Friday Dec 13, 2024
Friday Dec 13, 2024
Friday, 13 December 2024 02:56 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
From left: Printcare Ceylon Ltd. and Rotary International CEO and Director K.R. Ravindran, Hemas Group Director Murtaza Esufally (who won the award along with Chairman Husein Esufally), John Keells Group President – Retail Sector and Jaykay Marketing Services Ltd. CEO Charitha Subasinghe, Sri Lanka South Asia Gateway, Terminals Chief Commercial Officer Ted Muttiah, Virtusa Corporation Global Head of Sustainability and Facilities and Virtusa Sri Lanka Joint Country Head Denver De Zylva, Hilton Sri Lanka Area General Manager Manesh Fernando, Daily FT Founding Editor and Chief Executive Nisthar Cassim, Hayleys PLC Executive Chairman Mohan Pandithage (accepted by Hayleys PLC Head of Group ESG Prashani Illangasekera), Horana Plantations PLC Director/CEO Johann A. Rodrigo, Commercial Bank PLC Managing Director/CEO Sanath Manatunge, Actor and Presenter (Top50 DEI Award Recipient) Danu Innasithamby, and Diesel and Motor Engineering Group Managing Director and CEO Gahanath Pandithage
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| Women in Management Global Founder and Chairperson Dr. Sulochana Segera |
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| World Bank and IFC Country Manager Gevorg Sargsyan
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Women in Management (WIM), in partnership with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), co-hosted the “Top10 Champions of Diversity 2024”, recognising trailblazing male leaders in Sri Lanka who embody diversity and inclusion across their organisations.
The awards ceremony, which was held on 9 December 2024 at Shangri-La Colombo, follow the annual Top50 Women’s Awards by WIM, bringing to light the role of male allies in gender inclusion.
Sri Lanka’s standing in the 2023 Global Gender Gap Index, ranked 115th out of 146 countries, highlights the urgent need for transformative change. Women in the country face a significant 30–36% gender pay gap, particularly in informal sectors. Social and cultural norms, compounded by unpaid caregiving responsibilities, often confine women to part-time or low-wage work, perpetuating systemic inequalities. Men play a pivotal role in advancing gender equality and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives by challenging stereotypes, supporting equal opportunities, and actively advocating for systemic change.
Women in Management Global Founder and Chairperson Dr. Sulochana Segera emphasised the critical importance of this initiative stating: “True leadership transcends boundaries and embraces inclusivity. Top10 Champions of Diversity celebrates those who not only break glass ceilings but also dismantle the walls that confine others. This initiative is about driving change, one leader at a time, to build a more equitable and inclusive world.”
World Bank and IFC Country Manager Gevorg Sargsyan reiterated the importance of embedding DEI into organisational strategy, saying: “Focusing on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s a smart business strategy. Companies that integrate DEI into the fabric of their core operations, rather than relegating it to a secondary focus, see transformative results. By embracing diverse perspectives, fostering equity, and cultivating inclusive environments, organisations unlock innovation, boost employee satisfaction, and drive sustained success. It’s a win-win for both businesses and society.”
The Top10 Champions of Diversity Panel of Judges included: World Bank and IFC Country Manager Gevorg Sargsyan, Hayleys Agriculture Holdings Managing Director Jayanthi Dharmasena, 99x Technology Sri Lanka and Asia Founder and Chairman Mano Sekaram, DIMO Director and CHRO Dilrukshi Kurukularsuriya, National Chamber of Exporters CEO and Director General Shiham Marrikar, and UNDP, Sri Lanka Gender Specialist Lihini Ratwatte.
The Top10 Champions of Diversity 2024 are:
These individuals and organisations have demonstrated exemplary commitment to fostering an inclusive culture, advancing equity, and paving the way for future generations.
Pix by Lasantha Kumara
