Our Speakers
Dr. M Sanjayan
Nature Scientist & Conservation Leader TIME 100 Climate Leader
USA
Dr. M. Sanjayan is an accomplished conservation scientist, documentary host, and leader in global conservation efforts. As the former CEO of Conservation International, he oversaw a global organization with a presence in over 100 countries. He holds a master’s degree from the University of Oregon and a Ph.D. in conservation biology from the University of California, Santa Cruz. In addition to his scientific and leadership roles, Dr. Sanjayan is a respected voice in environmental storytelling. He has hosted more than a dozen award-winning documentaries for major networks, including PBS, BBC, and National Geographic. His most recent series, Changing Planet, explores how climate change is impacting six of Earth's critical biomes and highlights the innovative solutions being implemented by Indigenous and local communities.
Gurcharan Das
Author, Commentator and Public Intellectual
India
Gurcharan Das is a distinguished author, commentator, and former CEO of Procter & Gamble India. He graduated in philosophy with honours from Harvard University, where he was later inducted in Phi Beta Kappa for attainments in liberal scholarship. After a successful career in business – leading Procter & Gamble India and Southeast Asia, and later serving as Managing Director of Procter & Gamble Worldwide (Strategic Planning) – he retired early to pursue a writing career. He is today one of India’s most celebrated authors and thinkers, best known for two iconic, bestsellers: The Difficulty of Being Good and India Unbound, which have shaped public discourse on India’s economic and social transformation. His newspaper columns are among the most widely read in India. His latest books are a memoir, Another Sort of Freedom, and Dilemma of the Indian Liberal. Gurcharan Das graduated in philosophy with honors from Harvard University, where he was inducted in 2013 into Phi Beta Kappa for ‘high attainments in liberal scholarship.’ He also attended Harvard Business School (AMP) where he is featured in four case studies. He was CEO of Procter & Gamble India and Managing Director, Procter & Gamble Worldwide (Strategic Planning) before he retired early to become a full-time writer. His newspaper columns on current issues and philosophy are among the most widely read in the country.
Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya
Chief Advisor to the President of Sri Lanka on Digital Economy & Chairman – ICT Agency of Sri Lanka (Formerly) CEO - Telecommunications Business & Group Executive Director, Axiata Group Bhd
Sri Lanka
Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya is a distinguished leader in telecommunications and a key figure in Sri Lanka's digital transformation. With a career spanning over 30 years in the ICT industry, he has been honored with the GSM Association's Chairman's Award for his outstanding contributions to the global mobile industry.Formerly the Group Executive Director at Axiata Group, he is now the Chief Advisor to the President of Sri Lanka on Digital Economy and the Chairman of the Information & Communication Technology Agency (ICTA). Dr. Wijayasuriya's expertise encompasses digital transformation, mobile technology, and innovation ecosystems. A Chartered Engineer with a Ph.D. in Digital Mobile Communications from the University of Bristol, he is a frequent keynote speaker at global events like the Mobile World Congress.
Dr Richard Jeo
Asia Pacific Managing Director Conservation International
Singapore
Dr Richard Jeo directs conservation strategies and programs across 16 countries, ensuring lasting outcomes for people and nature. Dr. Jeo combines over 25 years of NGO leadership and conservation science experience, notably holding a Ph.D. in Neuroscience from Caltech. Before CI, he led major conservation deals at The Nature Conservancy, including the 2009 Great Bear Rainforest agreements. His current work emphasizes regional priorities like Indonesia's Blue Halo S program, partnerships in the Philippines, and conservation finance in Fiji, linking science and private-sector engagement to protect vital ecosystems globally.
Kandeban Balendran
President Harvard Club of Sri Lanka. Founder & CEO Academics Group and EMBRAX Inc
Sri Lanka
Kandeban Balendran, a media veteran turned serial entrepreneur and educator, is a staunch believer in Sri Lanka's potential. Founder of Academics Group, he's acclaimed as a "Dreamer" by Harvard Business School and recognized among Australia's "19 Future Chasers - Young Global Leaders." His vision extends beyond borders, seeing the region as a nexus for educational excellence and transformation. Kandee firmly believes that nations thrive through their people - individuals driven by passion and vision.
