Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya

Chief Advisor to the President of Sri Lanka on Digital Economy

Dr Wijayasuriya is the Chief Advisor to the President of Sri Lanka on Digital Economy. He is also the Chairman of GovTech Sri Lanka.

Dr Wijayasuriya stepped down from his position as Chief Executive Officer – Telecommunications Business and Group Executive Director at Axiata Group (one of Asia’s largest Digital Connectivity Providers), inJanuary 2025 to accept an invitation from the President of Sri Lanka to lead the country’s Digital TransformationAgenda in the capacity of the Chief Advisor to the President on Digital Economy.

Dr Wijayasuriya’s career in the Telecommunication’s Industry spans 30 Years, over 25 of which have been at CEO level. Dr Wijayasuriya was honored (in 2024) with the “Chairman’s Award” by the GSM Association in recognition of outstanding contribution to the global mobile industry. Previously in 2017, Dr Wijayasuriya was the recipient of the “Outstanding Contribution to the Asian Mobile Industry” Award in its inaugural year of award.

Dr Wijayasuriya served as a member of the Board of Directors of the GSMA during the period 2022-24. Dr Wijayasuriya is also a Past Chair of GSM Asia Pacific, the regional interest group of the GSMA and also served on the Board of the tmforum.

Dr Wijayasuriya is a Past Chair of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce and has played an active role in Sri Lanka’s ICT sector and broader public sector on an honorary basis. Dr Wijayasuriya is a Past Chairman of the Arthur. C. Clarke Institute for Modern Technologies and has served on the founding boards of the Information and Communications Technology Agency of Sri Lanka (ICTA), and the Sri Lanka Institute for Nano-Technology (SLINTEC).

In his previous role as the CEO for Telecommunications Business at Axiata, Dr Wijayasuriya led the pan-region Telecommunications Operations of the Axiata Group Bhd., spanning the markets of Malaysia,Indonesia, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Cambodia. Dr Wijayasuriya served on the Board of the Axiata Group in the capacity of Group Executive Director, and was also the Founding CEO of Axiata Digital Services – the Group’s Digital Services Business and the Founding Chair of Axiata Digital Labs, the multi-country Software Innovation and Digital Transformation unit of the Axiata Group.

Dr. Wijayasuriya graduated from the University of Cambridge UK in 1989. He subsequently obtained his PhD in Digital Mobile Communications from the University of Bristol UK in 1994. A Chartered Engineer and Fellow of the Institute of Engineering Technology UK, Dr. Wijayasuriya also holds an MBA from the University of Warwick UK

Prof. Harin Sellahewa

Dean of Faculty of Computing, Law and Psychology, and Professor of Computing at the University of Buckingham.

"Leading the AI Conversation at Work: The HR Leader’s Playbook"

Professor Harin Sellahewa is an Executive member and leads the Faculty of Computing, Law and Psychology at the University of Buckingham, combining applied research with student-focused education. He champions interdisciplinary innovation, academic excellence, and digital transformation in higher education.

His expertise spans Artificial Intelligence, computer vision, biometrics and digital twins. He has contributed significantly to institutional strategy, including curriculum innovation, research, degree apprenticeships, and Transnational Education (TNE) partnerships. His leadership has cultivated partnerships that bridge academic research with real-world applications, enhancing both student experience and regional economic development.

He has authored 50+ peer-reviewed papers and supervised over a dozen PhD projects linking fundamental science with real-world impact. Current interests include AI and Law, AI in Higher Education, AI for Sustainability and Responsible AI. He regularly appears as an expert on national and international TV, radio, print, and panels discussing AI, education, and skills.

A strong proponent of inclusive, future-ready computing education, he promotes diversity in STEM through outreach, school workshops, and public engagement. His contributions earned recognition as a finalist for the STEM Ambassador Award at the MK STEM Awards (2025). As a thought leader and educator, he continues to shape computing and higher education through research, policy, and pedagogy.

