SLASSCOM People Summit 2026: Powering human-tech future

Panel discussion on “Innovation in Action: Turning Ideas into Scalable, Human-Impactful Solutions”

The People Summit 2026 set the stage for a bold vision of the future of work, where innovation meets empathy and people, not machines, drive progress. Titled “Human + Tech: The New Equation – Building Capabilities, Connecting People, Shaping What’s Next”, it brought together thought leaders and industry professionals to explore how technology empowers people rather than replacing them.

SLASSCOM Chairperson Shehani Seneviratne opened the summit emphasising the need for reskilling and upskilling in a technology-driven world, noting that AI and emerging technologies should amplify human potential while strengthening Sri Lanka’s position as a hub for innovation and talent development.

Keynote sessions set a high benchmark. Virtusa EVP Venkatesan Vijayaraghavan in The Human Code: Where People Thrive in a Tech-Driven World, highlighted that organisational success stems from blending technology with human-centric leadership, culture, and empathy. Sysco CIO – Americas and VP, Global Supply Chain and Merchandising Technology Navin Advani, speaking on People at the Core of Innovation, emphasised that innovation is driven by people, with AI amplifying human potential, and stressed trust, ownership, and accountability. Oceans CXO Matt Wallaert in his session on Disrupted | Reimagined | Rebuilt, shared insights on navigating disruption, underscoring personal growth and multidimensional development to boost engagement and productivity.

A series of interesting panel discussions offered diverse perspectives. “Human-Centred Workplace Culture, Wellbeing and Hybrid Success”, with Dr. Kavinda De Silva, Andrea Jayatilleka, and Michelle Senanayake, moderated by Azeem Saheer, explored how inclusive cultures and hybrid models enhance wellbeing and engagement. “Future Voices: Gen Z + Multigenerational Teams”, with Mithila Wegapitiya, Arun Haridharshan, and Sharya Unamboowe, moderated by Hashani Ruberu, examined bridging generational gaps to empower younger talent. “Innovation in Action: Turning Ideas into Scalable, Human-Impactful Solutions”, featuring Sampath Jayasundara, Poornaka Delpachitra, Nevindaree Premarathne, and Sachin Wickramasinghe, moderated by Angelo De Silva, demonstrated translating creative ideas into actionable solutions balancing technological feasibility with human impact. Sysco LABS MD Thushera Kawdawatta in his address on “The Future of Work Is Human”, emphasised the critical importance of placing people at the heart of transformation.

Panel discussion on “Leading in a Gen Z World”   

Other panels addressed key dimensions of the future of work: “Leading in a Gen Z World: Rethinking Work, Careers and Leadership – BPM”, with Suranga Nanayakkara, Matt Wallaert, Shanaka Fernando, and Upulka Samarakoon, moderated by Jehan Perinpanayagam, explored strategies for leading a Gen Z workforce; “People First: Guardrails for a Human-Centred Tech Future – Ethics, Governance, Responsible AI and Human-Led Policies”, with Ruwanthi Fernando, Shehan Warusavithana, Bimsara Seneviratne, and Dushyantha Perera, moderated by Gayathri Liyanage, highlighted ethical frameworks and responsible technology policies.

A workshop on “Emotional Agility in an AI-Driven World” by Azeem Saheer provided practical tools to build resilience and adaptability, whilst Mayura Malagala of Deloitte Sri Lanka and Maldives, in “Beyond the Fear: Debunking Myths About Jobs in the Age of Technology”, challenged AI misconceptions and highlighted technology’s role in enhancing human potential.

A fireside chat, “Reskill to Rise: Building Workforces Ready for Tomorrow”, with Inoka Dias, Dinali Peiris, Damitha Jayasinghe, and Mayura Malagala, moderated by Sampath Thirimavithana, showcased strategies for reskilling employees for evolving workforce demands.

The summit also featured the handover of the “Compensation and Benefits Survey”, presented by SLASSCOM Chairperson Shehani Seneviratne to Sachindra Samararatne of the Information and Communication Technology Agency of Sri Lanka (ICTA), preceding the guest note on “Insights on compensation trends shaping 2026 and beyond” by Deloitte Sri Lanka and Maldives Director and Practice Leader – Human Capital Consulting Upekha Ukuwela.

The event was made possible with the support of Global Industry Partner Virtusa, Thought Leadership Partner Sysco LABS, Innovation Partner IFS, Technology Partner N-able, and Gifting and Rewards Partner Thyaga.