Shehara De Silva selected for EY Entrepreneurial Winning Women

Monday, 23 March 2026 04:03 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

From left: EY Sri Lanka and Maldives Partner Head of Assurance Gayathri Manathunga, Country Managing Partner Duminda Hulangamuwa, McLarens Group Managing Director Shehara De Silva and EY Sri Lanka and Maldives Partner, Assurance Anoji De Silva

McLarens Group Managing Director Shehara De Silva

McLarens Group of Companies Managing Director Shehara De Silva has been named to the Asia Pacific Entrepreneurial Winning Women (EWW) Class of 2026 announced by Ernst & Young (EY), which recognises 23 women entrepreneurs leading some of the region’s fast-growing businesses.

EY Entrepreneurial Winning Women is a bespoke executive program designed to support high-potential, women-led businesses as they scale internationally. The program provides access to strategic insights, global networks, and experienced advisors to help founders accelerate growth and build long-term value. The selection of De Silva underscores her distinguished contributions and serves as a proud milestone for Sri Lanka on the world stage.

De Silva is the Managing Director of the McLarens Group, a diversified Sri Lankan conglomerate spanning shipping, logistics, bunkering, lubricants, manufacturing, property, hospitality, warehousing, and retail. With degrees from the London School of Economics and CASS Business School, she gained international experience in policy research, corporate banking, and maritime training in Singapore and Dubai before joining McLarens in 2003.

Since then, she has driven modernisation and strategic transformation across its 45+ companies and joint ventures, championing progressive leadership, system upgrades, business diversification, and workplace reform. Shehara is also the founding president of WISTA Sri Lanka and the first female Chairperson of CASA.

Part of EY’s global EWW community—launched in 2008 and now connecting 1,000+ women across 60+ markets—the Asia-Pacific program’s latest cohort spans industries from consumer products and life sciences to industrials, infrastructure, energy, media, and professional services, driving innovation, job creation, and inclusive growth across the region.

EY Sri Lanka and Maldives Country Managing Partner Duminda Hulangamuwa said: “We are delighted to see Shehara representing Sri Lanka in the EY EWW Asia-Pacific Class of 2026. Her innovative leadership truly embodies the spirit of this initiative. At EY, our commitment is to empower visionary women entrepreneurs, and Shehara’s success is an inspiration to many aspiring business leaders.”

EY Sri Lanka and Maldives Partner, Assurance Anoji De Silva added: “Shehara’s selection to the EY EWW Asia-Pacific Class of 2026 is a powerful example of what determined female leadership can achieve. We are proud to support her journey.”

Shehara De Silva’s selection spotlights Sri Lanka globally, with EY’s Entrepreneurial Winning Women program providing the exposure, mentorship, and connections to drive innovation—affirming EY Sri Lanka’s commitment to women entrepreneurs.