Mr. Kul Mahay

Executive Leadership Consultant |Director at Ignite Your Inner Potential Ltd

"The Architecture of Trust: Leadership & Deep Literacy in a Fragmented World"

Kul Mahay is an internationally experienced leadership consultant, executive coach, speaker and specialist in Human Centred Leadership and emotional intelligence. Drawing on almost four decades of leadership experience, including a distinguished career as a senior police leader and Gold Commander for critical incidents, Kul brings a rare combination of operational leadership, behavioural insight and practical executive experience to his work.

He advises and develops executive teams and senior leaders across major infrastructure, higher education, financial services, healthcare and public sector organisations in the UK, Ireland and Sri Lanka.

His work focuses on executive team performance, organisational culture, psychological safety, trust, emotional intelligence and leading through complex change. Kul is the creator and host of The Human-Centred Leadership Podcast, now spanning more than 135 episodes and downloaded in over 120 countries.

He has delivered a TEDx talk on emotional intelligence. He has also brought the conversation about Human Centred Leadership to the UK House of Lords.

At the heart of Kul’s work is a simple belief: leadership is not defined by position, but by the experience we create for the people we lead.

Dr. Ranjan De Silva

Managing Director / Chief Catalyst at Purposeful Leadership Ltd

"How Do We Strengthen Our Human Edge in an AI-Driven World?"

Dr. Ranjan L G De Silva is an internationally recognised leadership development practitioner, researcher and author with over two decades of experience in executive leadership, organisational transformation and leadership development. His work focuses on Purposeful Leadership, human intelligence and human flourishing in an AI-driven world.

He is the Founder and Chief Catalyst of Purposeful Leadership (Pvt) Ltd. and has worked extensively across Asia, supporting organisations to strengthen purpose, leadership effectiveness, innovation and human potential. His doctoral research at Hult Ashridge Executive Education explored the development of purposefulness in individuals, leaders and organisations.

A Fellow and Gold Medallist of the Chartered Institute of Marketing (UK), Dr. De Silva is also a sought-after keynote speaker who has addressed major conferences in Sri Lanka and internationally, including the CIPM National HR Conference.

Ms. Arpita Chakraborty

Senior Director - Organisation & Talent Strategy at Mercer

"Unleashing the Human Edge: Global Talent Priorities for Stellar Performance"

Arpita is a Senior Director At Mercer India, leading large scale organization, work & workforce transformation across industries across India & Sri Lanka. She is Mercer India’s Practice leader on Future of Work & Transformation– working with organizations across industries to design & activate an integrated skills powered organization.

With 17+ years of experience, Arpita is proficient in helping businesses transform with fit for purpose organization design, cost efficient workforce & talent strategy, future fit job architectures, employee experience & working across M&A mandates.

Prof. Ajantha Dharmasiri

Senior Professor in Management, Former Director of the Postgraduate Institute of Management and Past President of CIPM Sri Lanka

"Authentic Leadership for AI HI Harmony"

Prof. Ajantha Dharmasiri has a rare combination of being a Chartered Manager, Chartered HR Professional and Chartered Electrical Engineer. He is acclaimed as a conference speaker, corporate trainer, strategy consultant, author and academic.

He became the first home-grown Senior Professor in Management of the Postgraduate Institute of Management (PIM), University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka, and was a former Director / Chairman of the Board of Management of the institute.

He is the President of the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) – Sri Lanka Chapter. Being a Past President of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM), he became the first Sri Lankan to lead both CMI and CIPM.

He was also a Vice President of the Asia Pacific Federation of Human Resource Management (APFHRM). He is an Adjunct Professor at the Price College of Business, University of Oklahoma.He was the editor of the pioneering Sri Lankan Journal of Management (SLJM).

Prof. Dharmasiri is a Commonwealth AMDISA Doctoral Fellow, Fulbright Postdoctoral Fellow, and Commonwealth Postdoctoral Fellow. He is also an independent director of several boards and serves on several governing councils.He carries three decades of private and public sector experience, including experience with Unilever and Nestlé, together with consultancy engagements in Asia, Africa and the Middle East.

He has transitioned himself from being an “Engineer of Electrical” to an “Engineer of Hearts and Minds.”

