The American Chamber of Commerce in Sri Lanka (AmCham Sri Lanka) hosted “Her Story, Her Voice” at Cinnamon Life Colombo yesterday evening, bringing together some of the country’s most respected women leaders for candid conversations on leadership, resilience, legacy, and influence.
The event was designed for senior corporate executives, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and emerging leaders. Rather than following a conventional leadership dialogue format, it moved into the personal journeys behind public success. Two discussions, moderated by media consultant and entrepreneur Savithri Rodrigo, gave attendees direct access to the experiences of women who have shaped institutions at both corporate and national levels.
The first session, a Fireside Chat titled “Two Eras, One Vision,” featured Hon. Rosy Senanayake, former Mayor of Colombo and former State Minister, and Hon. Shiranee Tilakawardane, former Chief Justice of Sri Lanka. Drawing on decades of public service, the two leaders reflected on the defining moments of their careers, the challenges they faced as women in leadership, and the convictions that carried them through environments where scrutiny and responsibility were exceptionally high.
Hon. Rosy Senanayake spoke about being defined for much of her public life by her early recognition as a beauty queen, rather than as the institution-builder and policymaker she went on to become. She said she worked to change that perception through the substance of her work, a shift that culminated in her tenure as Mayor of Colombo.
Hon. Shiranee Tilakawardane spoke about resilience and the influence women can carry in senior positions such as hers. She outlined what she called the “4 Cs” of leadership: Competence, Consistency, Courage, Character. She also reflected on her years working in a male-dominated field, describing it not as an obstacle but as a formative experience that shaped who she became.
The second discussion, “Women in Family Enterprises: Leadership, Legacy and Longevity,” featured Manjula Mathews, Director of Janashakthi Group (JXG), and Shehara De Silva, Group Managing Director of McLarens Holdings Limited. Together, they shared their experiences balancing legacy with innovation, navigating governance structures, and leading large organisations through changing business environments.
The themes explored across both sessions resonated with executives across every sector represented in the room. The evening concluded with a wine-and-dine networking experience, giving attendees the opportunity to build ongoing professional connections.
AmCham Sri Lanka thanked the CEOs, Managing Directors, Board Directors, senior executives, entrepreneurs, and professionals who joined the evening of leadership insight and conversation.
AmCham Sri Lanka is one of the country’s most influential business chambers and serves as the leading forum for trade, investment, and business relations between Sri Lanka and the United States. The Chamber represents more than 350 members, drawn from senior leadership across leading Sri Lankan, American, and international companies. It is affiliated with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and is a member of the Asia Pacific Council of American Chambers of Commerce (APCAC).
Panel Discussion Moment
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