Welcome to our latest blog post celebrating Sri Lanka’s vibrant entrepreneurial spirit! In 2021, the nation’s Total Early-stage Entrepreneurial Activity (TEA) rate surged to an impressive 19.9%, highlighting its burgeoning ecosystem for innovation and business development.
Today, we’re excited to spotlight the top 10 entrepreneurs propelling this momentum forward. From pioneering startups to seasoned industry leaders, these individuals embody the creativity, resilience, and vision that define Sri Lanka’s entrepreneurial landscape.
Join us as we delve into their inspiring stories and uncover why they’re indispensable speakers for your events. Get ready to be inspired by their remarkable journeys!
Thamuditha Geeth, the Founder & Chairperson of Shield Technologies (Pvt) Ltd, is a distinguished Sri Lankan entrepreneur with a robust background in Information Technology, Software design, and travel & tourism industries.
With a proven track record of success, Thamuditha has excelled in various domains, including Software design, Business Process optimisation, International Business Strategies, and Marketing.
His expertise extends to Cloud Computing, DevOps, and Backend Development, making him a versatile entrepreneur and technologist. Thamuditha’s speaking topics could range from software development and business processes to emerging Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning technologies.
With his comprehensive knowledge and dynamic speaking style, Thamuditha Geeth is the ideal choice for events seeking engaging and insightful speakers on entrepreneurship in Sri Lanka.
His blend of experience, expertise, and passion for innovation makes him a standout choice to inspire and educate audiences on the power of entrepreneurship.
Talal Rafi, an eminent economist and revered columnist at the International Monetary Fund (IMF), exerts a substantial influence over global economic decision-making processes. His extensive expertise and impactful contributions within the IMF sphere help to shape policies that resonate across the global economic landscape.
Rafi’s astute insights and comprehensive analysis serve as indispensable guides for policymakers and stakeholders grappling with multifaceted economic challenges. His prestigious affiliations with renowned institutions like the World Economic Forum and Deloitte Global Economist Network underscore his unparalleled credibility within the field.
For corporations seeking a speaker adept at navigating economic trends, deciphering policy implications, and explaining strategic decision-making paradigms, Rafi’s expertise offers invaluable perspectives.As a dynamic and articulate speaker, Rafi empowers audiences to navigate the intricacies of the global economy with unwavering confidence.
Meet Nayomi Handunnetti, a trailblazing marketing professional and entrepreneur whose journey is inspiring. With over two decades of experience in marketing, hospitality, tourism, and travel, she has left an indelible mark on the industry.
Her unwavering dedication to customer-centricity has propelled her to success, culminating in many awards and accolades, including recognition as a top marketing leader and woman entrepreneur.
Nayomi Handunnetti serves as a beacon of empowerment for aspiring women entrepreneurs, leveraging her platform to advocate for gender equality and entrepreneurship. She challenges myths in the restaurant industry, exemplified by her own success story.
Despite the common belief that starting a restaurant from scratch is risky, she defied the odds with Handun Villas & Restaurants, transforming it into a thriving brand. With her wealth of experience, inspirational journey, and passion for empowerment, Nayomi Handunnetti is the ideal choice as a speaker to inspire and motivate audiences worldwide. As she puts it, “Success lies in breaking barriers and defying stereotypes, not in conforming to them.”
Meet Hussain Sadique, a visionary leader in the Sri Lankan corporate arena. With over three decades of unparalleled expertise in the retail industry, Hussain has steered the Hameedia Group of Companies to unprecedented success, solidifying its position as a market leader.
His dynamic leadership has not only propelled the brand to new heights but has also facilitated the entry of renowned international brands into the Sri Lankan market.
Beyond his corporate endeavours, Hussain’s commitment to education and community development shines through his role as the Founder and Director of Northwood College and Alif International.
His vast experience, coupled with his passion for innovation and strategic foresight, makes Hussain Sadique the perfect choice to inspire and empower corporate audiences.
As he puts it, “Success is not just about reaching the destination; it’s about the journey and the impact we create along the way.” Book Hussain Sadique as your next speaker and embark on an inspiring journey of growth and transformation.
With his diverse background, spanning academia, banking, and entrepreneurship, Chamantha Ubewarna emerges as an ideal choice to inspire young entrepreneurs in Sri Lanka.
His extensive experience as a lecturer at the Royal Institute of Colombo and his role as a former Banking Advisor to HSBC Bank showcase his expertise in both theoretical and practical aspects of business.