Ms. Wasanthi Stephen

Group Chief Human Resources Officer at Janashakthi Group

Wasanthi Stephen brings over 24 years of extensive experience in the Human Resources industry in Sri Lanka. Her expertise spans talent management, employee relations, industrial dispute resolution, mentoring and counseling, strategic HR planning, and learning and development. She has worked across diverse sectors including hospitality, real estate, telecommunications, manufacturing, financial services, and insurance. Her career includes roles includes in some of the large companies such as Sri Lanka Telecom, Cinnamon Lakeside Hotel, John Keells Holdings, and Shangri-La Hotels Colombo and Hambantota.

Currently, Wasanthi serves as the Group Chief Human Resources Officer for the Janashakthi Group (JXG), where she oversees HR operations for Janashakthi Ltd, First Capital Holdings PLC, Orient Finance PLC, Janashakthi Insurance PLC, Janashakthi Business Services (Pvt) Ltd, Beckett Capital (Pvt) Ltd, and Janashakthi Corporate Services Ltd.

In addition to her legal background as an Attorney-at-Law, she holds an International Master of Business Administration from Canterbury Christ Church University (UK). She is a Chartered Member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management and a Professional Member of the Association of HR Professionals. Wasanthi is also a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) and holds memberships with the International Coaching Federation (ICF) USA and the ICF Colombo Chapter. She is a Life Member of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka.

Mr. Ravi Jayasekera

Chief People & Corporate Affairs Officer at Hemas Holdings PLC.

Ravi Jayasekera is a transformative HR and business leader with over 20 years of leadership experience spanning Sri Lanka, Hong Kong, Australia, Mauritius, and the UK. He is recognised for redefining traditional HR models through innovative, people-centered strategies that deliver business impact.

Ravi joined Hemas in 2022 as Group Chief People Officer and later served as Acting CEO in 2024–2025, a period during which the Group delivered it’s highest ever earnings despite a dynamic external environment.

Following his tenure as Acting CEO, Ravi took on additional responsibility for Corporate Affairs, alongside his role as Group Chief People Officer. He now leads Group-wide strategy across people, communications, stakeholder engagement, sustainability, and the Hemas brand.

A firm believer in the power of human potential, Ravi is driven by a clear mission: to help people succeed and organizations transform.

Mr. Sahad Mukhthar

Director – Strategy and Transformation at Brandix Apparel (Pvt) Ltd

Sahad is an innovative and visionary leader with over 25 years of extensive experience across diverse industries both in Sri Lanka and internationally. His expertise spans FMCG, Apparel Manufacturing, Plantations, and Oils and Fats industries, where he has held senior management and C-suite positions in Business Strategy and Transformation, Human Resources Management, Finance and Treasury Management, Supply-chain & Logistics management, and Project Management functions.

Notably, Sahad is recognized as a reputable trainer in Professional qualifications and Undergraduate programs, having conducted numerous corporate training programs in Finance and General Management areas. His academic credentials include a Doctorate and Master’s in Business Administration from the European Continental University, complemented by a Bachelor’s in Business Administration (Honors) Degree from the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka. Additionally, he is a Chartered Certified Accountant (UK) and a Chartered Global Management Accountant (UK).

Mr. Kanishka Ranaweera

Deputy General Manager, Human Resources at Commercial Bank of Ceylon

Kanishka Ranaweera is the Deputy General Manager Human Resources (Designate) at Commercial Bank of Ceylon PLC. He holds Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) Degree and Master of Business Administration (MBA) Degree from the University of Colombo, Sri Lanka. In professional sphere, he is an Attorney-at-Law of the Supreme Court of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka. He is also an Associate Member cum Executive Council Member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management Sri Lanka (CIPM).

To date, Kanishka counts over 18 years of HR leadership experience in different industries including, among others, Banking, Business Process Outsourcing (BPO), Telecommunications, Fast-moving Consumer Goods (FMCG), Pharmaceutical, Manufacturing, Shipping and Freight forwarding, and Insurance in reputable global Multinational Enterprises (MNEs) and blue-chip companies in Sri Lanka.

