Background
Verité Research is hosting a regional conference, “Riding the Indian Wave: World’s 5th Largest Economy on Sri Lanka’s Shores”, on Thursday, 27 of March from 9:00 AM – 5.00 PM (UTC +5.30).
The conference will explore how Sri Lanka can strategically leverage its proximity and connectivity to India -an emerging global economic powerhouse – to enhance exports, attract investments, and drive sustainable economic recovery. The regional conference organised by Verité Research, with the support of the High Commission of India in Sri Lanka, and with the partnership of Hayleys Advantis.
It will bring together senior parliamentarians, policymakers, economists, and industry leaders from India and Sri Lanka to explore opportunities for Sri Lanka to leverage its strategic location close to main shipping routes in the Indian Ocean and it’s proximity to India for economic advancement through enhanced trade, investment, and regional collaboration.
09:00 am – 09:30 am
Registration
Inauguration
09:30 am – 10:00 am
Welcome Remarks – Dr. Satyanjal Pandey, Deputy High Commissioner, High Commission of India in Sri Lanka
Opening Remarks – Mr. Arun Hemachandra, Hon. Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment
10:00 am – 10:45 am
Rising India, Resilient Sri Lanka: Collaborative Path for Shared Prosperity
Explore new growth opportunities from India’s rapid economic ascent, expanding middle class, integration with global supply chains, and growing prowess as a digital powerhouse for neighbouring South Asian countries, like Sri Lanka.
Speakers:
- Dr. Shamika Ravi, Member, Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister, India (Virtual Appearance)
- Dr. Sanjay Kathuria, Non-Resident Senior Fellow, Institute of South Asian Studies, National University of Singapore (Virtual Appearance)
- Ms. Subhashini Abeysinghe, Research Director, Verité Research
Moderated by Dr. Nishan de Mel, Executive Director, Verité Research
10:45 am – 11:00 am
Q&A
11:00 am – 11:30 am
Morning Break
Session 1
11:30 am – 12:30 pm
Markets, Manufacturing, and Tourism: Unlocking India-Sri Lanka Synergies
With the broader context outlined in the plenary session, the first session will explore specific trade and investment opportunities arising from India’s growth. The discussion will focus on what must be done to tap into these emerging opportunities. The session will feature practical insights and suggestions from Sri Lankan companies doing business with India and Indian companies in Sri Lanka.
Speakers:
- Mr. Hasitha Premaratne, Managing Director, Brandix Lanka Ltd
- Mr. Shalin Balasuriya, Co-founder and Group Director, Spa Ceylon Ayurveda Wellness
- Mr. Ravi Dadlani, Managing Director & CEO, Ceat-Kelani Holdings Pvt Ltd
- Mrs. Renuka Weerakone, Director General, Board of Investment Sri Lanka
- Mr. Hishan Singhawansa, Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer of Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts
Moderated by Mr. Shamindra Kulamannage, co-founder, Echelon Media
12:30 pm – 01:00 pm
Q&A
01:00 pm – 02:15 pm
Lunch Break
Session 2
02:15 pm – 03:15 pm
Connectivity Unbound: Leveraging Transport, Logistics and Renewable Energy for Sustainable Growth
This session will explore Sri Lanka’s potential to leverage its strategic location and proximity to India for sustainable growth. It will focus on new opportunities that arise for Sri Lanka’s maritime transport and logistics with the growth in India’s manufacturing sector and its increasing integration with global value chains. Additionally, the session will address energy connectivity, including prospects for grid interlinking and renewable energy cooperation and their role in strengthening sustainable supply chains in South Asia.
Speakers:
- Mr. Romesh David, CEO, South Asia Gateway Terminals (SAGT)
- Mr. Tamal Roy, President, J M Baxi Group, India
- Mr. Karma Tshewang, Chief Engineer, Energy Strategy and Planning Division, Department of Energy, Ministry of Energy, Bhutan (Virtual Appearance)
- Dr. Pradeep Perera, Former Principal Energy Specialist, Asian Development Bank
- Mr. Vishvanath Daluwatte, Group Management Committee Member, Hayleys Advantis
Co-moderated by:
- Ms. Dhashma Karunaratne, Chief Commercial Officer, Colombo West International Terminal
- Mr. Damitha Kumarasinghe, Director General, Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka
03:15 pm – 03:45 pm
Q&A
03:45 pm – 04:00 pm
Closing Remarks
- Representative from Verité Research
04:00 pm – 05:00 pm
Evening Break
Inauguration (09:30 am - 10:00 am)
Dr. Satyanjal Pandey
Deputy High Commissioner, High Commission of India in Sri Lanka
Deputy High Commissioner, High Commission of India in Sri Lanka
Dr. Satyanjal Pandey joined the Indian Foreign Service [IFS] in the year 2008. He started his career at Embassy of India in Moscow as Language Trainee. From January 2012, he served in the Political and Administration Wings at Embassy of India in Kazakhstan before taking up his charge as the Desk Officer in Europe West Division at New Delhi in August 2015. From July 2016 to July 2023 he has served as Under Secretary/Deputy Secretary/Director in the Finance Division at New Delhi except for the period from July 2018-May 2020 during which he served as the Regional Passport Officer, Delhi. He joined as Deputy High Commissioner of India in Colombo in August 2023.
Dr. Satyanjal Pandey is a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) from King George’s Medical College, Lucknow and speaks Hindi, Bhojpuri, English and Russian languages.
Hon. Arun Hemachandra
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment, Sri Lanka
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment, Sri Lanka
Hon. Arun Hemachandra is the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment. He is a National Executive Committee Member of the National People’s Power (NPP), District Leader of the People’s Liberation Front, and National Committee Member of the Socialist Youth Union.
With a diverse academic background, Minister Hemachandra holds a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from the University of London, a Master’s Diploma in Business Administration (MBA) in Finance from IICT India, and a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Biology from Angeles University Foundation in the Philippines.
Hon. Arun Hemachandra is the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment. He is a National Executive Committee Member of the National People’s Power (NPP), District Leader of the People’s Liberation Front, and National Committee Member of the Socialist Youth Union.
With a diverse academic background, Minister Hemachandra holds a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from the University of London, a Master’s Diploma in Business Administration (MBA) in Finance from IICT India, and a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Biology from Angeles University Foundation in the Philippines.
Plenary Session (10:00 am - 11:00am)
Dr. Shamika Ravi
Member, Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister, India
Member, Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister, India
Dr. Shamika Ravi is currently a member of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister, and Secretary to Government of India. Previously, Dr. Ravi was Director of Research at Brookings India, Vice President Economic Policy at Observer Research Foundation and Non-Resident Senior Fellow of Governance Studies Program at Brookings Institution. Her research focuses on economics of development including areas of Finance, Healthcare, Urbanization, Gender Equality, and Welfare and Poverty.
