Recognising Leadership, Integrity, and Corporate Excellence

Monday, 23 March 2026 14:18 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Dr. Asanga Ranasinghe

This evening we gather to recognise corporate leadership that has marked great performance, integrity, and meaningful contribution to our country and to the world at large.

The CEO of the Year Award recognises distinguished corporate leadership demonstrated during the evaluation period and assessed against clearly defined six criteria, which I will outline a little later.

Our selection process was very thorough, structured, and conducted with the highest level of independence and professional responsibility.

First, we examined organisational performance, including growth, profitability, market presence, and long term sustainability.

Second, we assessed the leadership and vision of the leader, the ability to guide an organisation with clarity, sound judgement, and resilience, particularly amidst the economic uncertainty and rapid change that the world is going through today.

Third, we considered the scale and complexity of the responsibility. Leading large enterprises, managing subsidiaries, and overseeing diverse teams of people require different capabilities, the highest level of accountability, and strong strategic discipline.

Fourth, we considered governance and ethics, including transparency, compliance, and responsibility in leading the corporation with the highest level of conduct and governance.

Fifth, we recognised the innovation that the leader has brought in and the industry contribution, including digital transformation, initiatives undertaken, and contributions to sectoral advancement and national economic development.

We also reviewed the depth of professional experience of the leaders and the consistency in executing the strategic and corporate plans outlined in the annual reports.

Finally, we gave due consideration to stakeholder impact, the positive influence these leaders have on employees, customers, shareholders, and the wider community.

The CEOs recognised this evening have demonstrated commendable achievement against all six criteria outlined.

Their work reflects dedication, years of hard work, strategic thinking, and commitment to organisational performance.

These are the six criteria we considered, and I must thank the panel members who worked tirelessly in evaluating the candidates over a long period of time.

Congratulations to all the top leaders of Sri Lanka who have gathered here, and to the broader business community.

We have all gathered together here this evening, along with members of the academic community from our universities.

(An extract from the speech delivered by Dr. Asanga Ranasinghe, Chairman of the Judging Panel and Director of the Postgraduate Institute of Management)