SLID Marks 25 Years of Corporate Governance Leadership with CSE Ring the Bell Ceremony

Milestone celebration highlights SLID’s contribution to boardroom excellence, responsible business and the future of corporate governance in Sri Lanka.

The Sri Lanka Institute of Directors (SLID) celebrated 25 years of advancing corporate governance and boardroom leadership with a ceremonial Ring the Bell event at the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE), marking a significant milestone in its journey towards strengthening responsible business practices and director excellence in Sri Lanka.
The ceremony, attended by senior representatives of the CSE, corporate leaders, directors and distinguished stakeholders, recognised SLID’s contribution to promoting good governance, strengthening board effectiveness and developing future-ready directors.

Over the past 25 years, SLID has evolved into Sri Lanka’s premier professional body for directors, building a network of over 1,000 members representing more than 800 companies. Through its flagship Board Leadership Training programmes, specialised Committees and Forums, policy advocacy and international collaborations, the Institute has played a pivotal role in shaping corporate governance standards across the country.

SLID’s cumulative impact extends to over 20,000 participants, supported by hundreds of programmes and more than 1,000 speakers, trainers and thought leaders. Its director education initiatives have engaged over 2,000 participants, while its leadership, mentorship and diversity programmes have reached more than 500 women leaders.

The ceremonial ringing of the bell symbolised the vital connection between strong corporate governance, investor confidence, transparent capital markets and sustainable economic growth.

Congratulating SLID on the milestone, Mr. Rajeeva Bandaranaike, Chief Executive Officer of the Colombo Stock Exchange, stated:

“We congratulate the Sri Lanka Institute of Directors on its 25th Anniversary and commend its contribution to strengthening governance and leadership in Sri Lanka. At the Colombo Stock Exchange, we share this commitment, as strong governance remains the foundation of investor confidence and sustainable capital market growth.”

Dinesh Weerakkody, Chairman of SLID, reaffirmed the Institute’s enduring responsibility to shape and strengthen corporate leadership:

“For 25 years, SLID has championed the belief that strong boards build strong organisations, and strong organisations contribute to a stronger nation. As we celebrate this significant milestone, our focus is firmly on the future. Good governance must extend beyond compliance to foster accountability, strengthen resilience, encourage innovation and drive sustainable value creation.”

Reflecting on the Institute’s achievements and future direction, Anitra Perera, Chief Executive Officer of SLID, stated:

“This is more than a celebration of 25 years; it is a commitment to the next 25. SLID has grown from a pioneering director education initiative into a national platform for boardroom excellence. Our ambition is to expand our reach, strengthen international collaborations and equip directors with the knowledge, skills and perspectives needed to lead in an increasingly complex world.”

As a founding member of the Responsible Business Coalition, alongside the Sri Lanka Bankers’ Association – Sustainable Banking Initiative and the Centre for Smart Future, SLID continues to champion responsible corporate leadership, sustainability and stronger governance practices.

Looking ahead, the Institute is strengthening its director education portfolio through new modules covering emerging governance challenges, expanding its engagement with public sector boards and deepening international partnerships. SLID also aims to elevate the National Corporate Director Awards, recognising outstanding leadership and governance excellence across Sri Lanka’s corporate and public sectors.

The Ring the Bell ceremony reaffirmed SLID’s commitment to working alongside capital market institutions, regulators and business leaders to build stronger, more accountable and future-ready boards.

As SLID enters its next quarter-century, its mission remains clear: empowering directors, strengthening boards and advancing better governance for a stronger Sri Lanka.

About SLID

The Sri Lanka Institute of Directors (SLID) is Sri Lanka’s premier professional body dedicated to advancing corporate governance and director excellence. Through education, advocacy, thought leadership, strategic partnerships and specialised Committees and Forums, SLID promotes responsible leadership and effective boardroom practices.

Left to Right, Mr. Kosala Gamage, Mr. Sujeewa Pieris, Mr. Rajeeva Bandaranaike, Ms. Marina Tharmaratnam, Mr. Dinesh Weerakkody, Mr. Dilshan Rodrigo, Ms. Aruni Rajakarier, Ms. Anitra Perera