IEPSL CEO Forum tomorrow to address ESG imperatives

• High-level business dialogue by Institute of Environmental Professionals Sri Lanka to explore sustainability under economic pressure

The Institute of Environmental Professionals Sri Lanka (IEPSL), marking two decades of professional excellence, will host an exclusive CEO Forum and Breakfast Meeting on 30 January 2026 at the Grand Ballroom, Hilton Residencies, Colombo.

The high-profile gathering, themed “Sustainability Under Pressure: How CEOs Make ESG Work During Economic Hardship”, brings together senior business leaders, policymakers, and sustainability experts to engage in focused dialogue on maintaining Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) commitments amid economic constraints.

The forum, scheduled from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., forms a key component of EcoConvergence 2026, the IEPSL Annual Technical Sessions operating under the broader theme “Knowledge to Action for a Climate-Resilient Future.” The event assumes heightened significance as Sri Lanka navigates post-crisis economic recovery while confronting mounting pressures to align business practices with international sustainability frameworks.

Distinguished panel of experts

The breakfast networking session will feature Central Bank Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe, setting the tone for substantive engagement on the intersection of financial stability and sustainable development. The forum proper will present diverse perspectives through three focused presentations covering investment, regulatory, and operational dimensions of ESG implementation.

Prof. Sugeeth Patabandige from the University of Kelaniya’s Department of Marketing Management will address “Green Investment – Investor/Finance Point of View,” examining how financial institutions and investors are increasingly channelling capital toward environmentally responsible enterprises. Central Environmental Authority Director General Kapila Rajapakse, will provide critical insights on “Compliance and Regulations – Policy/Governance Point of View,” offering guidance on navigating Sri Lanka’s evolving environmental regulatory landscape.

Bringing an international business perspective, Dual Chelate Group, Australia CEO Manjula MU Don, will share practical experiences on “Industry – CEO/Business Operations Point of View,” demonstrating how corporations can effectively integrate sustainability into core operations without compromising competitiveness. The discussion segment will be moderated by IEPSL Vice President Randeewa Malalasooriya.

ESG: The new business imperative

The forum’s timing could not be more propitious. Sri Lanka’s adoption of SLFRS S1 and SLFRS S2 sustainability disclosure standards, effective from January 2025, represents a watershed moment for corporate reporting. Under the phased implementation roadmap developed by CA Sri Lanka in collaboration with the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB), the top 100 listed entities on the Colombo Stock Exchange are already required to comply, with full coverage of all listed entities mandated by 2026.

ESG considerations have evolved from discretionary corporate initiatives to fundamental business imperatives. Companies that fail to comply with emerging regulations risk undermining their ability to sustain operations, particularly as stringent requirements from the European Union and other major trading partners increasingly shape global supply chains. For Sri Lankan exporters seeking to maintain market access and attract international investment, robust ESG credentials have become non-negotiable.

Green Productivity: The win-win solution

At the heart of the forum’s deliberations lies the concept of Green Productivity, a multidisciplinary approach championed by the Asian Productivity Organisation (APO) since the 1990s. Green Productivity addresses both productivity enhancement and sustainability imperatives simultaneously, demonstrating that environmental stewardship and business performance are not mutually exclusive but fundamentally complementary objectives.

The approach enables organisations to achieve increased efficiency, material and cost savings, and enhanced profitability while reducing their environmental footprint. For Sri Lankan businesses rebuilding after the economic crisis, this integrated framework offers a pathway to enhanced competitiveness in increasingly sustainability-conscious global markets. Research indicates that the Asia-Pacific green economy represents significant growth potential, with estimates suggesting up to $ 120 billion in GDP growth and 900,000 new jobs achievable through systematic green transitions.

IEPSL: Two decades of environmental leadership

The Institute of Environmental Professionals Sri Lanka, established in 2006 through a Cabinet decision and subsequently incorporated by Act of Parliament No. 01 of 2020, serves as the national professional body representing environmental practitioners. For over two decades, IEPSL has played a pivotal role in strengthening environmental governance, promoting sustainable development, advancing professional standards, and building capacity across the country.

Under the leadership of President Asela Iddawela, the Institute continues its commitment to contributing to national environmental dialogue through credible, independent, and scientific inputs while enhancing ethical behaviour and professional standards. IEPSL’s Chartered Environmental Professional (CEnvP) designation represents the gold standard for environmental practice in Sri Lanka.

EcoConvergence 2026: A platform for climate action

The CEO forum serves as a precursor to the flagship EcoConvergence 2026 Annual Technical Sessions, scheduled for 12 March 2026 in Colombo. This comprehensive gathering will bring together researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and industry leaders to translate knowledge into actionable strategies for building climate resilience.

Against the backdrop of Sri Lanka’s commitments under the Paris Agreement and the growing imperative for climate action, EcoConvergence 2026 promises to deliver substantive outcomes that advance the nation’s environmental agenda. The sessions will address critical themes spanning climate adaptation, biodiversity conservation, sustainable resource management, and the integration of environmental considerations into economic policy.

Strategic imperative for business

For business leaders, the CEO Forum presents a rare opportunity to engage with regulators, academics, and peers on practical strategies for embedding ESG into corporate operations. As Sri Lanka rebuilds its economy and seeks to attract sustainable investment, the private sector’s capacity to demonstrate credible sustainability performance will prove decisive in determining market access and competitiveness.

The forum underscores a fundamental truth: sustainability is no longer a cost driver but a strategic growth lever. Organisations that embrace Green Productivity principles and robust ESG frameworks position themselves not merely for regulatory compliance but for sustainable competitive advantage in an increasingly environmentally conscious global marketplace.

IEPSL invites professionals, academics, policymakers, industry leaders, and all stakeholders to attend its flagship event, EcoConvergence 2026 – Annual Technical Sessions, scheduled for 12 March 2026 in Colombo, under the theme “Knowledge to Action for a Climate-Resilient Future.” More information is available at www.iepsl.lk/ecoconvergence2026.