Over the last 20 years, Dr. Ravi has taught in post-graduate programmes across India including The Indian School of Business and the BITS School of Management where she teaches Managerial Economics, Game Theory and Microfinance. She publishes extensively in international peer-reviewed academic journals and writes regular opinions pieces in newspapers (English and Hindi) for the wider audience of public policy. Her research work has been featured and frequently cited by leading global media outlets, as well as national and regional newspapers and magazines across India in different languages.
Dr. Ravi has a PhD in Economics from New York University, Masters in Economics from Delhi School of Economics and B.A(H) in Economics from Lady Shri Ram College for Women.
Dr. Sanjay Kathuria
Non-Resident Senior Fellow, Institute of South Asian Studies, National University of Singapore
Non-Resident Senior Fellow, Institute of South Asian Studies, National University of Singapore
Sanjay Kathuria is a Visiting Senior Fellow in the Growth, Finance and Development vertical at CSEP. He has a vast experience of more than 40 years and is recognised as a pre-eminent thinker and commentator on economic development, growth and integration in South Asia. His research interests and writings have focused on South Asia, economic growth and development, industrial policy and competitiveness, trade and globalisation, regional integration, the economics of small states, and gender issues, among others.
He is also Visiting Expert with the United States Institute of Peace. He teaches in both the US and India, as Adjunct Professor, Georgetown University, and Visiting Faculty, Ashoka University. He is also a Non-Resident Senior Fellow at the Institute of South Asian Studies at the National University of Singapore and a Global Fellow at the Wilson Centre in Washington, DC.
Earlier, Sanjay Kathuria was Senior Visiting Fellow at the Centre for Policy Research, New Delhi. He was a Lead Economist at the World Bank in Washington, DC, where he spent 27 years working on South Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, and Eastern Europe, including field assignments in New Delhi and Dhaka. Before joining the World Bank, he was a Fellow at the Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations in New Delhi, from 1982 to 1992.
He holds a PhD in Economics from Oxford University as an Inlaks Scholar. He graduated from St. Stephen’s College, Delhi, and completed his Master’s at the Delhi School of Economics.
Apart from many books and reports published at the World Bank, his writings have featured in Foreign Policy, Hindustan Times, The Indian Express, The Wire, Daily FT (Sri Lanka), Business Standard, among others.
He is currently working on a new book on The Future of South Asia.
Ms. Subhashini Abeysinghe
Research Director, Verité Research
Research Director, Verité Research
Subhashini is a renowned economist with expertise in trade policy, trade facilitation, global value chains, regional & multilateral trade agreements. Her latest research delves into China’s economic engagement in Sri Lanka and the geoeconomic competition between India and China in the Indian Ocean region. She has extensive experience working with the private sector to tackle barriers faced when engaging in international trade. She has been a long-standing member of the Export Development Committee and the Economic Policy Committee of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce.
She has worked as a senior economist for the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce (CCC) for nearly ten years. She was a visiting lecturer at the Faculty of Graduate Studies of the University of Colombo and Sir John Kotalawela Defence University in Sri Lanka. She has a bachelor’s and master’s degree in economics from the University of Colombo and a master’s in international law and economics from the World Trade Institute, University of Bern, Switzerland.
Dr. Nishan de Mel
Executive Director, Verité Research (Moderator)
Executive Director, Verité Research (Moderator)
Nishan is one of Sri Lanka’s most respected and influential economists, with extensive academic, public policy and private sector experience.
He played an instrumental role in designing national policies on Health Sector Reform, Social Security and Tobacco & Alcohol. He also served as the Executive Director of the International Centre for Ethnic Studies and the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute. He sits on multiple private sector boards and consults for some of the region’s largest firms.
Nishan completed his undergraduate studies at Harvard University, and his graduate studies at Oxford University, where he was a Chevening Scholar.
Session 1 (11:30 am - 01:00pm)
Mr. Hasitha Premaratne
Managing Director, Brandix Lanka Ltd
Managing Director, Brandix Lanka Ltd
Hasitha is Managing Director of the Brandix Group and overlooks its Global Business, while driving overall strategy and transformation journey of the company. Prior to taking up reigns as Managing Director, Hasitha served as Group Finance Director and Chief Strategy Officer of the Group. He is a Director of Brandix Group subsidiaries and investment ventures that include Teejay Lanka PLC, Inqube Global and Best Pacific Lanka Ltd.
An Independent Director at John Keells Hotels PLC, he serves as Chairman of the Audit Committee. Hasitha is also an Independent Director at NDB Bank and Chair its Board Risk Committee. He is also a Board Member of the Apparel Impact Institute of USA. He was formally a Director at Bank of Ceylon -Sri Lanka’s largest Bank, chairing the Board Risk and Nominations Committees. He also served on the Board of CIMA Sri Lanka, and the Sri Lanka Accounting and Auditing Standards Monitoring Board, and was a Committee Member at the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce.
Before joining Brandix, Hasitha was the Head of Research at HNB Stockbrokers (Private) Limited and possesses plenty of experience in the fields of capital markets, economics, strategic finance, management, research. His lecturing experience expands for 11 years, for CIMA (UK), ACCA (UK) examinations, in Sri Lanka, India, Singapore and Philippines.
He holds an MBA in International Finance and a BSc in Computer Science. He is a Fellow Member of Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA – UK), Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA-UK), and the Institute of Certified Management Accountants (CMA – SL). He is also a Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA)
Hasith was the winner of the “Tutor of the Year Award” at CIMA Global Financial Management Awards 2009 held in London during November 2009. He was the Winner and Gold Medallist of prestigious “CIMA Star of the year” award in 2012 and the Winner of “Young CIMA Star of the Year” award in 2006. He was the winner of the “Most Outstanding Royalist of the year” award in 1997 and was the Deputy Head Prefect of Royal College in 1998.
Mr. Shalin Balasuriya
Co-founder and Group Director, Spa Ceylon Ayurveda Wellness
Co-founder and Group Director, Spa Ceylon Ayurveda Wellness
Mr. Ravi Dadlani
Managing Director & CEO, Ceat-Kelani Holdings Pvt Ltd
Managing Director & CEO, Ceat-Kelani Holdings Pvt Ltd
Ravi Dadlani, the Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer of CEAT Kelani Holdings, is a distinguished professional with an exceptional track record in Sri Lanka’s manufacturing sector. His professional career encompasses more than 34 years of experience including Managerial in the manufacturing, FMCG, food & Beverages, industrial and Consumer Durable Industries in Sri Lanka as well as in international markets.
Ravi, an alumnus of Royal College, Colombo, holds professional qualifications from the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM), UK, and subsequently completed his LLB(Hons) Law from the Buckinghamshire New University, United Kingdom. Since entering the sales and marketing profession in 1989, he has enhanced his expertise through international programs at institutions like the National University of Singapore, Indian School of Business, and IIM Ahmedabad, gaining valuable insights into global business and industry practices.
Ravi began his career as a Management Trainee at The Maharaja Organization Limited, contributing to the operations of S-Lon and Ole Springs. His role in establishing PepsiCo’s distribution network in Sri Lanka further solidified his expertise in sales, marketing, and distribution. Over the years, his career has spanned diverse roles in manufacturing, operations, and even a brief stint in venture capital. His core strengths, however, lie in general management, brand strategy, product management, strategic planning, and retail promotion across various sectors.