Asanka De Mel
Founder LOVI
Sri Lanka
Asanka founded LOVI to create an authentic and united fashion identity rooted in Sri Lankan ethos—with the hope of sharing his love of this island paradise, its people and its culture with the world. Two things you should know: he’s a visionary working towards developing Sri Lanka and he’s hell bent on building LOVI into an international fashion brand.
Vinod Hirdaramani
Chairperson Hirdaramani Group Deputy Chairperson Ceylon Chamber of Commerce
Sri Lanka
Vinod Hirdaramani is the Chairperson of the Hirdaramani Group, a pioneering multinational conglomerate with a 100+ year legacy in the global apparel industry, renewable energy, leisure, and retail sectors. Having served on the Group's Board of Directors since 1993, he oversees knit facilities in Sri Lanka and Vietnam and is deeply involved in the Group’s renewable energy investments. Mr. Hirdaramani is a committed advocate for sustainability, spearheading initiatives like the world's first custom-built LEED-certified apparel factory, 'Mihila.' He also serves as a director on the board of Sampath Bank PLC. An alumnus of Harvard Business School, he holds a Bachelor of Arts from Northwestern University. His speaking engagements often focus on sustainable global business strategies, corporate responsibility, and leading transformation in the manufacturing sector.
Sandun Hapugoda
Country Manager - Sri Lanka & Maldives, Mastercard
Sri Lanka & Maldives
Sandun joined Mastercard in 2017 to lead the company’s Digital and Value Added Services business in Sri Lanka and Maldives. Since then he has been instrumental in deepening the company’s partnerships with banking and non-banking financial institutions, fintechs and merchants by enhancing and streamlining their digital payment journeys.
Somdutta Singh
First-Gen Serial Entrepreneur | Investor | Founder & CEO, Assiduus
Dubai
Somdutta Singh is a first-generation serial entrepreneur, angel investor (70+ startups), and best-selling author, educated at MIT and a student of Harvard Business School. She is the founder and CEO of Assiduus Global, a leading e-commerce middleware platform recognized by FT, Deloitte, and Forbes, aiming to be a billion-dollar, PAT-positive company that she plans to take IPO globally. She has been named Woman Entrepreneur of the Year multiple times and recognized in lists like Fortune India’s 50 Most Powerful Business Women and Times 40 Under 40. Singh’s influence extends to policy, having helped form NITI Aayog’s Women Entrepreneurship Platform. As a philanthropist, her non-profit Bhavi supports youth education. Outside of business, she is a trained classical singer and a combat training enthusiast.
Hon Chathuranga Abeyratna
Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development
Sri Lanka
Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe, the Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development and a Member of Parliament for the Colombo District, presents a profile rooted in professional management, finance, and data analytics. Leveraging over 15 years in the corporate sector, including significant tenure at MAS Holdings and experience as a Data Science Consultant, he transitioned into politics under the National People's Power (NPP) banner. His expertise, backed by his qualifications as an Associate Member of CIMA (UK) and a BSc in Finance, informs his focus on evidence-based policy-making for national economic strategy. In his current role, he champions industrial growth and entrepreneurship development, serving on key parliamentary bodies like the Committee on Public Finance, emphasizing a systematic, data-driven approach to solving Sri Lanka's economic challenges. He is recognized for advocating systemic change to enhance national productivity and foster a competitive business environment.
Dr. Achyuta Samanta
Founder KIIT University & KISS University, Odisha
India
Dr. Achyuta Samanta is a renowned educationist, social worker, and philanthropist from Odisha, India. He is best known as the founder of the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) and the Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS). KISS is a unique institution that provides free education, accommodation, and healthcare to indigenous children. Dr. Samanta's work has earned him over 70 honorary doctorates and numerous national and international awards, including the highest civilian honors from Mongolia and Bahrain, for his significant contributions to education and social development.
