CIMA – JXG Pinnacle Awards 2025 crowns Sri Lanka’s corporate trailblazers

National Savings Bank General Manager/CEO Shashi Kandambi receiving the CIMA-JXG Pinnacle Awards – Business Leader of the Year 2025 (Gold)

AICPA & CIMA Chief Executive Management Accounting Andrew Harding 

JXG Managing Director/Group CEO Ramesh Schaffter 

The highly anticipated and prestigious CIMA – JXG Pinnacle Awards 2025 organised in collaboration with JXG (Janashakthi Group) and AICPA & CIMA Sri Lanka, was held on 11 June, at Cinnamon Life, Colombo and was a resounding success. 

Building on the legacy established by Janashakthi Insurance, the awards, previously celebrated as among Sri Lanka’s most prestigious business recognition platforms, have returned after an 18-year break and successfully resumed under JXG, Sri Lanka’s emerging financial conglomerate. 

The black-tie gala welcomed more than 250 business leaders, professionals and distinguished guests to celebrate excellence, leadership, and innovation throughout Sri Lanka’s corporate sector. The event was graced by AICPA & CIMA Chief Executive Management Accounting Andrew Harding FCMA CGMA and JXG Managing Director/Group CEO Ramesh Schaffter FCMA (UK) CGMA.

The CIMA – JXG Pinnacle Awards 2025 honoured exceptional accomplishments across a set of carefully curated categories, including Chief Financial Officer of the Year, CGMA Business Manager of the Year, Young CGMA Star of the Year, Digital Transformation Project of the Year, ESG Sustainable Champion of the Year, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Champion of the Year. Gold, Silver, and Bronze accolades were presented in each category. In addition, two special awards were presented: Business Leader of the Year 2025 and Management Team of the Year 2025. 

Ramesh Schaffter said: “The successful revival of the CIMA – JXG Pinnacle Awards symbolises more than recognition. The Pinnacle Awards celebrate those who demonstrate courage to innovate, discipline to deliver, and values that build a sustainable Sri Lanka. By celebrating these achievements, we inspire the next generation of leaders.”

A key highlight of the awards was the rigorous and transparent selection process. Winners were chosen by an independent panel of distinguished judges, comprising respected industry leaders and led by Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka Former Chairman Faizal Salieh. 

The judging panel included Microimage Group/MiHCM Director/CEO Harsha Purasinghe, Wijeya Newspapers Ltd., Daily FT Editor/CEO Nisthar Cassim, Convenience Foods PLC, National Credit Guarantee Institution Ltd., Green Peace South Asia Ltd., Non-Executive Director Sharmini Ratwatte, Union Bank of Colombo PLC and Employers’ Federation of Ceylon Chairman Dinesh Weerakkody, KPMG Partner Thamali Rodrigo, and University of Colombo Senior Professor (Chair) – Human Resource Management Prof. Arosha Adikaram.

ACMA (UK) CGMA Country Head Sri Lanka Tharindu Wijewardana said: “AICPA & CIMA are proud to collaborate with JXG. These awards highlight the highest standards of professional ethics, business leadership and strategic agility in a rapidly changing economy that current industry demands. Together with JXG, we believe it is timely to amplify the achievements of Sri Lanka’s finest organisations and professionals, showcasing how Sri Lankan enterprises are innovating with purpose.”

The successful return of the Pinnacle Awards establishes a foundation for continued recognition of business excellence in Sri Lanka. The event’s positive reception and high-quality participation signal strong industry support for annual recognition of outstanding corporate achievements.

List of winners

Individual Excellence Awards

Business Leader of the Year 2025

• Winner: National Savings Bank General Manager/CEO Sharmila Shashi Prabha Kandambi Jassim

Chief Financial Officer of the Year 2025

• Gold winner: MAS Holdings Chief Financial Officer Surath Chandrasena
• Silver winner: People’s Bank Head of Finance Azzam A. Ahamat
• Bronze winner: ACL Cables PLC Group Chief Financial Officer Mahesh Amarasiri

CGMA Business Manager of the Year 2025

• Gold winner: Ceylon Biscuits Ltd., (CBL) Head of Group Corporate Finance Mahesh Semage
• Silver winner: H Connect International Ltd., Manager – Finance Operations Damian Clifford Williams
• Bronze winner: MAS Holdings Deputy General Manager – Strategic Planning Asanka Udhara Samarasekera

Young CGMA Star of the Year 2025

• Gold winner: IKON CEO Kurugamage Jude Dulinda Gregory Perera
• Silver winner (Joint): Sanken Overseas Ltd., Manager – Corporate Finance Daluwathu Mulla Gamage Thanushi Chandradasa
• Silver winner (Joint): Fortude Ltd., Senior Digital Business Architect Keheliya Thamindu Amarasinghe

Organisational Excellence Award

Management Team of the Year 2025

• Winner: People’s Bank

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Champion of the Year 2025

• Gold winner: MAS Holdings
• Silver winner: Fortude Ltd.
• Bronze winner: H Connect International

ESG and Sustainability Award for the Year 2025

• Gold winner: MAS Holdings
• Silver winner: Hirdaramani International Exports Ltd.
• Bronze winner: Commercial Bank of Ceylon PLC

Digital Transformation Project of the Year 2025

• Gold winner: People’s Bank
• Silver winner: Citizens Development Business Finance PLC
• Bronze winner: LOLC Finance PLC