Ravi’s contributions extend beyond corporate achievements. As Chairman of the Sri Lanka Association of Manufacturers and Exporters of Rubber Products, he actively supports the development of the rubber industry. He is also a respected resource person, mentoring sales and marketing professionals through training programs and fostering the growth of the profession in Sri Lanka.
Under Ravi’s leadership, CEAT Sri Lanka has emerged as a remarkable manufacturing success story and a model of successful privatization of state-owned enterprise. Today, CEAT holds over 45% of the market share in Sri Lanka’s tyre industry, exports to 16 global destinations, and produces tyres across multiple categories. It is the only Sri Lankan tyre manufacturer certified with IATF 16949:2016 for Original Equipment (OE) tyres and supplies a majority of vehicles assembled in Sri Lanka.
CEAT’s strong financial performance, reflected in its AA+(lka)/Stable rating by Fitch Ratings for four consecutive years, is a testament to Ravi’s strategic direction. Moreover, CEAT meets half of Sri Lanka’s pneumatic tyre demand, sourcing 100% of its natural rubber locally, thereby supporting over 10,000 cultivator families.
A dynamic and visionary leader, Ravi has consistently driven groundbreaking initiatives in both domestic and international markets. His leadership continues to inspire teams and set benchmarks for success in Sri Lanka’s manufacturing landscape.
Mrs. Renuka Weerakone
Director General, Board of Investment (BOI) Sri Lanka
Director General, Board of Investment (BOI) Sri Lanka
Renuka M Weerakone is a senior official with extensive experience and knowledge in facilitating FDI projects. In her career spanning over 30 years she now holds the esteemed position of Director General / CEO at the Board of Investment of Sri Lanka where she has also served in different capacities giving leadership to key departments.
An attorney at Law, Notary Public and Commissioner for Oaths, she commenced her professional career as an Instructing Attorney at a prestigious Law Firm in Colombo. Her academic prowess includes a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from the Postgraduate Institute of Management, University of Sri Jayewardenepura.
Mrs. Weerakone has led outward Investment Promotion missions to strategically important countries to attract investments and continues to represent the BOI in both local and international forums, including Trade Negotiations.
She currently serves as a member of the Board of Directors of the Export Development Board and International Chamber of Commerce in Sri Lanka and she also serves in multiple project approval committees in key sectors of Education, Power and Environment. She has also been an active member of Steering Committees, Policy Committees and Interagency Committees dedicated to addressing challenges faced by Investors and to streamline the implementation of investment projects.
Her contributions have been instrumental in ensuring a conducive environment for Investment and fostering efficient collaboration among stakeholders.
Mr. Hishan Singhawansa,
Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer of Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts.
Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer of Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts.
Hishan is the Deputy Chief Executive Officer & Chief Operating Officer of Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, the largest hospitality brand, under the John Keells Group, Sri Lanka. In addition to this, he serves as an Executive Vice President at John Keells Group and is a Board member of John Keells Hotels PLC. With a BSc in Engineering (Hons) from the University of Moratuwa Sri Lanka and an MBA from University of Wales, Hishan began his journey with John Keells in 2008 as a management trainee. His career started in the retail sector, where he led category management and supply chain operations before making his mark in the leisure industry in 2017. He overlooks all operational aspects of the entire portfolio of 17 hotels & resorts located in Sri Lanka and Maldives, including the newly launched Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams integrated development, which is the largest private sector investment in Sri Lanka. He is responsible in furthering the vision of ‘bringing the best of Sri Lanka to the world with style and elegance’ to life across hotel operations, sales and marketing, human resources and ESG initiatives.
Mr. Shamindra Kulamannage,
Co-founder, Echelon Media (Moderator)
Co-founder, Echelon Media (Moderator)
Shamindra Kulamannage is a media entrepreneur, editor and publisher. He is the Co-Founder and Publisher of Echelon Media Group, Sri Lanka’s leading media organisation with an editorial focus on the economy, financial markets, business and public policy. Echelon Media Group are the publisher of the Echelon, Economynext, and Neon media brands.
As Publisher, Mr. Kulamannage is instrumental in shaping the editorial vision, driving digital transformation and building smartphone-optimised digital media products that appeal to GenZ and Millennial audiences. Echelon Media Group Publishes in English and Sinhala languages.
Session 2 (02:15 pm - 03:45 pm)
Mr. Romesh David
CEO, South Asia Gateway Terminals (SAGT)
CEO, South Asia Gateway Terminals (SAGT)
Romesh David is CEO of South Asia Gateway Terminals (www.sagt.com.lk), Sri Lanka’s first public private partnership (PPP) project in the ports sector, by a consortium led by John Keells Holdings (www.keells.com) and including the A P Moller/Maersk Group (www.maersk.com www.apmterminals.com), Evergreen of Taiwan (www.evergreen-marine.com) and the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (www.slpa.lk) . Initial shareholders included the multilaterals, International Finance Corporation (IFC), Asian Development Bank (ADB) and Commonwealth Development Corporation (CDC), who were also lenders to the development, in what was then the first non-recourse financing to a PPP project in Sri Lanka. SAGT is today rated among the top container ports in its class globally, has won multiple international accolades and recognitions over the past two decades and serves the world’s largest container shipping lines calling at the Port of Colombo.
Romesh was previously with the John Keells Holdings Group (JKH) for 38 years, where, as a member of the Group Executive Committee and President – Transportation Group, he had overall responsibility for all businesses in the Transportation Group which included companies in the ports, bunkering, shipping, logistics, freight forwarding, airline, aviation services and travel sectors. Beginning his career in the Leisure sector, during his long tenure with JKH, he led teams and businesses in the Transportation, IT and IT Enabled Services (BPO), International Trading and Domestic Trading sectors.
A Chartered Fellow of the century old Chartered Institute of Logistics & Transport and a past International VP of the Institute, he also served as a Global Advisor to WiLAT (Women in Logistics & Transport) until 2023. He is the Immediate Past President of the Indo-Lanka Chamber of Commerce, former Chair of the National Agenda Committee on Transport & Logistics of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce and was a founding member of the IFC’s Women-in-Work, High-Level Advocacy Group in Sri Lanka.
Mr. Tamal Roy
President, J M Baxi Group, India
President, J M Baxi Group, India
A maritime industry veteran, boasting over four decades of diverse and multifaceted experience in the sectors of shipping, ports and terminals, inland waterways, and rail logistics.
Tamal began his professional journey as a Master Mariner, a testament to his deep-rooted knowledge of Maritime Matters. Following a successful sea career, he transitioned into port and logistics management, climbing the corporate ladder to hold senior leadership positions with notable organizations such as the Adani Group, Tata Steel Group, and Wilh Wilhelmsen ASA, Norway. Throughout his career, he has been a key figure in pioneering greenfield port developments and revitalizing brownfield terminal projects. His expertise extends to spearheading initiatives in transshipment, inland waterways development, and the privatization of rail logistics.
