Global CEO Awards 2025:Spotlight on Women Who Lead

The Global CEO Top Businesswomen Awards 2025 was held on 25th June 2025 at the Hilton Colombo, under the esteemed patronage of Hon. Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, Minister of Health and Mass Media. This prestigious event brought together a distinguished audience of over 450 CEOs and C-level executives, along with Ambassadors and members of the diplomatic community, to celebrate the achievements of Sri Lanka’s most outstanding women in business leadership.

Mr. Pradeep Saputhanthri, Secretary to the Prime Minister, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuiyakontha (Retd), Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Mr. Aruna Bandara, Secretary, Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs, and other key government officials were also in attendance, reflecting the strong support of the state for women’s leadership and entrepreneurship.

Award recipients were selected through a comprehensive and transparent evaluation process, carried out by an eminent panel of judges. The integrity and credibility of the selection process were further assured by BDO, ensuring that the honours were based solely on merit. The ceremony served as a powerful platform to recognise visionary leadership, innovation, and the growing role of women in shaping Sri Lanka’s economic future.

Message from Hon. Minister of Industry 

and Entrepreneurship Development

Let me begin by extending my warmest congratulations to all the award recipients.

Each one of you is a beacon of leadership, resilience, and innovation. Your accomplishments are not merely personal triumphs; they are milestones of our nation, and they inspire countless others to break barriers and chase their dreams. 

We gather to honour not just individual achievements but the collective power of women who are transforming industries, economies, and communities. The Global CEO Top Business Women Award 2025 stands as a shining tribute to the extraordinary strength, innovation, and leadership of Sri Lanka’s women in business.

Hon. Sunil Handunneththi M.P

Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development

(Extracted from the virtual address at the Top Businesswomen Awards 2025)

Message from Hon. Minister of Health and Mass Media'

The award winners represent far more than individual success. Each of you stands as a symbol of determination, innovation, and leadership. You have not only excelled in your own fields, you have inspired others, created jobs, driven economic growth, and redefined what leadership looks like.

This award ceremony is more than recognition. It’s a statement that women’s leadership matters, and that progress is only possible when talent is recognised—regardless of gender. In today’s fast-changing world, organisations need leaders who can adapt, empathise, and drive meaningful transformation. Women bring all of this and more.

When women lead, communities strive, businesses grow, and economies strengthen. I commend the Global CEO Forum for creating this platform to honour, amplify, and connect women leaders across industries.

Hon. Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa M.P

Minister of Health and Mass Media

(Extracted from the speech delivered at the Top Businesswomen Awards 2025)

Message from Hon. Ambassador of the Embassy of Indonesia 

 It is an honour and privilege for me to join you at this truly inspiring occasion. I was amazed by so many prominent people, attend this event tonight as at the Global CEO Top Businesswoman Awards 2025. 

Allow me to begin by extending my heartfelt congratulations to all the awardees and nominees being celebrated tonight. Your real leaderships, vision, and resilience represent the very best of Sri Lanka’s entrepreneurial spirit. You are not only accomplished business leaders, you are paving the way for others to follow.

It is an honour and privilege for me to join you at this truly inspiring occasion. I was amazed by so many prominent people, attend this event tonight as at the Global CEO Top Businesswoman Awards 2025. 

Allow me to begin by extending my heartfelt congratulations to all the awardees and nominees being celebrated tonight. Your real leaderships, vision, and resilience represent the very best of Sri Lanka’s entrepreneurial spirit. You are not only accomplished business leaders, you are paving the way for others to follow.

H. E. Dewi Gustina Tobing

Ambassador of the Embassy of Indonesia 

(Extracted from the speech delivered at the Top Businesswomen Awards 2025)

Message from Country Director of ADB Sri Lanka

This event also signifies ADB’s renewed commitment to encouraging women’s participation in leadership and entrepreneurship. I wish to congratulate all the award winners today who have overcome significant challenges to get here, and I extend my best wishes to future winners. 

I hope that ADB’s interventions will enable more women entrepreneurs and leaders to thrive in the Sri Lankan economy.

Mr. Takafumi Kadono

Country Director of ADB Sri Lanka

(Extracted from the virtual address at the Top Businesswomen Awards 2025)

Message from Chairman of the Global CEO Forum

Through the Global CEO Top Businesswomen Awards 2025, we celebrate not only exceptional individuals, but also the growing movement to elevate women in business leadership.

This awards programme is truly unique. The selection process was conducted solely on merit. Our panel of judges operated independently and with utmost integrity to ensure fairness at every stage.

Our goal is to empower women in business leadership and to enhance their contribution to national economic development. These awards go beyond recognition—they serve as a platform to showcase vision, courage, and excellence.

Mr. Anura Siriwardena

Chairman of the Global CEO Forum

(Extracted from the speech delivered at the Top Businesswomen Awards 2025)