Pial Islam
Managing Director PI Strategy
Bangladesh
Pial Islam is a Harvard-educated strategy advisor with over 25 years of global experience spanning North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. Specializing in policy, innovation, and digital transformation, he is a leading expert in crafting transformative growth strategies for the financial sector, inclusive growth, and fact-based decision making. Since 2009, he has led pi STRATEGY, delivering impactful advisory services to over 50 clients, including the World Bank, Gates Foundation, and various governments on initiatives covering financial inclusion and systemic challenges. A former Global Leadership Fellow at the World Economic Forum and Consulting Manager at Capgemini, he recently led strategic planning for Bangladesh Bank's Banking Sector Reform Taskforce. His work is internationally published by Harvard and the WEF.
Sanjeev Asthana
CEO, Patanjali Foods
India
Sanjeev Asthana is a distinguished leader in Food & Agriculture with over 30 years of experience. He is the CEO of Pathanjali Foods and serves on the boards of NABCONS and the Agriculture Skill Council of India. He is also a non-resident fellow at The Chicago Council on Global Affairs.
Asthana has managed large businesses across Europe, Southeast Asia, and India, including leadership roles at Reliance Retail, Cargill India, and ITC Global Holdings. He works closely with government bodies and international institutions on food security and sustainability, and has chaired committees for industry chambers like CII and FICCI. He is also a frequent speaker at global conferences.
Leong Sze Hian
Chairman, Singapore Professional Centre
Singapore
Leong Sze Hian is a prominent figure in Singapore with a diverse background that spans finance, media, and activism. An alumnus of Harvard University and a pioneer in Singapore’s financial sector, he has served as the president of four professional bodies.As a speaker, Leong draws on his extensive experience as a financial advisor, author of four books, and a widely quoted media commentator. He has hosted a money radio show and written a daily newspaper column. Leong is known for his commentary on social and economic issues, often advocating for more equitable government policies.
Damith Pallewatte
Managing Director / Chief Executive Officer Hatton National Bank PLC
Sri Lanka
Mr. Damith Pallewatte is the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Hatton National Bank PLC (HNB), a leading financial institution in Sri Lanka. A veteran with over 28 years in the financial services industry, his career is distinguished by expertise in Risk Management, Corporate Banking, and Digital Transformation. He holds the professional designations of FCMA, CGMA, FRM® (Financial Risk Manager), and SCR® (Sustainability and Climate Risk). Pallewatte is recognised for his data-driven, growth-oriented leadership, having previously served as Chief Risk Officer at HNB and Nations Trust Bank PLC. His influence extends nationally through board roles, including LankaPay and the International Chamber of Commerce Sri Lanka.
Sumit Gupta
CEO, Waseda Global
India
Sumit Gupta serves as a Director at Waseda Global Private Limited, a non-government company involved in wholesale trade via e-commerce.His professional background includes extensive experience in the commodities and supply chain sectors. He was a Director at McDonald Pelz Global Commodities India Private Limited from 2014 to 2025. He also holds directorships at Provenance Agri Supply Chain Solutions Private Limited and Grainx Global Private Limited, and was previously a Director at Woxho Lifestyle India Private Limited. This experience underscores his expertise in international trade, supply chain management, and the commodities market.
Arjette van den Berg
Senior Advisor AFIG FUNDS
UAE
Arjette is a senior advisor to AFIG FUNDS focused on pre & post-investment due diligence, interim portfolio company management, and portfolio company analysis. She has advised both direct and fund investors on portfolio valuation and PE fund analysis, including the African Development Bank and Tata Capital.
Dr Harinda Vidanage
Director International Relations Office (IRO), Director Centre for Strategic Assessment (CSA)
Sri Lanka
Dr Harinda Vidanage is currently Director Centre for Strategic Assessment (CSA) KDU and Senior Advisor, Centre for Law and Security Studies (CLASS) Sri Lanka.He was the first civilian to Head the department of Strategic Studies at KDU from 2020 – 2023. Harinda was formerly Director, Bandaranaike Centre for International Studies (BCIS) and Assistant Professor of International Relations, St. Lawrence University, New York from 2012 – 2016. Harinda is a Senior Fulbright Scholar. He gained his PhD from the University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom as an ORSAS and Principles Scholar. He is an Honorary Fellow at Stratenewsglobal.com, Research Fellow at Bangladesh Center for Indo Pacific Affairs, and at Nepal Institute of International Cooperation (NIICE). Harinda advocates for Strategic thought, global political awareness and expansion of policy think tank space in Sri Lanka.