Tamal successfully managed the growth story of J M Baxi Ports and Logistics, expanding the company from 3 terminals of 10 MMT capacity to 16, with a total capacity of 108.5 MMT, demonstrating his strategic planning and execution.
Mr. Karma Tshewang
Chief Engineer, Energy Strategy and Planning Division, Department of Energy, Ministry of Energy, Bhutan
Chief Engineer, Energy Strategy and Planning Division, Department of Energy, Ministry of Energy, Bhutan
Mr Tshewang has been associated with the power sector of Bhutan since 2001 and currently works as a Chief Engineer in the Department of Energy under Ministry of Energy & Natural Resources, RGoB. He is associated with the energy strategy and policy formulations, renewable energy planning and studies, preparation of guidelines, implementation of plans, programs and monitoring & evaluations.
Prior to this role, he also worked for five years as the Joint Managing Director for construction of 1,200MW Punatsangchhu-I Hydroelectric Project Authority on secondment till October 2023. He was also associated with the formulation of national hydropower development plans & guidelines, Transmission Grid & Integrated Energy Management Master Plans, bilateral energy trades, cross-border transmission connectivity and the preparation & clearance of various hydropower studies under the 10,000MW initiative.
He has a Master of Science in Energy Management with distinction from the New York Institute of Technology (NYIT), USA and an Electrical Engineering Degree from the erstwhile University of Roorkee, India.
Dr. Pradeep Perera
Former Principal Energy Specialist, Asian Development Bank
Former Principal Energy Specialist, Asian Development Bank
Dr. Pradeep Perera is a former Principal Energy Specialist in the South Asia Department of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), where he was responsible for coordinating ADB’s energy sector lending operations in India. Dr. Perera had a distinguished 15-year career at ADB, during which he contributed to the energy sector operations in the People’s Republic of China (PRC), Vietnam, and Lao PDR.
He was involved in structuring a number of innovative investment projects in hydropower, renewable energy, energy access, and energy efficiency.
Dr. Perera also conceptualized and led several technical assistance projects, including efforts to establish an Emission Trading System (ETS) in PRC and to support power market reforms in Vietnam. Before joining ADB, he worked with the World Bank Group, contributing to projects in both the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD). Dr. Perera functioned as the Director General of Power Sector Reform Secretariate of Ministry of Power and Energy Sri Lanka from July 2023 to September 2024 and led the power sector reform process including the enactment of new Sri Lanka Electricity Act of 2024
He holds a Ph.D. from Imperial College London, UK, and a Bachelor of Engineering degree from the University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka.
Mr. Vishvanath Daluwatte
Group Management Committee Member, Hayleys Advantis
Group Management Committee Member, Hayleys Advantis
Mr. Daluwatte joined the Advantis Group in 1993, establishing the beginning of a successful career within the transportation and logistics industry. His ascent within the company culminated in his appointment to the Advantis Group Management Committee in January 2015, having previously served as a Director of a subsidiary company since 2012.
In 2018, Mr. Daluwatte’s extensive experience in Shipping, Freight Forwarding, Transportation, and Procurement, accumulated over 25 years, played a crucial role in his appointment as the inaugural Country Head of Sri Lanka for Ocean Network Express.
In 2024, Mr. Daluwatte’s unwavering dedication and contributions were recognised through his re-appointment to the Group Management Committee of Advantis, a testament to his enduring value within the organisation.
A member of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport, Mr. Daluwatte’s professional journey is distinguished by a commitment to excellence and continuous learning. His leadership acumen has been further enriched through training initiatives at institutions such as the Centre for Creative Leadership in Sri Lanka and Krauthammer – Singapore, reflecting his dedication to driving innovation and success within the industry.
Ms. Dhashma Karunaratne
Chief Commercial Officer, Colombo West International Terminal (Co-moderator)
Chief Commercial Officer, Colombo West International Terminal (Co-moderator)
Dhashma Karunaratne is Chief Commercial Officer of Colombo West International Terminal at Port of Colombo. CWIT is a consortium comprising of Adani Ports & SEZ Limited; John Keells Holdings PLC and the Sri Lanka Ports Authority.
In her career she has held diverse roles, in Corporate Finance, Business Development and Strategy in Conglomerates and Multi Nationals. In line with her aspirations towards DEI, she took up an additional role as President for Group Diversity Equity and Inclusion at Aitken Spence.
Dhashma holds a fellowship at the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) along with three chartered memberships, namely in Chartered Institute of Logistics & Transport (CILT), Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM), Chartered Global Management Accountancy (CGMA) and holds a Master’s Degree in Business Studies from the University of Colombo.
She has been commended for her contribution towards DEI by the World Bank, IFC, CIMA Global, AP Moller Group, and WiLAT.
Mr. Damitha Kumarasinghe
Director General, Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (Co-moderator)
Director General, Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (Co-moderator)
Damitha Kumarasinghe has been serving as the Director General (Chief Executive Officer) of the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka since 2010.He has been widely invited by international agencies, utilities, regulators and international media on the subject of infrastructure regulations. He has a multi-disciplinary education background.
His first degree is in Electrical Engineering (BSc (Eng.) from the University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka. He also holds a Masters degree in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Colombo, Sri Lanka and Masters in Engineering (ME) degree from the University of New South Wales, (Australia). He has extensive international exposure on infrastructure regulation. Further, he currently serves in the Director Boards of Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority (since 2010), Condominium Management Authority (Since 2010) and Petroleum Development Authority of Sri Lanka (Since 2021). Further he has serviced as a member of Director Board of Sri Lanka Handicraft Board (Laksala) during 2010 – 2015. He was also a steering committee member of the India – Sri Lanka Electricity grid interconnection project.
Agenda
09:00 am – 09:30 am
Registration
Inauguration
09:30 am – 10:00 am
Welcome Remarks – Dr. Satyanjal Pandey, Deputy High Commissioner, High Commission of India in Sri Lanka
Opening Remarks – Mr. Arun Hemachandra, Hon. Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment
10:00 am – 10:45 am
Rising India, Resilient Sri Lanka: Collaborative Path for Shared Prosperity
Explore new growth opportunities from India’s rapid economic ascent, expanding middle class, integration with global supply chains, and growing prowess as a digital powerhouse for neighbouring South Asian countries, like Sri Lanka.
Speakers:
- Dr. Shamika Ravi, Member, Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister, India (Virtual Appearance)
- Dr. Sanjay Kathuria, Non-Resident Senior Fellow, Institute of South Asian Studies, National University of Singapore (Virtual Appearance)
- Ms. Subhashini Abeysinghe, Research Director, Verité Research
Moderated by Dr. Nishan de Mel, Executive Director, Verité Research
10:45 am – 11:00 am
Q&A
11:00 am – 11:30 am
Morning Break
Session 1
11:30 am – 12:30 pm
Markets, Manufacturing, and Tourism: Unlocking India-Sri Lanka Synergies
With the broader context outlined in the plenary session, the first session will explore specific trade and investment opportunities arising from India’s growth. The discussion will focus on what must be done to tap into these emerging opportunities. The session will feature practical insights and suggestions from Sri Lankan companies doing business with India and Indian companies in Sri Lanka.
