Asia; Zahra Cader, ESG, Government & Public Services Leader, Deloitte Sri Lanka; Chathumin Gunarathne, Partner – Audit & Assurance, Deloitte Sri Lanka; Piyush Yadav, Manager – Climate Change & Sustainability, Strategy, Risk & Transactions, Deloitte South Asia.
Financial Chronicle Biz English | Sri Lanka Business News.