Before joining his current employer, Kanishka held the position of Vice President - Human Resources at HSBC (The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited) - Global Service Center, Sri Lanka and was responsible for managing over 2,800 employees providing services for 64 countries across the globe.

Kanishka also served as the Chief People Officer (CPO) at Bharti Airtel Lanka (pvt) Ltd (BAL) for 6 years and was instrumental in re-defining the HR strategy of Sri Lanka Airtel business operation in line with its overall business strategy. Under his leadership BAL won the “Great Place to Work” award for 5 consecutive years and in the year 2021 BAL was admitted to the prestigious “Asia’s Best workplaces to work list” published by Great Place to Work Institute.

The stint he had as the Head of HR in Glaxo Smith Kline (GSK) supply chain and pharmaceutical divisions enabled him making significant strides towards these divisions having received many accolades, encapsulating “GSK Global Winning Performance Awards” for best talent management practices for year 2013.

Another vital aspect of Kanishka’s professional engagements is his passion for addressing, from time to time, national and international fora. It is noteworthy that he was invited to be a guest speaker in the World HRD Congress 2019 and Graduate School of Business Administration of Meiji University, Tokyo, Japan in 2024. In 2018 Kanishka was conferred the title of “50 Top Global HR Tech Minds” at the World HRD Congress.

He also sustains a close association with academia by carrying out the role of Visiting Faculty at the University of Colombo, University of Kelaniya & University of Sabaragamuwa, Sri Lanka. Kanishka also served as a committee member of the expert panel appointed for curriculum revision of multiple national universities.

Mr. Dinesh Weerakkody

Chairman at Union Bank of Colombo PLC

Mr. Dinesh Weerakkody is a business leader, corporate director and public policy advisor with extensive experience in banking, investment, corporate governance, human capital and economic policy.

He is Chairman of Union Bank of Colombo PLC and the Sri Lanka Institute of Directors (SLID), and serves on the boards of several leading listed companies. He has previously served as Chairman of the Board of Investment of Sri Lanka, the Colombo Port City Economic Commission, Hatton National Bank PLC, Commercial Bank of Ceylon PLC, the Employees’ Trust Fund Board of Sri Lanka, the International Chamber of Commerce Sri Lanka, and the Employers’ Federation of Ceylon.

He has also held several senior government advisory positions, including serving as Treasury Adviser to the President of Sri Lanka.

Mr. Weerakkody holds an MBA from the University of Leicester and is a Fellow of CIMA (UK) and CMA Sri Lanka. He is also a Professional Member of the Singapore Human Resource Institute. He holds an Honorary Doctorate in Business Administration and, in recognition of his contribution to the nation, was conferred the national honour Sri Lanka Shikhamani .

Mr. Damith Pallewatte

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer at Hatton National Bank PLC

Mr. Damith Pallewatte is a senior banking and risk management professional with 30 years of experience in the financial services industry. He currently serves as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Hatton National Bank PLC, having previously held several key leadership roles including Acting CEO, Deputy General Manager – Wholesale Banking, Chief Risk Officer and Chief Information Security Officer.

He also serves as Chairman of HNB Investment Bank, Vice Chairman of the Asian Bankers Association, and holds leadership and board roles in several industry institutions.

Mr. Pallewatte holds an MBA from PIM, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, and a BSc (Hons) in Management from the London School of Economics. He is a Financial Risk Manager, Sustainability and Climate Risk Professional, Fellow of CIMA (UK), and CGMA.

Ms. Manjula Mathews

Non-Independent Non-Executive Director at Janashakthi Group | Chairperson at First Capital Treasuries PLC | Deputy Chairperson of First Capital Holdings PLC

Manjula Mathews is an experienced corporate leader and board director with over three decades of experience across finance, marketing and general management in Sri Lanka and the UK. She currently serves as Chairperson of First Capital Treasuries PLC, Deputy Chairperson of First Capital Holdings PLC, and Director of Janashakthi PLC

She is also a Director of Habitat for Humanity International and has increasingly focused on counselling, teaching and supervising counselling interns. Manjula is a Fellow of CIMA and holds an MA, MBA and professional qualifications in counselling

Mr. Suren Fernando

Group Chief Executive Officer at MAS Holdings (Pvt) Ltd

Suren Fernando is the Group Chief Executive Officer of MAS Holdings, with over 25 years of experience within the organisation. He previously served as Chief Transformation Officer, leading MAS’ 2025 transformation, and as CEO and Chief Operating Officer of MAS Intimates.