Speakers:
- Mr. Hasitha Premaratne, Managing Director, Brandix Lanka Ltd
- Mr. Shalin Balasuriya, Co-founder and Group Director, Spa Ceylon Ayurveda Wellness
- Mr. Ravi Dadlani, Managing Director & CEO, Ceat-Kelani Holdings Pvt Ltd
- Mrs. Renuka Weerakone, Director General, Board of Investment Sri Lanka
- Mr. Hishan Singhawansa, Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer of Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts
Moderated by Mr. Shamindra Kulamannage, co-founder, Echelon Media
12:30 pm – 01:00 pm
Q&A
01:00 pm – 02:15 pm
Lunch Break
Session 2
02:15 pm – 03:15 pm
Connectivity Unbound: Leveraging Transport, Logistics and Renewable Energy for Sustainable Growth
This session will explore Sri Lanka’s potential to leverage its strategic location and proximity to India for sustainable growth. It will focus on new opportunities that arise for Sri Lanka’s maritime transport and logistics with the growth in India’s manufacturing sector and its increasing integration with global value chains. Additionally, the session will address energy connectivity, including prospects for grid interlinking and renewable energy cooperation and their role in strengthening sustainable supply chains in South Asia.
Speakers:
- Mr. Romesh David, CEO, South Asia Gateway Terminals (SAGT)
- Mr. Tamal Roy, President, J M Baxi Group, India
- Mr. Karma Tshewang, Chief Engineer, Energy Strategy and Planning Division, Department of Energy, Ministry of Energy, Bhutan (Virtual Appearance)
- Dr. Pradeep Perera, Former Principal Energy Specialist, Asian Development Bank
- Mr. Vishvanath Daluwatte, Group Management Committee Member, Hayleys Advantis
Co-moderated by:
- Ms. Dhashma Karunaratne, Chief Commercial Officer, Colombo West International Terminal
- Mr. Damitha Kumarasinghe, Director General, Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka
03:15 pm – 03:45 pm
Q&A
03:45 pm – 04:00 pm
Closing Remarks
- Representative from Verité Research
04:00 pm – 05:00 pm
Evening Break
Speakers
Inauguration (09:30 am - 10:30 am)
Dr. Satyanjal Pandey
Deputy High Commissioner, High Commission of India in Sri Lanka
Deputy High Commissioner, High Commission of India in Sri Lanka
Dr. Satyanjal Pandey joined the Indian Foreign Service [IFS] in the year 2008. He started his career at Embassy of India in Moscow as Language Trainee. From January 2012, he served in the Political and Administration Wings at Embassy of India in Kazakhstan before taking up his charge as the Desk Officer in Europe West Division at New Delhi in August 2015. From July 2016 to July 2023 he has served as Under Secretary/Deputy Secretary/Director in the Finance Division at New Delhi except for the period from July 2018-May 2020 during which he served as the Regional Passport Officer, Delhi. He joined as Deputy High Commissioner of India in Colombo in August 2023.
Dr. Satyanjal Pandey is a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) from King George’s Medical College, Lucknow and speaks Hindi, Bhojpuri, English and Russian languages.
Hon. Arun Hemachandra
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment, Sri Lanka
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment, Sri Lanka
Hon. Arun Hemachandra is the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment. He is a National Executive Committee Member of the National People’s Power (NPP), District Leader of the People’s Liberation Front, and National Committee Member of the Socialist Youth Union.
With a diverse academic background, Minister Hemachandra holds a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from the University of London, a Master’s Diploma in Business Administration (MBA) in Finance from IICT India, and a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Biology from Angeles University Foundation in the Philippines.
Plenary Session
(10:00 am - 11:00 am)
Dr. Shamika Ravi
Member, Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister, India
Member, Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister, India
Dr. Shamika Ravi is currently a member of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister, and Secretary to Government of India. Previously, Dr. Ravi was Director of Research at Brookings India, Vice President Economic Policy at Observer Research Foundation and Non-Resident Senior Fellow of Governance Studies Program at Brookings Institution. Her research focuses on economics of development including areas of Finance, Healthcare, Urbanization, Gender Equality, and Welfare and Poverty.
Over the last 20 years, Dr. Ravi has taught in post-graduate programmes across India including The Indian School of Business and the BITS School of Management where she teaches Managerial Economics, Game Theory and Microfinance. She publishes extensively in international peer-reviewed academic journals and writes regular opinions pieces in newspapers (English and Hindi) for the wider audience of public policy. Her research work has been featured and frequently cited by leading global media outlets, as well as national and regional newspapers and magazines across India in different languages.
Dr. Ravi has a PhD in Economics from New York University, Masters in Economics from Delhi School of Economics and B.A(H) in Economics from Lady Shri Ram College for Women.
Dr. Sanjay Kathuria
Non-Resident Senior Fellow, Institute of South Asian Studies, National University of Singapore
Non-Resident Senior Fellow, Institute of South Asian Studies, National University of Singapore
Sanjay Kathuria is a Visiting Senior Fellow in the Growth, Finance and Development vertical at CSEP. He has a vast experience of more than 40 years and is recognised as a pre-eminent thinker and commentator on economic development, growth and integration in South Asia. His research interests and writings have focused on South Asia, economic growth and development, industrial policy and competitiveness, trade and globalisation, regional integration, the economics of small states, and gender issues, among others.
He is also Visiting Expert with the United States Institute of Peace. He teaches in both the US and India, as Adjunct Professor, Georgetown University, and Visiting Faculty, Ashoka University. He is also a Non-Resident Senior Fellow at the Institute of South Asian Studies at the National University of Singapore and a Global Fellow at the Wilson Centre in Washington, DC.
Earlier, Sanjay Kathuria was Senior Visiting Fellow at the Centre for Policy Research, New Delhi. He was a Lead Economist at the World Bank in Washington, DC, where he spent 27 years working on South Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, and Eastern Europe, including field assignments in New Delhi and Dhaka. Before joining the World Bank, he was a Fellow at the Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations in New Delhi, from 1982 to 1992.
He holds a PhD in Economics from Oxford University as an Inlaks Scholar. He graduated from St. Stephen’s College, Delhi, and completed his Master’s at the Delhi School of Economics.
Apart from many books and reports published at the World Bank, his writings have featured in Foreign Policy, Hindustan Times, The Indian Express, The Wire, Daily FT (Sri Lanka), Business Standard, among others.
He is currently working on a new book on The Future of South Asia.
