Leading Sri Lanka Forward: Celebrating Excellence in Corporate Leadership

Monday, 23 March 2026 14:20 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Anura Siriwardena

This evening is more than a celebration. It is a declaration.

A declaration that Sri Lanka’s business leadership remains steadfast.

A declaration that excellence continues to rise even amidst challenge.

And a declaration that our corporate community is ready not merely to recover — but to lead, both nationally and globally.

Your presence here — representing government, diplomacy, industry, and the professional community — reminds us that national progress is strongest when public leadership and private enterprise move forward together.

Tonight, we recognise seventeen exceptional CEOs. These leaders have guided their organisations through economic volatility, global competition, and structural transformation. And in doing so, they strengthened the foundations of our national economy.

The purpose of this platform is clear.

We honour excellence.

We foster meaningful engagement between policymakers and business leaders.

And we encourage Sri Lankan CEOs to think beyond borders — to evolve from accomplished local leaders into influential global leaders.

Sri Lanka has stabilised. Confidence is returning. But stability alone cannot define our ambition. The next chapter must be shaped by global expansion, innovation-driven growth, institutional integrity, and governance excellence.

This is also the mission of Global CEO Magazine and Global CEO Forum — to elevate leadership dialogue, showcase Sri Lankan corporate excellence, and connect our business community with global opportunity.

In line with that vision, we will publish a commemorative coffee table book following this ceremony. It will document the journeys of our honourees and will be distributed among collectors, the corporate sector, the diplomatic community, and leading libraries — serving as a lasting record of leadership at a defining moment in our nation’s economic journey.

The credibility of any award rests upon the integrity of its process. I extend our sincere appreciation to the panel for their independence, professionalism, and commitment to maintaining the highest standards.

My gratitude extends to all our partners and sponsors whose belief in this initiative has made this evening possible.

Leadership defines the destiny of institutions.

Institutions define the strength of economies.

And economies define the future of nations.

The leaders we honour tonight are shaping that future.

Let us celebrate them.

Let us deepen collaboration.

And let us move forward — together — positioning Sri Lankan enterprise confidently on the global stage.

Thank you, and may this evening inspire renewed ambition for our nation.

(This is an extract from the speech delivered by Anura Siriwardena, Chairman, Global CEO Forum at the CEO of the Year 2025 Award Ceremony)