Global thought leaders to converge at SLASSCOM People Summit 2026

The SLASSCOM People Summit 2026 is set to bring together some of the most influential global and regional voices in technology, leadership, and human capital, reinforcing the Sri Lanka Association for Software Services Companies’ (SLASSCOM) commitment to placing people at the heart of Sri Lanka’s digital and innovation-led future. 

Virtusa Executive Vice President Venkatesan Vijayaraghavan will deliver the summit’s keynote address titled ‘The Human Code: Where People Thrive in a Tech-Driven World.’ A respected global leader, Vijayaraghavan will explore how organisations can unlock sustainable success by blending technological advancement with human-centric leadership, culture, and empathy, an increasingly critical balance in today’s fast-evolving digital landscape.

Joining him as a keynote speaker is Sysco Chief Information Officer – Americas and Vice President – Global Supply Chain and Merchandising Technology Navin Advani. In his session, ‘People at the Core of Innovation: How People and Technology Can Scale with Purpose,’ Advani will share insights on how large, complex organisations can scale responsibly by aligning technological innovation with talent, values, and organisational purpose.

Oceans Chief Experience Officer Matt Wallaert will present ‘Disrupted | Reimagined | Rebuilt: Winning in the Tech Marketplace,’ offering a compelling perspective on how organisations can navigate disruption, redesign experiences, and rebuild for resilience in competitive global markets.

Sysco LABS Managing Director Thushera Kawdawatta will take the stage with ‘The Future of Work Is Human: Putting People at the Core of Transformation.’ His session will highlight how human-centred strategies, culture, and leadership play a decisive role in driving successful digital transformation journeys.

From a human capital and workforce evolution lens, Deloitte Sri Lanka and Maldives Director – Human Capital Consulting Upekha Ukuwela will deliver insights on ‘Compensation Trends Shaping 2026 and Beyond.’ Her session will unpack emerging reward strategies, talent expectations, and how organisations can stay competitive in attracting and retaining top talent.

Adding to this critical conversation, Deloitte Sri Lanka and Maldives Human Capital Consulting, Engineering AI and Data, and Growth Office Leader Mayura Malagala will present ‘Beyond the Fear: Debunking Myths About Jobs in the Age of Technology.’ His session will challenge common misconceptions around automation and Artificial Intelligence (AI), offering clarity on how technology can augment, not replace, human potential.

SLASSCOM Chairperson Shehani Seneviratne said: “The SLASSCOM People Summit 2026 is a powerful reflection of our belief that ‘People augmented with Technology drives progress.’ As such, this summit brings together global thought leaders to challenge conventional thinking and inspire organisations to build future-ready workplaces where innovation and people grow together.”

The event is backed by a strong line-up of sponsors, including Virtusa as Global Industry Partner, Sysco LABS as Thought Leadership Partner, IFS as Innovation Partner, and N-able as Technology Partner.

Together, these sessions position the SLASSCOM People Summit 2026 as a definitive platform for leaders, HR professionals, and decision-makers to explore how people, purpose, and technology can converge to shape the future of work and innovation.