Trust, reputation and leadership to take centre stage at Sri Lanka Corporate Director Summit 2026

In an era where a single social media post can erode decades of brand equity, stakeholder expectations continue to evolve, and talent, culture and corporate purpose increasingly determine long-term business success, the responsibilities of corporate boards have never been greater. Today’s directors must navigate uncertainty, oversee emerging risks, safeguard reputation, inspire stakeholder confidence and create sustainable value in an increasingly complex and interconnected world.

Against this backdrop, the Sri Lanka Institute of Directors (SLID) will host the Sri Lanka Corporate Director Summit 2026 on 22 July at Cinnamon Grand Colombo under the theme, “Future-Ready Sri Lankan Directors: From Compliance to Sustainable Growth.” Bringing together internationally respected business leaders, governance experts and industry practitioners, the Summit will examine the issues reshaping boardrooms and redefining corporate leadership through keynote addresses, panel discussions and executive conversations.

A key highlight of the program will be the keynote address by AP Moller Maersk Head of Public Policy and Regulatory Affairs (India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka) and Maersk Bharat IFSCA Ltd. Director Vivek Sharma. In his address, “The New Reputation Risk Landscape – Social Media, Activism, Cyber Incidents and the Board’s Oversight Responsibility,” he will explore how boards can strengthen governance and oversight as organisations face unprecedented public scrutiny in an increasingly connected world.

The conversation will continue with Nestlé Lanka Chairman and Managing Director Manav Sahni during the panel discussion “Trust is Capital – Why Reputation is a Boardroom Issue.” Drawing on extensive leadership experience, he will share practical insights into building stakeholder trust, protecting corporate reputation and strengthening one of an organisation’s most valuable strategic assets.

Leadership, governance and long-term value creation will also take centre stage during an exclusive Fireside Chat featuring Unilever Sri Lanka Chairman and CEO and Regional Head for Unilever’s businesses in Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Cambodia and Laos Ali Tariq; Galle Face Hotel Group Chairman Sanjeev Gardiner; and Commercial Bank of Ceylon PLC Chairman Sharhan Muhseen.

Representing three of Sri Lanka’s top corporate leaders, they will reflect on leading organisations through periods of disruption, driving transformation and making strategic decisions that create enduring value. Muhseen brings more than 25 years of regional and international investment banking experience, having held senior leadership positions at JPMorgan, Merrill Lynch and Credit Suisse, he was the Joint Awardee of the Sri Lanka Institute of Directors ‘Most Outstanding Independent Director Award in 2025. Together, the three leaders will offer delegates candid perspectives on leadership, resilience, governance and the boardroom decisions that shape successful organisations.

Recognising that sustainable competitive advantage is ultimately built through people, the Summit will also spotlight talent and organisational culture through the panel discussion “Talent and Culture – What Boards Can No Longer Ignore.” The session will feature Corporate Druids Ltd Managing Director Dr. Mihirini de Zoysa, an internationally accredited leadership coach, whose expertise in executive coaching and organisational transformation has helped leaders and organisations navigate complex change. Joining her will be Dr. Gotabhaya Ranasinghe, one of Sri Lanka’s most distinguished Consultant Cardiologists, former President of the Sri Lanka College of Cardiology and recipient of the National APEX Award. Bringing together perspectives from leadership, organisational development and human performance, the discussion will examine why boards must view talent, culture, resilience and wellbeing as strategic drivers of long-term organisational performance.

More than a conference, the Sri Lanka Corporate Director Summit 2026 is a platform for directors, CEOs and senior executives to exchange ideas, challenge conventional thinking and learn from globally respected leaders who are shaping the future of governance. Participants will gain practical insights into emerging boardroom priorities, evolving governance expectations and the leadership capabilities required to succeed in a rapidly changing business environment.

By fostering stronger governance, promoting responsible leadership and encouraging boardroom excellence, the Summit seeks to strengthen investor confidence and support Sri Lanka’s ambition to build a more competitive, resilient and sustainable corporate sector. As boards confront an increasingly dynamic global landscape, the Summit offers a timely opportunity to learn from leaders at the forefront of corporate transformation, governance excellence and sustainable value creation.