“The best fly above the rest”: Beaming brilliance in action

It was refreshing to witness the crowing of “thought leaders” in action amidst an ongoing socio-economic crisis fuelled by the absence of right leaders. The Postgraduate Institute of Management (PIM), the only dedicated State-sector higher education entity in the business of “leader breeding” had its largest ever convocation recently. It had an apt theme, “The best fly above the rest.” Today’s column focusses on its salience including the keynote speech delivered by Dr. Harsha Cabral, a legal veteran. 

Overview

“It is a great honour to join you here as your keynote speaker at the graduation ceremony of the prestigious Postgraduate Institute of Management. By profession, I am a lawyer, and I am used to building arguments and navigating complex challenges. But today is a special milestone, as I stand here to celebrate your achievements and reflect on the path ahead for each of you, as both your lecturer in the PIM Faculty, as well as the keynote speaker at your graduation ceremony.” That is how Dr. Cabral commenced his address. 

“I take this opportunity to congratulate the graduates from the batches of Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration, Master of Business Administration, Executive Master of Business Administration, Master of Business Administration in Taxation, Master of Business Administration in Customs and International Trade, Master of Public Administration in Education Management and Postgraduate Diploma in Management of the Postgraduate Institute of Management.” He continued to congratulate all batches that comprised over 600 graduates. 

Illustrious career

Dr. Harsha Cabral is a President’s Counsel in Sri Lanka with 37 years’ experience in the field of Company Law, Intellectual Property Law, Commercial Law, International Trade Law and Commercial Arbitration. He has been a President’s Counsel for eighteen years and commands an extensive practice in the Commercial High Courts and the Supreme Courts of Sri Lanka. He holds a doctorate in Corporate Law from the University of Canberra, Australia. 

He is a member of the Law Commission of Sri Lanka, a member of the Advisory Commission on Intellectual Property Law in Sri Lanka, a current member of the Board of Management at the Postgraduate Institute of Management, University of Sri Jayewardenepura. As a member of the Advisory Commission on Company Law in Sri Lanka he has contributed heavily to the corporate sector and the legal fraternity and has been one of the architects of the Companies Act No. 7 of 2007, the current Act. 

Dr. Cabral has contributed immensely to the legal academia. He was a sitting member of the International Chamber of Commerce ICC Court of Arbitration in Paris for six years till 2021. He assisted the World Bank team in drafting the latest Insolvency Laws for Sri Lanka. Dr. Cabral is serving as a Chairman and a Non-Executive Director in many public and private sector organisations. He is also a senior visiting lecturer at several Universities here and abroad and is a regular speaker at public seminars, author of several books on Corporate Law and has presented several papers on Corporate Law, Intellectual Property Law, International Trade Law and Commercial Arbitration here and abroad. In addition to his active practice in courts and lecturing, he has been counselling for either the Claimant or the Respondent in many Arbitrations and has served as Sole-Arbitrator, Co-Arbitrator, Chairman in a large number of Arbitrations domestic and international here and abroad.

Reflections on leadership 

Dr. Cabral reflected on PIM’s opt theme profoundly. “Today’s theme, “The best fly above the rest,” directly reflects the qualities that this institution, the Postgraduate Institute of Management, has instilled in you. PIM’s graduates are known for their commitment, hard work, and intellectual rigor. As you leave this institution and begin a new phase in your journey, remember that true excellence—the kind that allows you to fly above the rest—demands more than just knowledge. It demands skills, competencies, and the right attitude to do what is right, even when no one else is watching.”

“As a lawyer, I have come to learn that the essence of a successful career lies not merely in legal knowledge or skills, but in character,” opined Dr. Cabral. “In every profession, including my profession as a lawyer, the foundation of true leadership is authenticity and trust. Authenticity is built through consistent, ethical, and responsible actions, and it is maintained by standing firm in the face of challenges. This may sound simple, but in practice, it is often difficult.”

“You must understand that every decision you make carries weight—often beyond what you can see. Therefore, as leaders in business, every action you take influences not only your immediate team but the lives of countless others in your organisation, industry, and beyond. Leadership is not optional; it is the very standard upon which your success is built. You have been equipped with the skills and competencies to make a difference, but how you choose to use them as well as how you take up on leadership opportunities, will define who you are as a leader.” Dr. Cabral’s advice was refreshingly relevant. 

He continued to share his insights into the emerging world of work. “Today, as new graduates, you step into a world where the pace of change is faster than ever before. Technology such as artificial intelligence and robotics, globalisation that has interconnected people across cultures more than ever before, and shifting societal expectations are reshaping this country. To stay relevant, to be ahead of the competition and to be impactful, you must continually adapt, remain curious, and uphold a mindset of lifelong learning.”

Focus on priorities 

“However, adapting doesn’t mean compromising your values as a leader” cautioned Dr. Cabral. “In fact, it means strengthening them. In a context where short-term gains often tempt people to overlook long-term benefits, I urge you to hold firm to your values. It will allow you to build trust with others and, ultimately, to inspire and lead them.” 

“The law teaches us that true power lies not in authority over others but in service to them. This is the foundation of effective leadership, where you place the needs of others at the forefront. As you step into positions of leadership, remember that your success will be measured not only by what you achieve individually but by how you elevate those around you.” His wealth of exposure and expertise as a legal luminary was evident. 

“Think of the times ahead when you will be called upon to lead teams, negotiate difficult deals, or make high-stakes decisions.” Dr. Cabral continued to elaborate. “Today Sri Lanka is in dire need of leadership, perhaps more than ever. I encourage you to take up on leadership opportunities and create an environment where those around you feel empowered, valued, and capable of reaching their own potential.”

Flying above the rest 

“The education you’ve received here at PIM has set you apart,” Dr. Cabral stressed. “You have been given the tools not only to succeed but to lead with vision and integrity. You are now part of a distinguished community of PIM alumni who have gone on to shape industries, governments, and communities. As you step into this legacy, remember that your choices reflect not only on you but on this institution and the values it stands for. Be intentional in how you represent this legacy. In every situation, lead with a commitment to excellence and an understanding of your larger responsibility to contribute positively to society.”

Dr. Cabral cautioned about the turbulent times ahead. “Finally, know that there will be challenges. In law, as in business, the best outcomes are often achieved not by those who avoid obstacles but by those who face them with courage and learn from them. Embrace setbacks as opportunities for growth. In every challenge lies a lesson, and in every lesson, a chance to become a stronger, more capable leader.”

Moving ahead 

It was encouraging to see the presence of Senior Professor Pathmalal Manage, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, where PIM belongs to. Presence of the Deans of all faculties of the university was a significant sign towards collaborative excellence. Dr. Asanga Ranasinghe, the new dynamic director of PIM led the organising team of the convocation including Jayantha Ranapura, the Senior Assistant Registrar of PIM and all members of the PIM team. 

“The world awaits each of you with open arms, and it is ready for the impact you will make.” Dr. Cabral commented in closing his speech. “In a world where many choose to settle, I urge you to rise. The best fly above the rest, not because they seek glory, but because they hold themselves to a standard that benefits everyone around them. As you take this next step, do so with pride, integrity, and purpose. Congratulations once again to the graduates of the PIM.”

It was indeed delightful to see the best with a crest moving forward to fly above the rest. As a former Director of PIM, I am humbly happy to see the continuing progress through collective collaboration with accolades to Dr. Asanga Ranasinghe who is on a passionate mission to make it “THE business school for the new world”. That is how the “leader breeding” blossoms with brilliance. 

(The writer, a Senior Professor in Management, and an Independent Non-executive Director, can be reached at [email protected], [email protected] or www.ajanthadharmasiri.info.)