This is an excerpt from the speech delivered by Mr Anura Siriwardena, Chairman of the Global CEO Forum, at the 45 Under 45 Leadership Excellence Platinum Award Ceremony.

As the Chairman of the Global CEO Forum, it gives me immense pleasure to welcome you all to the inaugural ceremony of the 45 under 45 Leadership Excellence Awards, together with the Emerging Leaders Awards 2024.

Today marks a significant milestone as we gather to recognise and celebrate the exceptional achievements of entrepreneurs, SMEs, and promising professionals under the age of 45 in Sri Lanka.

This ceremony is the culmination of months of meticulous planning and collaboration by a dedicated group of professionals who represent the key professional bodies of our country along with numerous industry leaders.

Our objectives for this event are clear and profound, driven by a shared vision to foster leadership, entrepreneurship, inspire innovation, and contribute to the growth of our national economy.

First and foremost, we aim to acknowledge and celebrate the remarkable accomplishments of our award recipients. By providing a platform to showcase their success stories, we not only honour their achievements but also inspire the next generation of business leaders. Through their diverse paths to success, we highlight the boundless opportunities that entrepreneurship and innovation offer.

Moreover, this ceremony serves as a catalyst for networking and collaboration among emerging leaders, established entrepreneurs, and industry experts. By bringing together like-minded individuals, we create opportunities for potential collaborations and partnerships that contribute to business growth and development.

But our commitment does not end with the presentation of awards. Our team, comprising academia and industry leaders, has discussed the importance of continuing this journey beyond the ceremony. We envision a future where training programmes and mentorship initiatives are offered to our award recipients, empowering them to reach even greater heights of success.

I am delighted to announce that Toyota Lanka CEO, Mr. Mano Athukorala, has graciously agreed to offer advanced knowledge in Total Quality Management (TQM) to all the recipients who wish to pursue it. This is just one example of how we will facilitate and foster the brilliant minds honoured here today. We are committed to providing opportunities for our award winners to become global business leaders through collaborations with international companies and training programmes abroad.

Furthermore, I am pleased to introduce the Global CEO Club, an independent body comprising CEOs, entrepreneurs, and business leaders from around the world. This exclusive club provides a forum for decision-makers to exchange ideas and experiences in business management.

In conclusion, today’s ceremony is not just about honouring achievements; it’s about paving the way for a brighter future. Together, let us continue to promote leadership, entrepreneurship, inspire innovation, and build a strong community of leaders who will drive our economy forward.

Thank you very much, Honourable Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, Minister of Industry and Minister of Health, Honourable Dr. Ramesh Pathirana, His Excellency Kotaro Katsuki, and many more distinguished invitees for gracing us with your presence today.

Thank you, and congratulations to all the award recipients. Your journey is just beginning, and we are here to support you every step of the way.