Global thought leaders to converge at SLASSCOM People Summit 2026

Venkatesan Vijayaraghavan

Navin Advani

The SLASSCOM People Summit 2026 is set to bring together some of the most influential global and regional voices in technology, leadership, and human capital, reinforcing SLASSCOM’s commitment to placing people at the heart of Sri Lanka’s digital and innovation-led future. 
Venkatesan Vijayaraghavan, Executive Vice President of Virtusa, will deliver the Summit’s keynote address titled “The Human Code: Where People Thrive in a Tech-Driven World.” Vijayaraghavan will explore how organizations can unlock sustainable success by blending technological advancement with human-centric leadership, culture, and empathy, an increasingly critical balance in today’s fast-evolving digital landscape. Joining him as a keynote speaker is Navin Advani, Chief Information Officer – Americas and Vice President, Global Supply Chain & Merchandising Technology at Sysco. In his session, “People at the Core of Innovation: How People and Technology Can Scale with Purpose,” Advani will share insights on how large, complex organizations can scale responsibly by aligning technological innovation with talent, values, and organizational purpose.
Matt Wallaert, Chief Experience Officer at Oceans, will present “Disrupted | Reimagined | Rebuilt: Winning in the Tech Marketplace,” offering a compelling perspective on how organizations can navigate disruption, redesign experiences, and rebuild for resilience in competitive global markets.
Thushera Kawdawatta, Managing Director of Sysco LABS, will take the stage with “The Future of Work Is Human: Putting People at the Core of Transformation.” His session will highlight how human-centered strategies, culture, and leadership play a decisive role in driving successful digital transformation journeys.
From a human capital and workforce evolution lens, Upekha Ukuwela, Director – Human Capital Consulting at Deloitte Sri Lanka & Maldives, will deliver insights on “Compensation Trends Shaping 2026 and Beyond.” Her session will unpack emerging reward strategies, talent expectations, and how organizations can stay competitive in attracting and retaining top talent.
Adding to this critical conversation, Mayura Malagala, Human Capital Consulting, Engineering AI & Data, and Growth Office Leader at Deloitte Sri Lanka & Maldives will present “Beyond the Fear: Debunking Myths About Jobs in the Age of Technology.” His session will challenge common misconceptions around automation and AI, offering clarity on how technology can augment, not replace, human potential.
The SLASSCOM People Summit 2026 is a powerful reflection of our belief that “People augmented with Technology drives progress,” said Shehani Seneviratne, Chairperson of SLASSCOM.