Ms. Subhashini Abeysinghe
Research Director, Verité Research
Research Director, Verité Research
Subhashini is a renowned economist with expertise in trade policy, trade facilitation, global value chains, regional & multilateral trade agreements. Her latest research delves into China’s economic engagement in Sri Lanka and the geoeconomic competition between India and China in the Indian Ocean region. She has extensive experience working with the private sector to tackle barriers faced when engaging in international trade. She has been a long-standing member of the Export Development Committee and the Economic Policy Committee of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce.
She has worked as a senior economist for the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce (CCC) for nearly ten years. She was a visiting lecturer at the Faculty of Graduate Studies of the University of Colombo and Sir John Kotalawela Defence University in Sri Lanka. She has a bachelor’s and master’s degree in economics from the University of Colombo and a master’s in international law and economics from the World Trade Institute, University of Bern, Switzerland.
Dr. Nishan de Mel
Executive Director, Verité Research (Co-moderator)
Executive Director, Verité Research (Co-moderator)
Nishan is one of Sri Lanka’s most respected and influential economists, with extensive academic, public policy and private sector experience.
He played an instrumental role in designing national policies on Health Sector Reform, Social Security and Tobacco & Alcohol. He also served as the Executive Director of the International Centre for Ethnic Studies and the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute. He sits on multiple private sector boards and consults for some of the region’s largest firms.
Nishan completed his undergraduate studies at Harvard University, and his graduate studies at Oxford University, where he was a Chevening Scholar.
Session 1
(11:30 am - 01:00 pm)
Mr. Hasitha Premaratne
Managing Director, Brandix Lanka Ltd
Managing Director, Brandix Lanka Ltd
Hasitha is Managing Director of the Brandix Group and overlooks its Global Business, while driving overall strategy and transformation journey of the company. Prior to taking up reigns as Managing Director, Hasitha served as Group Finance Director and Chief Strategy Officer of the Group. He is a Director of Brandix Group subsidiaries and investment ventures that include Teejay Lanka PLC, Inqube Global and Best Pacific Lanka Ltd.
An Independent Director at John Keells Hotels PLC, he serves as Chairman of the Audit Committee. Hasitha is also an Independent Director at NDB Bank and Chair its Board Risk Committee. He is also a Board Member of the Apparel Impact Institute of USA. He was formally a Director at Bank of Ceylon -Sri Lanka’s largest Bank, chairing the Board Risk and Nominations Committees. He also served on the Board of CIMA Sri Lanka, and the Sri Lanka Accounting and Auditing Standards Monitoring Board, and was a Committee Member at the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce.
Before joining Brandix, Hasitha was the Head of Research at HNB Stockbrokers (Private) Limited and possesses plenty of experience in the fields of capital markets, economics, strategic finance, management, research. His lecturing experience expands for 11 years, for CIMA (UK), ACCA (UK) examinations, in Sri Lanka, India, Singapore and Philippines.
He holds an MBA in International Finance and a BSc in Computer Science. He is a Fellow Member of Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA – UK), Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA-UK), and the Institute of Certified Management Accountants (CMA – SL). He is also a Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA)
Hasith was the winner of the “Tutor of the Year Award” at CIMA Global Financial Management Awards 2009 held in London during November 2009. He was the Winner and Gold Medallist of prestigious “CIMA Star of the year” award in 2012 and the Winner of “Young CIMA Star of the Year” award in 2006. He was the winner of the “Most Outstanding Royalist of the year” award in 1997 and was the Deputy Head Prefect of Royal College in 1998.
Mr. Shalin Balasuriya
Co-founder and Group Director, Spa Ceylon Ayurveda Wellness
Co-founder and Group Director, Spa Ceylon Ayurveda Wellness
Mr. Ravi Dadlani
Managing Director & CEO, Ceat-Kelani Holdings Pvt Ltd
Managing Director & CEO, Ceat-Kelani Holdings Pvt Ltd
Ravi Dadlani, the Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer of CEAT Kelani Holdings, is a distinguished professional with an exceptional track record in Sri Lanka’s manufacturing sector. His professional career encompasses more than 34 years of experience including Managerial in the manufacturing, FMCG, food & Beverages, industrial and Consumer Durable Industries in Sri Lanka as well as in international markets.
Ravi, an alumnus of Royal College, Colombo, holds professional qualifications from the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM), UK, and subsequently completed his LLB(Hons) Law from the Buckinghamshire New University, United Kingdom. Since entering the sales and marketing profession in 1989, he has enhanced his expertise through international programs at institutions like the National University of Singapore, Indian School of Business, and IIM Ahmedabad, gaining valuable insights into global business and industry practices.
Ravi began his career as a Management Trainee at The Maharaja Organization Limited, contributing to the operations of S-Lon and Ole Springs. His role in establishing PepsiCo’s distribution network in Sri Lanka further solidified his expertise in sales, marketing, and distribution. Over the years, his career has spanned diverse roles in manufacturing, operations, and even a brief stint in venture capital. His core strengths, however, lie in general management, brand strategy, product management, strategic planning, and retail promotion across various sectors.
Ravi’s contributions extend beyond corporate achievements. As Chairman of the Sri Lanka Association of Manufacturers and Exporters of Rubber Products, he actively supports the development of the rubber industry. He is also a respected resource person, mentoring sales and marketing professionals through training programs and fostering the growth of the profession in Sri Lanka.
Under Ravi’s leadership, CEAT Sri Lanka has emerged as a remarkable manufacturing success story and a model of successful privatization of state-owned enterprise. Today, CEAT holds over 45% of the market share in Sri Lanka’s tyre industry, exports to 16 global destinations, and produces tyres across multiple categories. It is the only Sri Lankan tyre manufacturer certified with IATF 16949:2016 for Original Equipment (OE) tyres and supplies a majority of vehicles assembled in Sri Lanka.
CEAT’s strong financial performance, reflected in its AA+(lka)/Stable rating by Fitch Ratings for four consecutive years, is a testament to Ravi’s strategic direction. Moreover, CEAT meets half of Sri Lanka’s pneumatic tyre demand, sourcing 100% of its natural rubber locally, thereby supporting over 10,000 cultivator families.
A dynamic and visionary leader, Ravi has consistently driven groundbreaking initiatives in both domestic and international markets. His leadership continues to inspire teams and set benchmarks for success in Sri Lanka’s manufacturing landscape.
Mrs. Renuka Weerakone
Director General, Board of Investment Sri Lanka
Director General, Board of Investment Sri Lanka
Renuka M Weerakone is a senior official with extensive experience and knowledge in facilitating FDI projects. In her career spanning over 30 years she now holds the esteemed position of Director General / CEO at the Board of Investment of Sri Lanka where she has also served in different capacities giving leadership to key departments.
An attorney at Law, Notary Public and Commissioner for Oaths, she commenced her professional career as an Instructing Attorney at a prestigious Law Firm in Colombo. Her academic prowess includes a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from the Postgraduate Institute of Management, University of Sri Jayewardenepura.
Mrs. Weerakone has led outward Investment Promotion missions to strategically important countries to attract investments and continues to represent the BOI in both local and international forums including Trade Negotiations.