Shailendra Tipparaju (Shailu)
Founder of MAGNA Education, Chairman of the Colosseum Group, and a Venture Partner
USA
Shailu Tipparaju is a globally recognized educator, serial entrepreneur, author, and executive mentor nearing three decades of cross-industry leadership. As the founding force behind multiple EdTech ventures, several of which achieved successful private equity exits. Shailu has generated multi-billion dollar enterprise value for his companies, while simultaneously building enduring emotional capital. He is the Founder of MAGNA Education, Chairman of the Colosseum Group, and a Venture Partner with firms across the U.S. and Europe.Shailu has worked with leaders and founders across industries from Fortune 100 companies such as Apple, Tesla, Amazon, CVS, IBM, and Xerox to purpose-driven startups and growth-stage innovators. Through MAGNA, his global school for entrepreneurship and leadership, he has partnered with Ivy League institutions to deliver lectures and thought-leadership programs on Quantum Leadership and Shailosophy : his life philosophy that blends strategy with soul, centered on purpose, performance, and people.
Aritha Wickramasinghe
General Counsel TWC Investment Banking, Director - Equality Law (Justice Programme) iProbono
Sri Lanka
Aritha Wickramasinghe is a distinguished international finance lawyer and a pioneering activist in the field of diversity and inclusion. Having worked at top-tier law firms in London, he has advised the UN and the British government and has been instrumental in public policy reform in Sri Lanka.A passionate advocate for social justice, he is a respected voice on topics such as human rights, equality, and public policy. He has been involved in several key initiatives, including advising lawyers across the Commonwealth on challenging discriminatory laws. His expertise is also focused on leveraging business as a force for social change. He was ranked by the Financial Times as a Top Global LGBT Future Leader, highlighting his leadership and influence.
Sajju Jain
Serial Entrepreneur & Regional Director - Asia Pacific, Harvard Alumni Association
India
Sajju has helped build several startups in their early stages that have grown to deliver global impact. Dlight's solar lights have improved the lives of 150 million people, Embrace's infant warmer has helped over 475,000 babies, and Chirag has illuminated 700+ villages.
Shabari Nair
Senior Programme Coordinator (Economic Recovery, and Labour Migration and Integration) - IOM - UN Migration
Turkey
Shabari has over 17 years of experience in International Relations, specializing in economic recovery, labor migration, and integration. He currently leads key initiatives for the UN’s International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Ankara, Türkiye.His career includes roles with IOM, the International Labour Organization (ILO), the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), and Switzerland’s Federal Department of Foreign Affairs. He has been posted in cities around the world, including Geneva, New York, New Delhi, and Doha.Shabari holds a Master’s in Public Administration from Harvard University, a Master’s in International Relations from the Geneva School of Diplomacy, and a double Bachelor’s degree from Griffith University.
Lakshanthi Fernando
President Singapore Sri Lanka Business Association, Managing Director CMS Holborn Asia, Partner CMS (Litigation, Arbitration & Employment)
Singapore | Sri Lanka
Lakshanthi Fernando is a leading Singapore-based lawyer specialising in international arbitration, litigation, and employment. A Partner at CMS Singapore and Managing Director of CMS Holborn Asia, she is an Advocate & Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Singapore with an LL.B (Hons) from the National University of Singapore. Lakshanthi sits on the SIAC Users Council, the Law Society’s International Relations Committee, and the Singapore Academy of Law’s Editorial Board. Recognised in Legal 500’s Private Practice Powerlist, she was the first female President of the Singapore Sri Lanka Business Association (2020–2025) and has been quoted by the Financial Times, BBC, and Straits Times.
