In an era where gender diversity is reshaping boardrooms and corporate culture, Ms Sashi Jayakody stands out as a transformative figure in Sri Lanka’s business landscape. As the Finance Director of Hayleys Aventura, Hayleys Consumer, and Hayleys Lifesciences, she not only oversees critical financial operations but also spearheads strategic functions across supply chain, ESG, and compliance. In this exclusive interview with Global CEO Magazine, Sashi shares the defining moments that shaped her ascent, the biases she continues to challenge, and the advice she offers to the next generation of female leaders.
Can you share a defining moment in your career that helped shape your leadership journey as a woman in the corporate world?
I began my career while still in university, working as a trainee financial analyst a decision that laid the foundation for everything that followed. While pursuing my degree, I simultaneously completed CIMA, followed by ACCA. By 2010, I was permanently appointed as a Financial Analyst at a leading corporate. It was the beginning of a journey built on hard work, resilience, and a deep commitment to continuous learning.
Over the years, I embraced every challenge and opportunity, advancing step by step supported by teamwork and the belief that perseverance would shape my path. However, if I were to pinpoint one defining moment, it would be my appointment in 2023 as Finance Director at Hayleys Aventura (Pvt) Ltd, a subsidiary of Sri Lanka’s foremost public listed corporate, the Hayleys Group. This was not just a personal milestone but a breakthrough in corporate leadership.
I became the first female executive board member appointed at Hayleys Aventura, a company at the forefront of delivering global industrial solutions. Our diverse operations span industrial raw material supply across sectors such as F&B, coatings, chemicals, and polymers, in addition to healthcare equipment distribution and renewable energy generation.
Although I come from a strong background in finance and accounting, my role as Finance Director extends far beyond financial stewardship. I have also been entrusted with leading the Corporate Solutions Division, which includes supply chain and warehouse operations, ESG, treasury and taxation, administration, IT, and compliance.
This role transformed my career, teaching me the critical importance of being a facilitator someone who not only ensures that the necessary infrastructure is in place but also guarantees that business operations run smoothly, compliantly, and with agility in a rapidly changing environment. Balancing these responsibilities required flexibility, foresight, and the development of collaborative leadership skills to align diverse teams towards a shared vision.
Today, I proudly lead a diverse team of over 60 talented professionals. Each day, I am inspired by the opportunity to help them grow not only in their roles but also in their confidence, capabilities, and aspirations. This responsibility gives me profound purpose as a woman in leadership. It motivates me to create a culture of inclusion, trust, and ambition where everyone feels seen, heard, and empowered to achieve their fullest potential.
What barriers or biases have you encountered as a woman in your field, and how did you overcome them?
One of the most persistent biases I’ve encountered surfaces during interviews, where I’m often asked whether, as a working mother, I can effectively hold a leadership role while balancing family responsibilities. I find this question reflects an unfair stereotype because men, as co-parents, are rarely asked the same. This assumption that women are less capable of managing both professional and personal roles is fundamentally flawed.
I believe strongly that women should never be judged based on stereotypes. Each individual deserves equal treatment and opportunities based on skill and potential. When a woman chooses to take on multiple roles whether as a leader, a mother, or both it reflects confidence and accountability. She should be supported and empowered to succeed without being constrained by biased assumptions.
Overcoming these biases requires demonstrating competence and confidence consistently, challenging stereotypes when they arise, and advocating for fairness and equality. By doing so, we move towards a more inclusive workplace one where women’s contributions are valued, regardless of their family responsibilities.
What advice would you give to aspiring young women looking to break into leadership roles in your industry?
If you have a dream and the passion to achieve it, let courage and perseverance be your foundation. Regardless of the obstacles, never allow age or gender to define your limits. It is your willpower and determination that truly shape your journey.
Growth doesn’t happen in isolation. As you rise, ensure your organisation grows with you. Leadership is not just about personal milestones, it’s about creating impact, enabling progress, and building value for those around you.
You have the freedom to wear many hats both professionally and personally. Once you choose your roles, embrace them with purpose and accountability. Your leadership journey will be uniquely yours, defined by your values, strengths, and vision.
Others may share their success stories. Listen and learn but always remember your path deserves its own research. Define success on your own terms and pursue it with authenticity and resilience.
Above all, never let someone else’s limitations define your potential. You are capable of more than you imagine. Step forward boldly and pave your own path.
