SLID-ACCA hold National Corporate Director Awards

• Set a new national benchmark for boardroom excellence 

The Sri Lanka Institute of Directors (SLID), in partnership with ACCA Sri Lanka, formally marked a milestone in the country’s corporate governance landscape with the inaugural SLID-ACCA National Corporate Director Awards Ceremony, held recently, at Cinnamon Grand Colombo. 

The event established for the first time in Sri Lanka a national platform devoted solely to recognising excellence in corporate directorship and highlighting the vital role that principled and forward-thinking boards play in fostering sustainable business success and long-term economic resilience.  

The awards recognise directors and boards that demonstrate integrity, accountability, sound judgment and strategic leadership, reinforcing that corporate directorship is a profession defined by standards, responsibility and stewardship. 

SLID Chairman Dinesh Weerakkody said, “Strong boards and principled directors are not optional in the fast-changing economy of today; rather, they are necessary. The cornerstone of long-term value and sustainable growth is sound governance.”   

The awards were conducted under a structured, governance-led evaluation framework to ensure recognition was based on merit and adherence to best-practice principles. 

SLID Chief Executive Officer Anitra Perera said, “Our steadfast belief that strong governance starts in the boardroom is reflected in SLID-ACCA National Corporate Director Awards 2025. These awards recognise directors whose leadership decisions, integrity and judgment create resilient organisations and long-term national value at a time of growing complexity and accountability.” 

Representing ACCA Sri Lanka, Head of ACCA South Asia Nilusha Ranasinghe reaffirmed the significance of the collaboration. 

“It is an honour for ACCA Sri Lanka to partner with the SLID on the inaugural SLID-ACCA National Director Awards, which will strengthen governance standards, promote ethical leadership and foster sustainable value creation in Sri Lanka’s corporate sector,” she said.    

The judging panel was led by Head Judge Faizal Salieh and comprised a distinguished group of leaders drawn from the judiciary, regulation, finance and corporate leadership, including Justice Shiranee Tilakawardane, Dr. Arittha Wikramanayake, Chandra Schaffter, Ajith E. Tudawe, Dr. Indrajit Coomaraswamy and Prof. Emeritus Malik Ranasinghe. Their collective expertise ensured objectivity, credibility and integrity throughout the assessment process.    

At the inaugural ceremony, 21 outstanding corporate directors were recognised for their exemplary contribution to boardroom leadership, ethical governance and long-term value creation—collectively reinforcing the professional standards and accountability expected of directors in Sri Lanka today. 

The Lifetime Achievement Award was conferred upon Aban Pestonjee, Mahendra Amarasuriya, Late Deshamanya Ken Balendra, Deshamanya Sohli Captain and Rohini Nanayakkara. 

Dr. Harsha Cabral, PC and Sharhan Muhseen jointly received the Outstanding INED (Gold Award), while Rajendra Theagarajah was honoured with the Outstanding INED (Silver Award). 

Sanjeev Gardiner received the Chair’s Award for Boardroom Excellence (Top Honour). 

The Business Leadership Awards were presented to Supun Weerasinghe (Gold), Tania S. Abeysundara (Silver) and Kishore D. Reddy (Bronze). In the Equity and Diversity Champion category, Selyna Peiris received (Gold), Gayani De Alwis (Silver) and Krystle Reid Wijesuriya (Bronze). 

Bernie Stefan was recognised with the Sustainability Leadership Award, Vish Govindasamy received the Greatest Impact on Corporate Boards Award and Boshan Dayaratne was honoured with the Innovation in Governance Award. 

The Outstanding Young Director Awards were presented to Hussain Akbarally (Gold), Nikitha Grero (Silver) and Nishal Ferdinando (Bronze).