As the Co-Founder of Thilini Timber, he brings firsthand entrepreneurial insights to the table. Chamantha’s dynamic presentation style and deep understanding of the local business landscape make him a standout speaker for aspiring young entrepreneurs in Sri Lanka, cementing his position among the top Sri Lankan entrepreneurs.
Imagine stepping into the world of entrepreneurship with a seasoned guide like Mohan Perera by your side. Mohan is more than just an ordinary speaker - he is your strategic compass in the chaotic sea of business.
Picture this: Mohan, armed with insights sharper than a CEO’s suit, navigating through market trends and brand dynamics. His knack for spotting opportunities where others see obstacles is pure entrepreneurial gold.
However, what makes Mohan stand out is not solely his impressive resume; As he shares his tales of triumph and tribulation, you can’t help but feel empowered to conquer your own entrepreneurial Everest. So, why choose Mohan Perera as your speaker for entrepreneurship? Because with him, success isn’t only a destination - it’s a journey worth embarking on together.
Amidst the ever-shifting landscapes of corporate strategy and media evolution, Maheshi Anandasiri emerges as a captivating protagonist, manoeuvring through the complexities of her domain.
With two decades of experience threading through the corporate and media tapestry, Maheshi’s tenure as Chief Strategy Officer at Ben Holdings epitomises her resilience and expertise. Drawing from her illustrious journey in Sri Lanka’s media elite and esteemed retail/FMCG sectors, she possesses a deep reservoir of insights into market intricacies.
Maheshi’s innate ability to rejuvenate faltering teams and enterprises underscores her strategic insight and leadership finesse. As an entrepreneurship speaker, Maheshi’s narrative becomes an enthralling odyssey, guiding aspiring trailblazers through the convolutions of entrepreneurship, igniting within them the courage to conquer challenges and carve their paths to prosperity in today’s dynamic landscape.
In an industry where uncertainty looms large and challenges abound, Ashan Malalasekera’s journey to the pinnacle of success is nothing short of extraordinary. Picture a determined individual, undeterred by the formidable obstacles inherent in project management and consultancy.
Despite facing the daunting odds, Ashan’s resilience and strategic prowess propelled him forward, defying the norms and carving a path of his own. His story is a testament to the power of perseverance and innovation in the face of adversity.
As a speaker for entrepreneurship, Ashan’s narrative serves as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring business leaders. His experiences offer invaluable lessons, illustrating the transformative impact of resilience and vision.
In the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson, “What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.” Ashan Malalasekera’s journey encapsulates this sentiment, making him the ideal choice to empower others on their entrepreneurial voyage.
As an Agile Coach at Virtusa, Janani Liyanage is making a profound impact by catalysing organisational agility and driving business success. With over 14 years of industry experience, Janani’s expertise shines through in her ability to guide teams, leadership, and clients towards embracing agile methodologies and realising their full potential.
One striking example of her impact is transforming a large-scale program at a leading financial institution, where Janani’s coaching enabled the team to overcome challenges in project delivery timelines and stakeholder alignment.
Through her guidance, the team implemented agile practices, resulting in a significant reduction in time-to-market for new products and services, and a marked improvement in customer satisfaction metrics. Her hands-on approach, combined with a deep understanding of agile principles and practices, makes her an invaluable asset in navigating the complexities of enterprise agility.
Janani’s practical insights, coupled with her passion for empowering others, position her as the most desired corporate entrepreneurship speaker, inspiring audiences with real-world examples and actionable strategies for driving innovation and growth in today’s competitive business landscape.
Meet Thenuzan Sriskanthan, a visionary leader at Virtusa, whose remarkable achievements inspire entrepreneurs worldwide. With a fervent dedication to digital business transformation and IT excellence, Thenuzan has spearheaded groundbreaking initiatives in digital engineering and IT outsourcing.
His expertise as a Certified Senior Systems Architect, in PEGA Rules Process Commander, combined with deep insights into the insurance and healthcare domains, underscores his strategic acumen and innovation-driven mindset.
Thenuzan’s journey exemplifies the transformative power of passion and expertise in driving business success. As a speaker, his compelling narrative and wealth of experience make him the ideal choice to guide and motivate entrepreneurs, offering invaluable lessons and strategies to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of modern business.
From tech innovators to marketing powerhouses, these entrepreneurs exemplify Sri Lanka’s diverse business landscape. Ready to transform your event with actionable insights and real-world success stories that will spark new ideas and drive positive change? The Sri Lankan Speaker Bureau offers a rich collection of speakers across various fields. Let’s connect and find the voices to elevate your event.
