SLID–ACCA 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 on the 28th of January 2026, at the Oak Room, Cinnamon Grand Colombo.    

The event established, for the first time in Sri Lanka, a national platform devoted solely to recognizing 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. 

Speaking at the ceremony, Dinesh Weerakkody, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Institute of Directors, emphasised the evolving demands placed on boards today. “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.” he said.   

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

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

Representing ACCA Sri Lanka, Nilusha Ranasinghe, Head of ACCA – South Asia, reaffirmed the significance of the collaboration. “It is an honor for ACCA Sri Lanka to partner with the Sri Lanka Institute of Directors 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 Mr. Faizal Salieh (Head Judge) and comprised a distinguished group of leaders drawn from the judiciary, regulation, finance, and corporate leadership, including Hon. Justice Shiranee Tilakawardane, Dr. Arittha Wikramanayake, Mr. Chandra Schaffter, Mr. 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 & 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).  

The ceremony attracted corporate directors, board members, C-suite executives, governance professionals, regulators, and institutional stakeholders, reflecting the growing recognition of governance excellence as a national priority.  

Through this initiative, SLID further strengthens its position as Sri Lanka’s leading authority on director development and board effectiveness.