She currently serves as a member of the Board of Directors of the Export Development Board and International Chamber of Commerce in Sri Lanka and she also serves in multiple project approval committees in key sectors of Education, Power and Environment. She has also been an active member of Steering Committees, Policy Committees and Interagency Committees dedicated to addressing challenges faced by Investors and to streamline the implementation of investment projects.
Her contributions have been instrumental in ensuring a conducive environment for Investment and fostering efficient collaboration among stakeholders
Mr. Hishan Singhawansa
Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer of Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts.
Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer of Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts.
Hishan is the Deputy Chief Executive Officer & Chief Operating Officer of Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, the largest hospitality brand, under the John Keells Group, Sri Lanka. In addition to this, he serves as an Executive Vice President at John Keells Group and is a Board member of John Keells Hotels PLC. With a BSc in Engineering (Hons) from the University of Moratuwa Sri Lanka and an MBA from University of Wales, Hishan began his journey with John Keells in 2008 as a management trainee. His career started in the retail sector, where he led category management and supply chain operations before making his mark in the leisure industry in 2017. He overlooks all operational aspects of the entire portfolio of 17 hotels & resorts located in Sri Lanka and Maldives, including the newly launched Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams integrated development, which is the largest private sector investment in Sri Lanka. He is responsible in furthering the vision of ‘bringing the best of Sri Lanka to the world with style and elegance’ to life across hotel operations, sales and marketing, human resources and ESG initiatives.
Mr. Shamindra Kulamannage
Co-founder, Echelon Media (Co-moderator)
Co-founder, Echelon Media (Co-moderator)
Shamindra Kulamannage is a media entrepreneur, editor and publisher. He is the Co-Founder and Publisher of Echelon Media Group, Sri Lanka’s leading media organisation with an editorial focus on the economy, financial markets, business and public policy. Echelon Media Group are the publisher of the Echelon, Economynext, and Neon media brands.
As Publisher, Mr. Kulamannage is instrumental in shaping the editorial vision, driving digital transformation and building smartphone-optimised digital media products that appeal to GenZ and Millennial audiences. Echelon Media Group Publishes in English and Sinhala languages
Session 2
(02:15 pm - 03:45 pm)
Mr. Romesh David
CEO, South Asia Gateway Terminals (SAGT)
CEO, South Asia Gateway Terminals (SAGT)
Romesh David is CEO of South Asia Gateway Terminals (www.sagt.com.lk), Sri Lanka’s first public private partnership (PPP) project in the ports sector, by a consortium led by John Keells Holdings (www.keells.com) and including the A P Moller/Maersk Group (www.maersk.com www.apmterminals.com), Evergreen of Taiwan (www.evergreen-marine.com) and the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (www.slpa.lk) . Initial shareholders included the multilaterals, International Finance Corporation (IFC), Asian Development Bank (ADB) and Commonwealth Development Corporation (CDC), who were also lenders to the development, in what was then the first non-recourse financing to a PPP project in Sri Lanka. SAGT is today rated among the top container ports in its class globally, has won multiple international accolades and recognitions over the past two decades and serves the world’s largest container shipping lines calling at the Port of Colombo.
Romesh was previously with the John Keells Holdings Group (JKH) for 38 years, where, as a member of the Group Executive Committee and President – Transportation Group, he had overall responsibility for all businesses in the Transportation Group which included companies in the ports, bunkering, shipping, logistics, freight forwarding, airline, aviation services and travel sectors. Beginning his career in the Leisure sector, during his long tenure with JKH, he led teams and businesses in the Transportation, IT and IT Enabled Services (BPO), International Trading and Domestic Trading sectors.
A Chartered Fellow of the century old Chartered Institute of Logistics & Transport and a past International VP of the Institute, he also served as a Global Advisor to WiLAT (Women in Logistics & Transport) until 2023. He is the Immediate Past President of the Indo-Lanka Chamber of Commerce, former Chair of the National Agenda Committee on Transport & Logistics of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce and was a founding member of the IFC’s Women-in-Work, High-Level Advocacy Group in Sri Lanka.
Mr. Tamal Roy
President, J M Baxi Group, India
President, J M Baxi Group, India
A maritime industry veteran, boasting over four decades of diverse and multifaceted experience in the sectors of shipping, ports and terminals, inland waterways, and rail logistics.
Tamal began his professional journey as a Master Mariner, a testament to his deep-rooted knowledge of Maritime Matters. Following a successful sea career, he transitioned into port and logistics management, climbing the corporate ladder to hold senior leadership positions with notable organizations such as the Adani Group, Tata Steel Group, and Wilh Wilhelmsen ASA, Norway. Throughout his career, he has been a key figure in pioneering greenfield port developments and revitalizing brownfield terminal projects. His expertise extends to spearheading initiatives in transshipment, inland waterways development, and the privatization of rail logistics.
Tamal successfully managed the growth story of J M Baxi Ports and Logistics, expanding the company from 3 terminals of 10 MMT capacity to 16, with a total capacity of 108.5 MMT, demonstrating his strategic planning and execution.
Mr. Karma Tshewang
Chief Engineer, Energy Strategy and Planning Division, Department of Energy, Ministry of Energy, Bhutan
Chief Engineer, Energy Strategy and Planning Division, Department of Energy, Ministry of Energy, Bhutan
Mr Tshewang has been associated with the power sector of Bhutan since 2001 and currently works as a Chief Engineer in the Department of Energy under Ministry of Energy & Natural Resources, RGoB. He is associated with the energy strategy and policy formulations, renewable energy planning and studies, preparation of guidelines, implementation of plans, programs and monitoring & evaluations.
Prior to this role, he also worked for five years as the Joint Managing Director for construction of 1,200MW Punatsangchhu-I Hydroelectric Project Authority on secondment till October 2023. He was also associated with the formulation of national hydropower development plans & guidelines, Transmission Grid & Integrated Energy Management Master Plans, bilateral energy trades, cross-border transmission connectivity and the preparation & clearance of various hydropower studies under the 10,000MW initiative.
He has a Master of Science in Energy Management with distinction from the New York Institute of Technology (NYIT), USA and an Electrical Engineering Degree from the erstwhile University of Roorkee, India.
Dr. Pradeep Perera
Former Principal Energy Specialist, Asian Development Bank
Former Principal Energy Specialist, Asian Development Bank
Dr. Pradeep Perera is a former Principal Energy Specialist in the South Asia Department of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), where he was responsible for coordinating ADB’s energy sector lending operations in India. Dr. Perera had a distinguished 15-year career at ADB, during which he contributed to the energy sector operations in the People’s Republic of China (PRC), Vietnam, and Lao PDR.
He was involved in structuring a number of innovative investment projects in hydropower, renewable energy, energy access, and energy efficiency.
Dr. Perera also conceptualized and led several technical assistance projects, including efforts to establish an Emission Trading System (ETS) in PRC and to support power market reforms in Vietnam. Before joining ADB, he worked with the World Bank Group, contributing to projects in both the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD). Dr. Perera functioned as the Director General of Power Sector Reform Secretariate of Ministry of Power and Energy Sri Lanka from July 2023 to September 2024 and led the power sector reform process including the enactment of new Sri Lanka Electricity Act of 2024
He holds a Ph.D. from Imperial College London, UK, and a Bachelor of Engineering degree from the University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka.