Manny Anchan
Founder Happiness Quotient Global
India
Manoj Anchan, or 'Manny,' is a global citizen who brings 25 years of leadership from top transnational firms like GE Capital and ABN AMRO, with alumni status from Harvard and Columbia Business Schools. As a global motivational speaker and purpose researcher, Manny is passionately focused on happiness and well-being. He studied global concepts like Ikigai and Hygge, inspiring him to launch HQGPL, a mental health and wellness venture with international academic partners. Manny is a Summit Presenter, adjunct professor, and the proud author of three books, including the best-selling Happiness Samurai. Through his work, Manny promotes his simple mantra: simple living, positive feeling, and transformational thinking.
Prashant Kandoi
Managing Director EVIO
India
He undertakes turnkey Electrical and Automation projects for Industries and Buildings. Evio is a Pan India Company with Projects across 15 states. Evio has completed more then 500 large projects for Blue Chip Indian and Multinational companies over the last 10 years.
Aruni Goonetilleke
Vice President Harvard Club of Sri Lanka Former Chairperson Hatton National Bank
Sri Lanka
Aruni Goonetilleke is a financial services expert with over 25 years of experience in regional financial markets, she was the former Chairperson at Hatton National Bank. She has extensive experience in enterprise risk management, credit, audit, and business origination and has held leadership positions in local and international banks.Previously, she was also the Head of Corporate Banking at People’s Bank. Immediately prior to that, she held several leadership and transformational roles at Standard Chartered Bank Singapore and Sri Lanka. She is a Non-Executive Director of several listed companies and financial institutions in Sri Lanka.
Sooraj Mundayat
India Head & Vice President of Professional Services, Precisely
India
Sooraj Mundayat is the India Head & Vice President of Professional Services at Precisely, a global data integrity software company. With over 18 years of experience, he is a seasoned business and technology leader known for building and scaling offshore businesses and startups. Mundayat has a strong background in technology and operations across the EMEA and APAC regions, having previously launched several successful startups. He is also an active angel investor and corporate strategist, advising various startups. A Harvard Business School alumnus, he frequently speaks on business scaling, technology strategy, and data integrity, emphasizing the power of leveraging technology to drive business growth and value.
Ayush Nigam
Founding Member and Head of Global Business Development & Partnerships TERN Group
India
Ayush Nigam is a mission-driven entrepreneur working at the intersection of global workforce mobility and sustainable agriculture. As Founding Member and Head of Global Business Development & Partnerships at TERN Group, a UK-headquartered healthcare workforce mobility and training company — he leads expansion across 13+ countries including India, Germany, Japan, GCC, and the UK. TERN has raised over $33 million, grown 10x in the past year, and built a platform of over 650,000 professionals, driving ethical, AI-enabled talent mobility with zero fees to candidates.Before TERN, Ayush founded Distinct Horizon, an award-winning agri-tech company recognized by the United Nations for its breakthrough impact on smallholder farmers and climate resilience. The company’s technology has doubled the profits of over 20,000 farmers, reduced 30x more carbon emissions per dollar invested than solar panels, and improved soil health while reducing water and chemical use by 40%.An alumnus of IIT Madras and a former investment banker, Ayush brings a blend of analytical rigor, global perspective, and purpose-driven leadership to scaling impact enterprises across emerging markets.
Dwiti Vickramadithya
Vice President, International Relations KIIT & KISS
India
Dwiti Vikramaditya is the Vice President of International Relations for the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) and the Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS). Since 2006, he has been crucial in securing development projects and fostering over 150 international academic collaborations. Mr. Vikramaditya was instrumental in gaining UN recognition for KISS as the world's first tribal university. His strategic focus is on sustainable development and social justice for indigenous communities, including leading the initiative to establish 20 new KISS campuses by 2030. He is an alumnus of the Harvard Kennedy School (MPA, 2023) and serves on its Alumni Board, also acting as the India Lead for the UNSSC Nelson Mandela Global Academy for Social Change.
