BNI Sri Lanka targets 5,000-member network as leaders urge AI, collaboration and entrepreneurship

SLNC Organising Committee 

By Michelle Therese Alles

Business leaders urged entrepreneurs to embrace collaboration, resilience, and disciplined adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) as BNI Sri Lanka unveiled plans to expand its membership beyond 5,000 to strengthen support for the country’s micro, small and medium-sized enterprise (MSME) sector at the BNI Sri Lanka National Conference 2026.

Addressing more than 400 delegates from Sri Lanka and overseas, including participants from India, Japan, Bahrain, and Taiwan, BNI Sri Lanka National Director Hemu Suvarna said the organisation aims to build a larger business referral network capable of creating greater opportunities for entrepreneurs across Sri Lanka.

“We are on a mission to help Sri Lanka’s MSME sector grow to the next level and we are building a community where businesses help each other grow. Going forward, we are looking to grow BNI Sri Lanka to a position where more than 5,000 members come together, helping each other,” Suvarna said.

Suvarna said BNI’s referral-driven model had already facilitated multi-billion-rupee business opportunities among its members and would continue expanding its presence across the country while strengthening entrepreneurial collaboration.

Echoing this vision, BNI Sri Lanka District Director Santhosh Radhakrishnan said the organisation’s referral-based business model had been its greatest strength during Sri Lanka’s recent economic challenges, enabling members to continue supporting one another through referrals and helping sustain business activity while strengthening long-term professional relationships.

Radhakrishnan added that BNI would continue strengthening existing chapters while expanding its footprint across Sri Lanka to create greater opportunities for entrepreneurs.

Over the past 12 months, BNI Sri Lanka generated Rs. 700 million in business through 2,033 referrals. The organisation currently comprises 468 members across 18 chapters and forms part of Business Network International (BNI), which operates in 78 countries with over 355,000 members.

The Conference also featured a fireside conversation with Odel and Embark Founder Otara Gunewardene, who encouraged aspiring entrepreneurs to stop waiting for the “perfect” moment to launch a business, stressing that successful ventures are built by starting small, rather than delaying their ambitions until conditions appeared ideal.

“There is no perfect time. Especially if you’re not experienced, it’s easier to start small and adapt as you learn,” she said.

Drawing on her entrepreneurial journey, she also highlighted the importance of resilience, purpose, and continuous innovation in building sustainable businesses.

Delivering the keynote address, Zoho Corporation Director and Zoho Schools of Learning President Rajendran Dandapani focused on AI optimisation, urging businesses to adopt AI strategically rather than treating it as a universal solution.

Introducing his ABC Framework, Dandapani encouraged organisations to understand when to “Accelerate”, “Brake,” and “Control” the use of AI to maximise business value while maintaining human judgement in critical decision-making. He also urged organisations to “refuse the AI tax,” cautioning businesses against paying a premium for AI solutions that fail to deliver measurable value.

The Conference concluded with awards recognising outstanding members, leadership teams, and chapters for excellence in referrals, business growth, and chapter performance through the BNI Connect platform. Awards were presented across categories, including Best Chapter, Lifetime Gold Club achievers, Highest Referrals Passed, and other individual and chapter achievements.