Mr. Vishvanath Daluwatte
Group Management Committee Member, Hayleys Advantis
Group Management Committee Member, Hayleys Advantis
Mr. Daluwatte joined the Advantis Group in 1993, establishing the beginning of a successful career within the transportation and logistics industry. His ascent within the company culminated in his appointment to the Advantis Group Management Committee in January 2015, having previously served as a Director of a subsidiary company since 2012.
In 2018, Mr. Daluwatte’s extensive experience in Shipping, Freight Forwarding, Transportation, and Procurement, accumulated over 25 years, played a crucial role in his appointment as the inaugural Country Head of Sri Lanka for Ocean Network Express.
In 2024, Mr. Daluwatte’s unwavering dedication and contributions were recognised through his re-appointment to the Group Management Committee of Advantis, a testament to his enduring value within the organisation.
A member of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport, Mr. Daluwatte’s professional journey is distinguished by a commitment to excellence and continuous learning. His leadership acumen has been further enriched through training initiatives at institutions such as the Centre for Creative Leadership in Sri Lanka and Krauthammer – Singapore, reflecting his dedication to driving innovation and success within the industry.
Ms. Dhashma Karunaratne
Chief Commercial Officer, Colombo West International Terminal (Co-moderator)
Chief Commercial Officer, Colombo West International Terminal (Co-moderator)
Dhashma Karunaratne is Chief Commercial Officer of Colombo West International Terminal at Port of Colombo. CWIT is a consortium comprising of Adani Ports & SEZ Limited; John Keells Holdings PLC and the Sri Lanka Ports Authority.
In her career she has held diverse roles, in Corporate Finance, Business Development and Strategy in Conglomerates and Multi Nationals. In line with her aspirations towards DEI, she took up an additional role as President for Group Diversity Equity and Inclusion at Aitken Spence.
Dhashma holds a fellowship at the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) along with three chartered memberships, namely in Chartered Institute of Logistics & Transport (CILT), Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM), Chartered Global Management Accountancy (CGMA) and holds a Master’s Degree in Business Studies from the University of Colombo.
She has been commended for her contribution towards DEI by the World Bank, IFC, CIMA Global, AP Moller Group, and WiLAT
Mr. Damitha Kumarasinghe
Director General, Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (Co-moderator)
Director General, Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (Co-moderator)
Damitha Kumarasinghe has been serving as the Director General (Chief Executive Officer) of the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka since 2010.He has been widely invited by international agencies, utilities, regulators and international media on the subject of infrastructure regulations. He has a multi-disciplinary education background.
His first degree is in Electrical Engineering (BSc (Eng.) from the University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka. He also holds a Masters degree in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Colombo, Sri Lanka and Masters in Engineering (ME) degree from the University of New South Wales, (Australia). He has extensive international exposure on infrastructure regulation. Further, he currently serves in the Director Boards of Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority (since 2010), Condominium Management Authority (Since 2010) and Petroleum Development Authority of Sri Lanka (Since 2021). Further he has serviced as a member of Director Board of Sri Lanka Handicraft Board (Laksala) during 2010 – 2015. He was also a steering committee member of the India – Sri Lanka Electricity grid interconnection project.
Agenda
09:00 am – 09:30 am
Registration
Inauguration
09:30 am – 10:00 am
Welcome Remarks – Dr. Satyanjal Pandey, Deputy High Commissioner, High Commission of India in Sri Lanka
Opening Remarks – Mr. Arun Hemachandra, Hon. Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment
10:00 am – 10:45 am
Rising India, Resilient Sri Lanka: Collaborative Path for Shared Prosperity
Explore new growth opportunities from India’s rapid economic ascent, expanding middle class, integration with global supply chains, and growing prowess as a digital powerhouse for neighbouring South Asian countries, like Sri Lanka.
Speakers:
- Dr. Shamika Ravi, Member, Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister, India (Virtual Appearance)
- Dr. Sanjay Kathuria, Non-Resident Senior Fellow, Institute of South Asian Studies, National University of Singapore (Virtual Appearance)
- Ms. Subhashini Abeysinghe, Research Director, Verité Research
Moderated by Dr. Nishan de Mel, Executive Director, Verité Research
10:45 am – 11:00 am
Q&A
11:00 am – 11:30 am
Morning Break
Session 1
11:30 am – 12:30 pm
Markets, Manufacturing, and Tourism: Unlocking India-Sri Lanka Synergies
With the broader context outlined in the plenary session, the first session will explore specific trade and investment opportunities arising from India’s growth. The discussion will focus on what must be done to tap into these emerging opportunities. The session will feature practical insights and suggestions from Sri Lankan companies doing business with India and Indian companies in Sri Lanka.
Speakers:
- Mr. Hasitha Premaratne, Managing Director, Brandix Lanka Ltd
- Mr. Shalin Balasuriya, Co-founder and Group Director, Spa Ceylon Ayurveda Wellness
- Mr. Ravi Dadlani, Managing Director & CEO, Ceat-Kelani Holdings Pvt Ltd
- Mrs. Renuka Weerakone, Director General, Board of Investment Sri Lanka
- Mr. Hishan Singhawansa, Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer of Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts
Moderated by Mr. Shamindra Kulamannage, Co-founder, Echelon Media
12:30 pm – 01:00 pm
Q&A
01:00 pm – 02:15 pm
Lunch Break
Session 2
02:15 pm – 03:15 pm
Connectivity Unbound: Leveraging Transport, Logistics and Renewable Energy for Sustainable Growth
This session will explore Sri Lanka’s potential to leverage its strategic location and proximity to India for sustainable growth. It will focus on new opportunities that arise for Sri Lanka’s maritime transport and logistics with the growth in India’s manufacturing sector and its increasing integration with global value chains. Additionally, the session will address energy connectivity, including prospects for grid interlinking and renewable energy cooperation and their role in strengthening sustainable supply chains in South Asia.
Speakers:
- Mr. Romesh David, CEO, South Asia Gateway Terminals (SAGT)
- Mr. Tamal Roy, President, J M Baxi Group, India
- Mr. Karma Tshewang, Chief Engineer, Energy Strategy and Planning Division, Department of Energy, Ministry of Energy, Bhutan (Virtual Appearance)
- Dr. Pradeep Perera, Former Principal Energy Specialist, Asian Development Bank
- Mr. Vishvanath Daluwatte, Group Management Committee Member, Hayleys Advantis
Co-moderated by:
- Ms. Dhashma Karunaratne, Chief Commercial Officer, Colombo West International Terminal
- Mr. Damitha Kumarasinghe, Director General, Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka
03:15 pm – 03:45 pm
Q&A
03:45 pm – 04:00 pm
Closing Remarks
- Representative from Verité Research
04:00 pm – 05:00 pm
Evening Break
