Prominent global and Sri Lankan leaders will gather to discuss the necessity for corporate boards to shift from mere compliance to fostering sustainable growth amid rapidly changing global dynamics.
As industries undergo transformation driven by artificial intelligence, the stakes for corporate governance have reached unprecedented levels. With mounting cybersecurity threats, geopolitical instability, economic fluctuations, and supply chain challenges testing corporate resilience, organizations are compelled to rethink their strategies for long-term value creation. In this context, boards are expected not only to fulfill compliance requirements but also to offer proactive leadership that fosters innovation, resilience, and sustainable development.
In response to these challenges, the Sri Lanka Institute of Directors (SLID) will convene the Sri Lanka Corporate Director Summit 2026 on July 22, 2026, at the Cinnamon Grand Colombo. The event is themed “Future-Ready Sri Lankan Directors – From Compliance to Sustainable Growth” and is positioned as Sri Lanka’s foremost leadership event for corporate boards.
This Summit promises to assemble an impressive array of globally recognized business leaders, governance specialists, academics, and prominent Sri Lankan directors to tackle a critical question: Are contemporary boards prepared not just to govern, but to confidently steer their organizations through an increasingly unpredictable landscape?
Keynote speaker H.E. Mohamed Nasheed, former President and Speaker of the Maldives, will share his insights on sustainability, resilience, and the significance of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors in driving long-term corporate success.
Additionally, Prof. Selva Pankaj, a noted entrepreneur and Group Chairman of Regent Global, will address how boards can spearhead innovation while effectively managing governance, risk, and sustainability. Drawing from extensive experience in international business and technology, he will provide actionable strategies for navigating disruption.
The theme of innovation and emerging technologies will be further explored by Duleesha Kulasooriya, Asia Pacific Innovation Leader and Managing Director at Deloitte’s Center for the Edge. Known for his expertise in anticipating disruption and identifying growth opportunities, he will encourage directors to evaluate whether current governance frameworks are advancing swiftly enough to match the pace of artificial intelligence and evolving business models.
Prof. Harin Sellahewa, Professor of Computing and Dean of the Faculty of Computing, Law and Psychology at the University of Buckingham, will delve into technology governance, highlighting the importance for directors to comprehend the strategic, legal, and ethical ramifications of artificial intelligence and cybersecurity as these issues gain prominence in board oversight.
Priyan Fernando, a respected corporate leader and board advisor with vast experience across Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, will provide practical insights into navigating transformation, strategy, and steering organizations through uncertain times.
Emphasizing the critical role of human capital, Himanshu Priyadarshi, Partner and Associate Director at Boston Consulting Group, will discuss how boards should manage workforce transformation, leadership development, and organizational resilience in an era driven by AI.
The future of leadership development will be examined by Prof. Deba Bardhan Correia, Dean at the University of Buckingham. Rajiv Krishnan, Managing Director and CEO of Ma Foi Strategic Consultants and Ma Foi Education Services, will also address why talent, culture, and productivity have emerged as essential priorities for boardroom discussions.
Alongside these international experts, the Summit will feature a distinguished group of Sri Lanka’s leading chairpersons, directors, CEOs, regulators, and governance professionals, creating a forum where global best practices intersect with the unique challenges faced by Sri Lankan boards.
Designed as an interactive experience rather than a conventional conference, the Summit will include four focused sessions followed by a concluding Fireside Chat, allowing participants to engage in discussions on the evolving landscape of governance and corporate leadership.
Among the topics to be addressed are the potential overshadowing of strategy by compliance, the necessity for directors to grasp artificial intelligence intricacies to avoid digital illiteracy as a governance risk, the impact of organizational culture on enterprise value, and how boards can enhance innovation, productivity, and resilience while maintaining stakeholder trust.
The event will conclude with a Fireside Chat on “Building Future-Ready Sri Lankan Boards – The Road Ahead,” featuring senior business leaders discussing the leadership mindset and governance priorities essential for shaping the future of Sri Lankan boardrooms.
As Sri Lanka aspires for renewed economic growth and enhanced global competitiveness, the quality of its board leadership is poised to become one of the country’s most significant competitive advantages.
The pivotal question for organizations is no longer solely about compliance; it is whether their boards are genuinely prepared for the future.
The Sri Lanka Corporate Director Summit 2026 is scheduled for Wednesday, July 22, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Cinnamon Grand Colombo. Registrations are now open. For inquiries, please call 076 545 4279 or email events@slid.lk.
