Deloitte Sri Lanka recently acted as the Strategic Partner for the Sri Lanka Corporate Director Summit 2026. This event, organized by the Sri Lanka Institute of Directors, took place at Cinnamon Grand Colombo and focused on pivotal discussions surrounding the enhancement of corporate governance and board leadership.
The summit, themed “Future-Ready Sri Lankan Boards – From Compliance to Sustainable Growth,” attracted over 350 board directors, senior executives, and governance experts, along with more than 15 international thought leaders. This occasion also celebrated the 25th anniversary of the Sri Lanka Institute of Directors’ commitment to promoting corporate governance and board leadership within the country.
Leaders from Deloitte played significant roles throughout the summit, participating as keynote speakers, panelists, and moderators. They brought a variety of local, regional, and global insights to the table, addressing critical issues that are increasingly influencing boardroom discussions.
A primary emphasis of Deloitte’s engagement was the increasing role 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 discussed the risks companies face by not embracing artificial intelligence, underscoring that the capacity to learn and adapt is determined more by leadership than by geographic factors. He identified curiosity, curation, and courage as vital leadership qualities and argued that effective governance is crucial for fostering responsible innovation. Additionally, he stated that a competitive edge is not solely derived 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, contributed as a panelist in the fireside chat titled “Future-Ready Sri Lankan Boards – The Road Ahead.” His input provided essential regional context, offering valuable insights on how boards can adapt to rapid technological advancements, shifting stakeholder expectations, and changing economic landscapes. He highlighted the necessity of clear guidance, effective communication, and building stakeholder trust to help organizations navigate uncertainty. The discussion also explored how boards can foster innovation and enhance organizational resilience.
Thivanka Jayasinghe, Partner and Head of Audit & Assurance at Deloitte Sri Lanka & Maldives, co-moderated the session on “Effective Boards Don’t Just Comply – They Lead.” This session evaluated how boards can transcend mere regulatory compliance by delivering stronger strategic direction and oversight, supported by independent judgment, constructive challenges, and effective governance frameworks.
Mayura Malagala, Human Capital Consulting and AI & Data Growth Office Leader at Deloitte Sri Lanka & Maldives, co-moderated the session titled “Talent & Culture – What Boards Can No Longer Ignore.” The conversation underscored the significance of workforce strategy, leadership, employee well-being, and organizational culture as critical boardroom priorities, especially as organizations address skills shortages, evolving employee expectations, new work methodologies, and technology-driven transformations.
Deloitte’s active participation in the summit demonstrated its dedication to fostering significant dialogues on corporate governance and board leadership, offering practical insights into emerging boardroom priorities and the future of governance in Sri Lanka. As organizations navigate a landscape of evolving economic, technological, and societal factors, robust and proactive board leadership will be crucial in enhancing resilience, sustaining stakeholder confidence, and generating long-term sustainable value.
For more information, you can view the event booklet here.
