Harsha Basnayake creates history as first Lankan on EY Global Executive Board

Harsha Basnayake 

EY Sri Lanka yesterday announced that accomplished leader in deals, capital advisory and transactions in Asia, Harsha Basnayake will join the EY Global Executive Board as Global Managing Partner – Business Administration and Risk, the first from the Asia-Pacific Region and a first for a Sri Lankan. 

Harsha served as the EY Asia-Pacific Deputy Area Managing Partner, expanding EY’s services, operations, investments, and financial impact. As the Deputy Area Managing Partner for Asia-Pacific, Harsha served on several senior managerial EY committees, including the Global Markets and Investment Committee, the Global Technology Leadership Council, the Global Practice Group and more. 

The Asia-Pacific Area employs over 60,000 people and contributes approximately 15% of EY’s global revenues. Enabled by data and technology, diverse EY teams in over 150 countries provide trust through assurance and help clients grow, transform and operate.

He was also the Asia-Pacific Area Strategy and Transaction (SaT) Managing Partner and led a team of over 5,000 professionals and 500 Partners in over 20 countries in the region. Harsha significantly shaped EY’s SaT practices in Asia-Pacific, directing acquisitions and investments across Australia, China, Japan, Korea, Singapore, and Vietnam. Formerly leading the Singapore and ASEAN SaT practices, he oversaw SaT across Asia-Pacific, leveraging decades of experience advising on complex cross-border transactions and strategic capital decisions.

His EY career began in 1987 in Colombo, Sri Lanka, where he was born, raised, and educated. With his Sri Lankan heritage as a cornerstone in his professional journey, Harsha joined EY Singapore in 1997. He played a critical role in establishing and growing the valuation and business modelling practice in the Far East. He is also a founding member of the Global Valuation and Business Modelling Steering Committee and a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka.

Harsha served as the immediate past Chairman of the Council of the Institute of Valuers and Appraisers of Singapore (IVAS). Currently, he sits on the Board of the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS) and the Asia Committee of the International Valuations Standards Council (IVSC). His dedication to humanitarian efforts in developing Asia and diversity advocacy through EY and the inclusion steering committee highlight his commitment.

Harsha’s appointment as EY’s first Global Managing Partner from the Asia-Pacific Region is a shining milestone in his career. He will oversee EY’s governance, risk, and compliance functions and member firm relations to strengthen the global network and enhance agility in response to market trends.

EY Sri Lanka and Maldives Country Managing Partner Duminda Hulangamuwa said: “We are immensely proud of Harsha’s recent appointment to the EY Global Executive Board in his new role. His outstanding leadership and unwavering drive will undoubtedly strengthen our global strategy and drive meaningful impact for our clients worldwide.”