Future-ready Boards must put talent and culture at centre of governance

• Sri Lanka Corporate Director Summit 2026 to examine why talent and culture have become critical boardroom priorities

As organisations compete in an era defined by rapid technological change, evolving workforce expectations and increasing stakeholder scrutiny, boards are recognising that talent and organisational culture are no longer operational concerns—they are strategic governance priorities. The organisations that attract, develop and retain exceptional talent while fostering high-performance cultures will be those best positioned to create sustainable long-term value. 

Reflecting this growing imperative, the Sri Lanka Institute of Directors (SLID) will present a thought provoking session titled “Talent and Culture – What Boards Can No Longer Ignore” at the Sri Lanka Corporate Director Summit 2026, bringing together globally recognised experts, business leaders and governance professionals to discuss the board’s expanding responsibility in shaping future-ready organisations. 

The session will explore how boards must move beyond traditional oversight of financial performance to actively govern leadership succession, talent strategy, organisational culture, employee wellbeing and workforce capability. It will also examine how human capital has become one of the most significant drivers of innovation, productivity, resilience and long-term competitiveness. 

The keynote program features an exceptional line-up of international thought leaders. Joining virtually from Washington D.C., the World Bank Group Global Head of Talent and Career Development Edith Umole, will deliver a keynote on “The Board’s Responsibility for Talent,” highlighting why succession planning, leadership development and talent oversight should be viewed as core governance responsibilities. 

University of Buckingham, United Kingdom Dean of the Faculty of Business, Humanities and Social Sciences Professor Deba Bardhan Correia, will present “Talent – The New Currency for Boardroom Governance,” examining how boards can create lasting competitive advantage through strategic investment in people. 

From India, Ma Foi Strategic Consultants and Ma Foi Education Services Managing Director and CEO Rajiv Krishnan, will discuss “The Board’s Talent Agenda: Leadership, Culture and Long-Term Value Creation,” sharing practical insights into how boards can align people strategy with business performance. 

Completing the keynote line-up is Boston Consulting Group (BCG), India, People Strategy Partner and Associate Director Himanshu Priyadarshi who will present “HR Intelligence: The New Currency of Board Sustainability and Long-Term Value Creation,” exploring how data-driven human capital strategies are reshaping boardroom decision-making. 

The panel discussion will feature leading experts from across the region, including PeopleStrong CEO for India, Middle East and South East Asia Sandeep Chaudhary; HR Cornucopia Managing Director Ahmedali N.; Hemas Holdings PLC Chief People and Corporate Affairs Officer Ravi Jayasekera; Leadership Coach and Corporate Druids Managing Director Dr. Mihirini de Zoysa, and Consultant in General and Interventional Cardiology Dr. Gotabhaya Ranasinghe, who will offer perspectives on leadership resilience, organisational wellbeing and sustainable performance. 

The discussion will be moderated by Deloitte Sri Lanka and Maldives,Human Capital Consulting, Engineering AI and Data, and Growth Office Leader Mayura Malagala together with University of Buckingham, United Kingdom Lecturer in Accounting and Finance Cathrine Weerakkody, bringing together governance, leadership and organisational perspectives on one of the most critical issues facing modern boards. 

The session delivers a clear message to directors: talent is capital, and culture is the operating system that enables that capital to create value. Productivity is no longer simply a management concern—it is increasingly a boardroom responsibility. Boards that actively oversee succession planning, leadership capability, workforce engagement and organisational culture will be better equipped to build resilient organisations capable of sustaining growth in an increasingly competitive global economy. 

The Sri Lanka Corporate Director Summit 2026, organised by the Sri Lanka Institute of Directors (SLID) as part of its 25th Anniversary celebrations, will be held on 22 July 2026 at the Cinnamon Grand Colombo. Bringing together over 15 international thought leaders, alongside over 350 board directors, CEOs, regulators and senior executives, the Summit will provide an unparalleled platform to explore the governance challenges shaping the future of business. 

Registration: SLID Members: Rs. 30,000

| Non-Members: Rs. 35,000 Corporate group discounts are available. For registrations and inquiries: [email protected] | 076 545 4279