Bridging Borders will mark a first for us: an event of this scale centred on learning, leadership, and regional unity
Ultimately, leadership is about relationships, and the ability to bring people together around a shared goal.
At the helm of Round Table Sri Lanka stands Raveen Wickremasinghe, a leader whose journey blends entrepreneurial drive with a deep commitment to service. As CEO of Ruhunu Hospital, the largest private healthcare provider in the Southern Province; Raveen has played a key role in modernising his family’s legacy business. With academic credentials from the University of Edinburgh and Emlyon Business School, his professional outlook is shaped by global thinking and local impact. Beyond the boardroom, Raveen’s involvement in COYLE and the Association of Private Hospitals reflects his advocacy for sectoral progress. But it’s through Round Table that his leadership truly takes root. As President, he’s steering the organisation into a new era, one grounded in fellowship, community upliftment, and professional development. In this exclusive conversation, Raveen shares his personal journey, outlines his vision for Round Table Sri Lanka,
and offers insight into how youth-led service organisations can shape the future of civic leadership.
QTell us a bit about yourself, your background and current role.
I currently lead Ruhunu Hospital, a second-generation family enterprise that has grown to become the leading private hospital in Sri Lanka’s Southern Province. I joined the business in 2011 and took over full leadership in 2015. My education was rooted in Colombo, followed by degrees in Accounting and Finance from the University of Edinburgh, and Entrepreneurship and Innovation from Emlyon Business School in France. Beyond healthcare, I serve as Vice President of the Association of Private Hospitals and am an active member of COYLE. My professional focus has always been on sustainable leadership and community impact, values that align closely with Round Table’s mission.
QHow did you first get involved with Round Table?
My entry into Round Table was unplanned. I was initially invited to join Table 6, but when it disbanded soon after, I found myself with the option to walk away or try again. I chose to join Table 4, where I only knew one person. It was a leap of faith, and one that paid off. Though I was the youngest in the group, the support from fellow Tablers was incredible. That encouragement gave me the confidence to take on leadership roles early, eventually leading to my presidency. What began as a way to network and give back has grown into a truly transformative experience, one that’s taught me the power of brotherhood, global connection, and leadership by example.
QHow would you describe Round Table to someone unfamiliar with it?
Round Table is a global organisation that brings together young men aged 18 to 40, encouraging personal growth through community service, fellowship, and leadership. Established in the UK in 1927, it now spans over 60 countries and includes more than 30,000 members. What makes the Round Table family special is its structure. It includes Round Table, Ladies Circle, Tangent, and 41ers, providing a lifelong journey of service, connection, and impact. It’s not just about giving back; it’s about growing together.
QWhat sets the Sri Lankan chapter apart?
Round Table Sri Lanka has grown into a close-knit, service-driven network that champions both personal and professional development. While we embrace global values, we also cater to local needs, whether through school infrastructure projects, health camps, or leadership training. What’s uniquely Sri Lankan is our ability to blend business networking with meaningful service. Our members not only contribute to community upliftment but also form deep, lasting friendships. It’s this intersection of fellowship and purpose that defines us.
QAre there any local initiatives you’re particularly proud of?
Two initiatives stand out. First is the Colombo Comedy Show, which celebrates its 10th year this year. It’s more than a night of laughs, it’s a key fundraiser and fellowship event, drawing hundreds each year and strengthening our internal bonds. The second is the Help Schools Foundation, our National Project. So far, we’ve raised over LKR 15 million, supported more than 30 schools, and benefited over 10,000 students. Yet the need is immense, over 4,000 schools still require support. This project is deeply personal for many of us. It’s a tangible way to invest in the next generation and bridge the educational divide in our country.
QHow has your experience evolved from member to President?
It’s been a journey of growth. I joined looking to connect and contribute but quickly realised that Round Table offers far more than that. As I became more involved, I found myself learning valuable leadership skills, forming global friendships, and discovering new ways to serve. Becoming President has been both humbling and empowering. It’s allowed me to influence change, support fellow Tablers in their own growth journeys, and shape the direction of our national movement. It’s also reinforced my belief in the importance of youth-led civic engagement.
QWhat has leadership within Round Table taught you?
It’s taught me that leadership isn’t about having all the answers, it’s about building trust, showing up consistently, and empowering others. I’ve learned to listen more, to value different perspectives, and to navigate challenges with empathy. Personally, I’ve discovered resilience I didn’t know I had. The support of my team and the lessons from past leaders have helped me become more intentional in how I lead. Ultimately, leadership is about relationships, and the ability to bring people together around a shared goal.
QTell us about Bridging Borders. What inspired it?
The concept was inspired by the success of regional events in countries like India, Nepal, and Bangladesh. These gatherings focus on professional development and collaboration, something we felt was essential for Round Table Sri Lanka to champion as well. Bridging Borders will mark a first for us: an event of this scale centred on learning, leadership, and regional unity. It’s also a proud moment because we’re hosting the Asia Pacific Regional Meeting in Sri Lanka after nearly a decade. The timing couldn’t be more perfect.
QWhat’s the vision behind the event, and what are your hopes for its future?
We envision Bridging Borders as a recurring, flagship event in the Asia Pacific calendar. The aim is to foster not only learning but also meaningful relationships between countries. The organising team has committed to evolving the event over at least three years, ensuring its sustainability and relevance. Importantly, we’re involving younger Tablers in leadership roles so they can carry this vision forward. Even before the event begins, it’s already doing what we hoped, sparking collaboration and setting the stage for lasting regional impact.
QDo you see this kind of collaboration becoming a regular part of Round Table Sri Lanka’s future?
Absolutely. The response to Bridging Borders has made it clear: there’s a strong appetite for regional exchange and joint growth. We plan to make this kind of cross-border collaboration a core part of our identity moving forward. Under my leadership, we’re also rebranding Round Table Sri Lanka, not just as a service organisation, but as a hub for business, leadership, and innovation. Our strategy is long-term: to create meaningful events, build regional partnerships, and empower the next generation of leaders who will carry our vision beyond borders.