Bhavani Fonseka
Senior researcher and lawyer Centre for Policy Alternatives
Sri Lanka
Bhavani Fonseka is a senior researcher and lawyer with the Centre for Policy Alternatives in Sri Lanka. Presently her work focuses on transitional justice issues in post-war Sri Lanka. She is also the editor of the book Transitional Justice in Sri Lanka: Moving Beyond Promises, published in 2017. She has worked in the areas of human rights, peacebuilding, reconciliation and the rule of law and appeared as counsel in several leading cases in the Supreme Court in Sri Lanka. She is also a member of the Policy Committee, Human Rights Watch. She was an adviser to the Consultation Taskforce appointed by the Government of Sri Lanka and a member to formulate the National Human Rights Action Plan for Sri Lanka. She was a Mason Fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School and an Eisenhower Fellow. Bhavani has a bachelor's degree in law from the University of Bristol, UK, a master's degree in law from Denver University, USA, and a master's degree in public administration from Harvard University, USA.
Suranga Herath
CEO English Tea Shop
Sri Lanka
Mr. Suranga Herath is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of English Tea Shop, an award-winning global organic tea brand operating from Sri Lanka. With over two decades of experience in the tea industry, Herath is celebrated not just as an entrepreneur, but as a pioneer in ethical business models. He is the driving force behind the company's 2010 rebranding, shifting the focus from mass-production to a premium, 100% organic, and Fairtrade-certified brand sold in over 50 countries.
Azusa Kubota
Resident Representative United Nations Development Programme
Sri Lanka
Ms. Azusa Kubota is the Resident Representative for the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Sri Lanka, taking office in January 2023. Bringing nearly 25 years of international development experience across Asia and the Pacific, her leadership is focused on guiding Sri Lanka's recovery towards a sustainable, green, and inclusive future through the UNDP's 2023-2027 country programme. A key area of her expertise lies in designing innovative strategies to boost organizational performance and strategic vision, a skill honed during her tenure in the UNDP Evaluation Office and as Resident Representative in Bhutan. Ms. Kubota holds a Master's Degree in International Affairs from Columbia University, positioning her as a strategic and influential speaker on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), integrated development, and resilience.
Shilpa G. Manari
Leadership Coach | Founder, Authentic Living & Thrive Culture
India
Shilpa G. Manari is a global Transformation & Leadership Coach dedicated to helping visionary leaders unlock their authentic power and lead with clarity, courage, and compassion. With over 15 years of experience across corporate, social impact, and entrepreneurial ventures, she brings a rare integration of analytical precision and soulful depth to her work.As the Founder of Authentic Living and Thrive Culture, Shilpa’s approach blends evidence-based leadership development with somatic intelligence, mindfulness, and holistic well-being. A Harvard Business School alum and certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach from IIN New York, she has coached leaders across Europe, Asia, and the US — guiding them to move beyond burnout and self-doubt into alignment, purpose, and authentic presence.
Andy Palanisamy
CEO Critavo
India
Andy Palanisamy is a seasoned technology strategist, a proven business leader and a renowned public policy professional with over two and half decades of public and private sector experience, leading complex projects in technology innovations globally, particularly in North America and the Middle East. He is currently serving as Criativo’s CEO and is overseeing the establishment and growth of the organization in the global markets. Andy serves as a Board Advisor for Obsession, a Dubai-based innovation consultancy, advising the leadership and clients on a variety of emerging technologies; in addition, Andy also serves as an advisor to the CEO in the development and launch of a cutting-edge AI-platform for legal professionals across the GCC/Pan-Arabian markets
Ramesh Kumar Shah
Founding Chairperson RK Group
India
Ramesh Kumar Shah is a highly accomplished entrepreneur, founder, and angel investor, best known as the Chairman of RK Group, a diversified conglomerate he established in 1980 that grew from a textile firm into a major e-commerce and distribution leader in India. An alumnus of Harvard Business School's Owners President Management (OPM) program, Shah is deeply connected to the institutional investing community. He is the co-founder and co-chair of HBS Angels India, the largest network of Harvard alumni angel investors in the country, which has backed numerous successful startups. Beyond his business and investment endeavors, Shah is a dedicated philanthropist, having founded the RK Trust to support various social causes, including The Jain Foundation and providing financial assistance to cancer patients. His career exemplifies scaling a global enterprise while maintaining a strong commitment to community enrichment and ethical values.