He holds a BSc in Engineering from the University of Moratuwa and is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (UK). His executive education includes programmes at Wharton, INSEAD, Ashridge, Henley and Harvard Business School.

He also serves as an Independent Non-Executive Director of John Keells Holdings PLC and as a board member of World Vision Sri Lanka.

Ms. Davina Kern

Chief Human Resources Officer at Central Bank of Sri Lanka

Davina possesses 25 plus years of experience out of which 22 years contributing to the field of Human Resource Management. She has served companies such as Aitken Spence & Co., MAS Holdings, McLarens Group, David Pieris Group of Companies, Hela Clothing and currently serves as Chief Human Resources Officer at the Central Bank of Sri Lanka. She has been instrumental in employee centralizations/ rationalizations / HR

system designs & implementation / Talent Management / Competency framework development at large whilst being a HR generalist giving leadership to teams. Davina has worked with ‘Delloitte Consultancy’ India and was actively involved in a HR system design and implementation at MAS at a Group level.

Davina has been instrumental in receiving awards such as AHRP/’Great Place to Work’ /NBEA etc... for her employers. She won the ‘HR Leaders Award – Talent Acquisition 2018’ at the National HR Conference organized by the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management Sri Lanka in 2018.

Davina holds a MBA from Cardiff Metropolitan UK, a HND holder of the Association of Business Executives UK, NDHR by CIPM Sri Lanka. She is an Associate Member of ABE UK, a Chartered Member of CIPM SL and a Member of AHRP. She is also a certified coach by the ICF and a Certified HR Auditor. She has also earned certifications in Strategic HRM by LAHES – NUS, Leadership workshops by FrancklinCovery South Asia, Assessment Centres / Job Analysis & Design respectively by SHL India & HAY Group India. Davina is also an NLP practitioner with her recently accolated certification. Davina is a ‘change catalyst’ who has supported her employers in managing change successfully through learning / coaching interventions.

Eng. Thusith Gunawarnasuriya

Chief Executive Officer at Siam City Cement (Lanka) Limited.

Thusith C. Gunawarnasuriya is the Chief Executive Officer of Siam City Cement (Lanka) Ltd, providing strategic leadership and overall direction to drive sustainable growth, operational excellence, and organizational performance.

Prior to his appointment as CEO, he served as the Chief Operating Officer of the company and previously as the Chief Executive Officer of Lanwa Cement, where he led significant transformational initiatives within the cement industry.

With a diverse career spanning multinational and local enterprises, Thusith has held key operational positions in Lion Brewery (Ceylon) PLC, Hemas Manufacturing (Pvt) Ltd, Fonterra Brands Lanka (Pvt) Ltd, GlaxoSmithKline, Holcim (Lanka) Ltd, and MAS Active, both in Sri Lanka and overseas. His extensive experience has made him a recognized contributor to business strategy, operations, and supply chain knowledge forums locally and internationally.

Academically, Thusith holds a Bachelor of Science (Honors) in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from the University of Peradeniya, a Master of Business Administration from the University of Colombo, and a Master of Science in Business and Organizational Psychology from Coventry University, UK. He has also completed Executive Leadership Development programs at IMD (Switzerland) and the National University of Singapore.

His professional affiliations include memberships in IEEE (US), CILT (UK) as a Chartered Member, ISMM (SL), and IESL (SL). Additionally, he has earned the prestigious Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) title, having served as a past Area Governor and past President of the IESL Toastmasters Club, leading the club to win the Golden Gavel.

Beyond his corporate and leadership endeavors, Thusith has a deep passion for off-road driving and wildlife photography, as well as an interest in farming.