A Conversation with Success: Ms. Lanka Jayasinghe on Her Journey to the Top

Ms. Lanka Jayasinghe, Director of Operations and Administration at Home Lands Group, won the Global CEO Top Businesswomen Award 2025. She sits down with us to talk about her inspiring journey, her leadership style, and what this award means to her.

Congratulations on winning the 2025 Global CEO Top Businesswomen Award! What does it feel like to be one of Sri Lanka’s most powerful female business leaders?

Thank you so much! To be honest, it still feels strange. I experienced a mixture of pride and humility when I heard my name called at the Hilton Colombo. This award isn’t just for me; it’s for all the women who are striving to establish themselves in the business world. It serves as a reminder that our efforts are valued and acknowledged. The fact that I’ve accomplished this while being a loving wife and mother to my daughter makes me particularly proud. This honour demonstrates that achieving professional success does not require sacrificing one’s family life. I’m immensely proud of myself for having been able to strike a balance between my obligations to my family and my job. My daughter can see that her mother can support her family and succeed in her career.

How did you go from that job to being the Director of Operations and Administration at one of Sri Lanka’s top real estate companies?

It was a slow climb, fuelled by always learning and taking on new challenges. I never said no to learning something new or doing more work. Every job taught me something useful. I learnt how to think strategically, how to lead teams, and most importantly, how to see the big picture while running the day-to-day operations perfectly.

Today, you oversee a team of over 750 professionals. What’s your leadership style?

I believe in giving people power. My way of doing things is to have high expectations and put people first. When you build a culture of trust and responsibility, results will come on their own. I don’t micromanage. I give my team the tools and support they need and then trust them to get the job done. In this job, every day is different, and I love that. The challenges and fast pace keep me going.

The real estate industry is traditionally male-dominated. How did you navigate this challenge?

I tried to show who I was through my work, not my words. I let my results do the talking. There were times when I had to work harder to get respect, but I never let that stop me. I don’t think that gender should ever determine a person’s potential. My peers and coworkers respected me because of how hard I worked, how well I made decisions, and how much I wanted to learn.

What advice would you give to women who hesitate to take leadership roles due to self-doubt?

Nurture confidence and courage. I meet many women with enormous potential who hesitate because of self-doubt. Once you believe in yourself, you’ll be amazed at what you can achieve. If I can lead one of the country’s top real estate firms, so can many others. It’s absolutely possible. Don’t wait for the perfect moment—create it. Use your voice, take risks, and most importantly, know your worth.

How do you balance such a demanding career with personal life?

It’s all about time management, organization, and multitasking. I developed these skills early in my career, and they’ve helped me stay grounded, focused, and balanced. As women, we often carry multiple roles. The key is not to aim for perfection, but to stay present and do your best in each moment. Setting boundaries and maintaining self-discipline are essential—not just for success, but for overall well-being.

As a mother, how do you ensure you’re present for your daughter while managing such a high-pressure role?

Being a mother to a teenager while leading a large organization requires careful planning and intentional choices. I involve her in age-appropriate discussions about my work, which helps her understand the value of hard work and dedication. I also try to be a role model for her, showing that women can achieve their professional dreams while being loving, supportive mothers. It’s about quality time, not just quantity. I want her to see that she can pursue any career she dreams of and that there are no limits to what she can achieve.

What role do you see yourself playing in inspiring the next generation of women leaders?

I actively mentor emerging talent within our company, particularly young female professionals. We need more women in leadership—not just in HR or support functions, but in operations, strategy, and decision-making roles. I often encourage women to overcome self-doubt and speak up. I share from my own experience because I want them to know that I didn’t get here because I had it easy. I got here because I believed I could.

What’s your definition of leadership?

Leadership is not about a title—it’s about impact. It’s about empowering others to achieve their best while driving results for the organization. A true leader creates more leaders, not followers. I intend to keep making my impact, one decision and one person at a time.

Any final words for our readers?

To young women who aspire to succeed in the corporate world: You are here to lead, not to fit in. Your leadership, your ideas, and your energy are all important. One determined step at a time, success is earned rather than given to you. Never give up on your dreams, work hard, and have faith in yourself.

Ms. Lanka Jayasinghe’s remarkable journey to becoming an award-winning corporate leader is a testament to the power of determination, continuous learning, and believing in oneself. As she continues to lead Home Lands Group to new heights while excelling as a wife and mother, she remains an inspiration to women across Sri Lanka’s business landscape.