Nayana Mawilmada
President Property and Leisure GroupJohn Keells Holdings
Sri Lanka
Nayana Mawilmada is a highly respected leader, currently serving as the President of the Property industry group at John Keells Holdings (JKH). He is known for his extensive international experience, spanning over 15 countries, in facilitating and managing large-scale urban development and infrastructure projects across both the private and public sectors. Mawilmada is a key advocate for sound urban development policy in Sri Lanka, having previously served as the Director General of the Urban Development Authority (UDA) and an Urban Development Specialist for the Asian Development Bank. His distinguished academic background includes a Master of City Planning from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and an MBA from Harvard Business School. He continues to shape Sri Lanka's urban landscape.
Sheran Fernando
Consultant & Head of Business Evolution and Innovation Dilmah Tea
Sri Lanka
Sheran Fernando is a renowned mobility specialist and policy influencer with a robust background as an economist. An alumnus of the Harvard Business School, he leverages over 20 years of experience in the automotive industry to drive discourse on sustainable transport solutions.Fernando is a thought leader focused on reducing Green House Gas Emissions (GGEs) through multi-faceted policy interventions. His insights dissect complex issues across efficiency, sustainability, policy, and market dynamics—particularly concerning vehicle pricing and the shift towards electrified mass transportation. He is a frequent author and speaker on the future of mobility.
Nishan de Mel
CEO Verite Research
Sri Lanka
Nishan is an economist with extensive academic, policy and private sector experience. Nishan taught and researched economics at Oxford and Harvard universities. Nishan completed his undergraduate studies at Harvard University, and his graduate studies at Oxford University, where he was a Chevening Scholar.
Robert Coulson
Executive Advisor for Real Estate, Accenture
UAE
Robert Coulson is a seasoned advisor on value creation in the built environment, bringing over 25 years of real estate and construction experience to his work with Accenture's clients. He specializes in corporate and investment strategy, M&A advisory, and portfolio optimization, helping organizations navigate complex development projects. Coulson is a champion of digital transformation, integrating technologies like Agentic AI, Blockchain, and immersive experiences into sustainable solutions. His dedication to innovative strategic asset management is reflected in his credentials as a LEED AP, RICS Fellow, and Counselor of Real Estate.
Bhanuka Harischandra
Managing Director, Short Circuit
Sri Lanka
Bhanuka Harischandra is a self-taught serial-entrepreneur that believes in testing, adapting and not conforming to set rules. Bhanuka established Surge Global, a design, marketing and technology firm to focus on the needs of helping businesses grow in the modern economy. In 2018, Senior Executives within the Tavistock Group, invested in the company to leverage and support some of the group's most strategic and valuable investments.
Daniel Alphonsus
Economist South Asia Fintech Team Lead, Daraz
Sri Lanka
Daniel Alphonsus is a distinguished professional with a diverse background in technology, finance, and government. He currently leads the payments and financial services divisions for Daraz, the Alibaba Group's South Asia fintech team. His professional experience includes serving as an economic adviser to Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Finance. Alphonsus is a respected voice on topics such as economic policy, digital transformation, and governance. A Fulbright Scholar, he holds degrees from Balliol College, Oxford and Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government. His insights blend fintech innovation with deep expertise in public policy.
Koushik Kadidal
Co-founder & CEO SQFT Fund
India
Koushik Kadidal is a seasoned financial services leader with over 25 years of global experience across banking, payments, and data strategy. He is currently Co-founder and CEO of SQFT Fund, a real estate investment firm. Before SQFT Fund, Koushik served as Chief Data Officer at PayU, where he led data and risk transformation for one of India’s largest payment platforms. Earlier, he held senior leadership roles at Capital One and Citi, driving large-scale financial innovation.
Dr Pradeep Perera
Chairman National System Operator of Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka
Dr. Pradeep Perera is a distinguished electrical engineer and energy specialist with over 25 years of international experience, primarily in Asia. He served for over 15 years as an Energy Specialist and Principal Energy Specialist at the Asian Development Bank (ADB), coordinating energy sector lending operations and structuring innovative projects in renewable energy, hydropower, and energy efficiency across countries like India, China, and Vietnam. Prior to his ADB tenure, he worked with the World Bank group. Currently, he heads the Power Sector Reforms Secretariat (PSRS) in Sri Lanka as a consultant for JICA, playing a key role in the country's electricity sector restructuring process. He holds a Ph.D. from Imperial College, London.
