The CEO of the Year 2025 Awards Ceremony was successfully held 26 February 2026, at the prestigious Cinnamon Grand Colombo, bringing together an exceptional gathering of national leaders, policymakers, diplomats, and eminent corporate figures.
The ceremony was held under the distinguished patronage of Anil Jayantha Fernando, Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance, and Nandalal Weerasinghe, Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka.
Among the distinguished guests present were Mr Pradeep Saputhanthri, Secretary to the Prime Minister; Mr Aruna Bandara, Secretary to the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports; Prof Hareendra Dissabandara, Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka; Prof Kapila Seneviratne, Chairman of the University Grants Commission Sri Lanka; and Dr Asanga Ranasinghe, Director of the Postgraduate Institute of Management, along with many other distinguished invitees from the diplomatic and corporate community.
Organised by the Global CEO Forum, the ceremony recognised distinguished business leaders who have demonstrated exceptional strategic vision, innovation, resilience, and sustained contribution to Sri Lanka’s economic progress. Following a rigorous evaluation process based on leadership excellence, organisational performance, governance standards, and industry impact, the following outstanding corporate leaders were honoured as CEO of the Year 2025:
• Mr Mohan Pandithage – Chairman & Chief Executive, Hayleys PLC
• Mr Kapila Jayawardena – Group Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, LOLC Holdings PLC
• Mr Ashroff Omar – Group Chief Executive Officer, Brandix Apparel Limited
• Mr Krishan Balendra – Chairperson & Chief Executive Officer, John Keells Holdings PLC
• Ms Stasshani Jayawardena – Chairperson, Aitken Spence PLC
• Mr Felix Fernando – Chief Executive Officer / Managing Director, Omega Line Ltd
• Ms Kumudika Fernando – Chairperson & Group Managing Director, Maliban Group
• Ms Shea Wickramasingha – Group Managing Director, CBL Group
• Mr Supun Weerasinghe – Group Chief Executive Officer, Dialog Axiata PLC
• Mr Rolf Blaser – Managing Director / Chief Executive Officer, A Baur & Co. (Pvt.) Ltd
• Mr Bernhard Stefan – Chairman / Managing Director, Nestlé Lanka Limited
• Mr Manohara Atukorala – Managing Director / Chief Executive Officer, Toyota Lanka (Pvt) Ltd
• Mr Sanjeev Gardiner – Group Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, Galle Face Group
• Prof. E. A. Weerasinghe – Founder / Vice Chancellor, NSBM Green University
• Mr Damith Pallewatte – Managing Director / Chief Executive Officer, Hatton National Bank PLC
• Mr Mizver Makeen – Managing Director, Macksons Holdings Limited
• Mr Premalal Brahmanage – Group Chairman & Co-Founder, Prime Group
In addition, a Special Recognition Award for Excellence in Promoting Good Governance was presented to Mr Lal Hemantha Mawalage, Director / Consultant – Siyatha TV News and General Manager – Voice of Asia Network.
The presence of senior Ministers, Secretaries, regulatory heads, academics, and members of the diplomatic corps underscored the national importance of corporate leadership as a driving force behind economic stability and growth.
The event not only celebrated individual excellence but also reinforced the vital role of ethical governance, innovation, and sustainable enterprise in shaping Sri Lanka’s future.
As Sri Lanka advances towards greater economic resilience and global competitiveness, the CEO of the Year Awards stands as a powerful reminder that visionary leadership remains central to national progress.