Meghana Dutta
Director Studio Decode
India
Architect Meghana Dutta is the co-founder and Principal Architect of Studio Decode, an international award-winning, multi-disciplinary architecture and design firm established in Bangalore in 2006.Her practice is defined by a unique philosophy that explores the intersection of design, technology, and sustainable thinking, aiming for "glocal" solutions that blend global aspirations with localized cultural context. She specializes in creating sustainable, built ecosystems across various typologies, emphasizing resource optimization, innovative use of technology, and conservation practices in contemporary Indian architecture.
Thaha Muhammed Abdul Kareem
Secretary Harvard Business School Club of the GCC President Indian Business and Professionals Council (IBPC)
Qatar
Thaha Muhammed Abdul Kareem is an influential business leader and global speaker with over 23 years of diversified industry experience. He is currently the President of the Indian Business and Professionals Council (IBPC), Qatar, operating under the aegis of the Embassy of India. His advisory roles include serving as a special consultant to members of the Royal Family of Qatar, and acting as the Secretary and Board Representative for the Harvard Business School Club in the GCC. Mr. Thaha is highly recognized on the global circuit, having been a distinguished speaker at major international forums such as the World Robot Conference in Beijing, the Horasis Global Summit in Brazil, and receiving the honorary title of Goodwill Ambassador of Arkansas State, USA. He holds degrees and certifications from institutions including Harvard, Stanford, and MIT.
Sarani Jayawardene
Business and Digital Strategy Consultant United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
Sri Lanka
Sarani Jayawardena is a highly accomplished specialist in policy evaluation, governance, and sustainable development, bringing her expertise to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).Holding a BA from Harvard College and an MSc from the University of Oxford, Sarani's career spans impactful roles in both the public and private sectors in Sri Lanka. She previously contributed to national economic policy as a co-leader for the country's Outlook Vision 2025 and drove strategic transformation at MAS Holdings. Her work focuses on evidence-based social intervention and building resilient, inclusive governance systems, making her a compelling voice on the future of development.
Kairavi Dey
Assistant Director and Research Team Lead Harvard Business School
India
Kairavi Dey is an Assistant Director at Harvard Business School (HBS) known for her crucial role as a Research Associate and collaborator on numerous influential HBS case studies and course notes. Her work centers on key business disciplines, including technology, entrepreneurship, and global strategy, often with a focus on emerging Indian markets. She has co-authored major cases on companies like boAt Lifestyle, Zerodha, and Hotstar, alongside research into topics such as AI, decarbonization, and supply chain management. Dey's contributions are fundamental to developing curriculum material at HBS, providing students with deep insights into complex business models and strategic challenges across various sectors.
Nishant Singh
Vice President & Senior Advisor Global Philanthropy Ventures
United Arab Emirates
Nishant Singh is a recognized leader in advancing philanthropy, entrepreneurship, and institutional development across emerging economies. Based in the UAE, he serves as Vice President & Senior Advisor, for Global Philanthropy Ventures, focussing on driving AI innovation for business and philanthropy in emerging markets. A Fulbright Graduate Scholar from Harvard University, and former Chief Programming Officer of Harvard Mittal South Asia Institute, Nishant has worked across India, the USA, and South Asia—launching higher-education and ed-tech ventures, designing global partnership programs, and fostering leadership collaboratives. His work centers on harnessing the power of business and philanthropy to drive inclusive growth, innovation, and social change.
Khyati Mody
Chief Operating Officer Global Fuels
India
Khyati Mody is a multifaceted executive and accomplished international sports figure. She serves as the Chief Operating Officer for Global Fuels, bringing over fifteen years of dedicated experience to the highly complex bunker industry. Her professional career is marked by deftly managing dual responsibilities, starting her work life while completing university studies. Beyond her corporate achievements in the global fuel market, Ms. Mody has distinguished herself in the highly competitive world of motorsports. She is recognized as an international-level car racer, participating in major rally events, and has also contributed to sports journalism as a writer. This dual success highlights her capabilities in both complex business management and high-pressure environments.
