Farzana Baduel
Dr. Sulochana Segera
Shehara de Silva
Asanka de Mel
Rohantha Athukorala
Women in Management (WIM), in partnership with The Sun (Daily Mirror), will host an exclusive Morning Breakfast Networking Session titled “Reframing Sri Lanka’s Global Narrative” on 17 December 2025, at Port City Colombo, from 8:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Bringing together leading voices in communication, entrepreneurship, and strategic leadership, the event aims to spark a national conversation on how Sri Lanka can reshape and strengthen its identity in international arenas, particularly at a time when the country faces both unprecedented challenges and new opportunities. At the heart of the session is the belief that a nation’s reputation is not merely defined by its circumstances but by how it chooses to tell its story. Through keynote insights, a dynamic panel discussion, and collaborative dialogue, the event seeks to empower leaders, entrepreneurs, and changemakers to take an active role in redefining Sri Lanka’s place on the global stage.
A Keynote on the Power of Storytelling
The keynote address will be delivered by Farzana Baduel, President-elect of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR, UK) and Co-Founder / CEO of the London-based strategic communications agency Curzon PR. A globally recognized expert in public relations, Farzana has worked extensively with governments, corporations, global charities, and development organizations, advising on reputation management, nation branding, and integrated communication strategies. Her keynote, “The Power of Storytelling: Shaping Nations, Brands and Futures,” will explore how narratives influence the world’s perception of a country, its industries, and its people. Farzana’s expertise is grounded in more than a decade of experience navigating complex communication landscapes, making her insights especially timely for Sri Lanka as it moves through a period of economic recovery, climate-related pressures, and global repositioning. Farzana’s presence at the event is also significant in the context of her longstanding relationship with WIM. As a past WIM Global Award Winner and a judge at the WIM UK Awards, she has been a champion of women’s leadership and a consistent advocate for empowering emerging markets through strategic communication.
Panel Discussion: Reputation, Resilience and Relevance
Following the keynote, a high-level panel discussion will unpack the session’s central theme: “Reframing Sri Lanka’s Global Narrative.” The conversation will explore how Sri Lanka can rebuild and reposition its reputation globally, strengthen resilience in the face of compounding challenges, and ensure relevance in competitive international markets. The panel will be chaired by Dr. Rohantha Athukorala of the World Rural Tourism Council, a respected figure in tourism, public sector leadership, and sustainability-driven development.
Joining him on the panel are three thought leaders representing diverse industries and perspectives:
- Shehara De Silva, Chairperson, Optima Design Group
- Asanka De Mel, Founder, Lovi
- Farzana Baduel, Keynote Speaker
Together, the panelists will explore questions central to Sri Lanka’s future: How can the country craft a narrative that inspires investor confidence? What role can culture, creativity, and entrepreneurship play in global repositioning? How can the private sector drive collective action in a moment that demands adaptability and long-term vision? The discussion is expected to deliver actionable insights for business owners, policymakers, and communication professionals committed to strengthening Sri Lanka’s engagement with international audiences.
A Call for New Leadership and Reimagined Strategy
Speaking about the inspiration behind the initiative, Dr. Sulochana Segera, Founder and Chairperson of Women in Management, underscored the urgency of proactive nation branding during a moment of national adversity. “During this country's current situation, we have two options; either use this moment as an opportunity to rebrand Sri Lanka in the global market or simply start again in the same space. WIM chose the path of leadership. With Farzana’s visit as a WIM Global Award Winner and Judge at the WIM UK Awards, it is the right time to rebrand Sri Lanka on the global stage.”
Dr. Segera also addressed the profound impact of Cyclone Ditwah, which resulted in an estimated US $6–7 billion in economic losses, surpassing even the devastation of the 2004 tsunami. She emphasized that the private sector must adopt forward-thinking strategies related to natural disasters, climate adaptation, and resilience planning. For Sri Lanka to lead the conversation on climate resilience globally, she noted, the country must begin by reframing its narrative with intention, transparency, and renewed purpose.
Supporting Women to Rebuild
More than a knowledge-sharing forum, the event also serves a humanitarian mission. All proceeds will go toward the RebuildHer Enterprise Project, a recently launched initiative designed to help women-led micro and small businesses affected by Cyclone Ditwah rebuild their livelihoods. Cyclones and climate-driven disasters disproportionately affect women entrepreneurs, many of whom operate informal or home-based businesses with limited safety nets. The RebuildHer initiative aims to address these vulnerabilities by offering financial assistance, mentorship, and access to resources necessary for restarting operations. Through this event, WIM seeks to align national storytelling with grassroots empowerment; recognizing that sustainable progress must begin with those most impacted.
The Sun (Daily Mirror): A Strategic Media Partner
The Sun (Daily Mirror) and its Editor, Rishini Weeraratne, have long maintained a close and collaborative relationship with Women in Management, united by a shared commitment to advancing the rights, visibility, and leadership of women and girls in Sri Lanka. Under Rishini’s direction, The Sun (Daily Mirror) has consistently championed gender empowerment through its editorial agenda, dedicating prominent space to conversations that matter. Signature weekly columns such as “She Can,” “Her Story. Her Strength,” and “Behind Closed Doors” spotlight the achievements, challenges, and lived realities of Sri Lankan women, ensuring their voices remain central to the national discourse. With an all-woman editorial team driving this mission, The Sun (Daily Mirror) upholds women’s empowerment not as a theme but as a core journalistic responsibility, using storytelling, advocacy, and representation to inspire change and strengthen the country’s path toward gender equality.
Port City Colombo: A Strategic Venue Partner
The event will take place at Port City Colombo, the venue partner and one of Sri Lanka’s most ambitious development projects. As a Special Economic Zone (SEZ), Port City Colombo is positioned as a future hub for innovation, investment, and international business. Its modern infrastructure, global connectivity, and forward-facing vision make it an ideal setting for a conversation centered on reimagining Sri Lanka’s global narrative. For attendees, the choice of venue symbolizes Sri Lanka’s potential to evolve into a competitive, globally integrated economy, one driven by creativity, strategic thinking, and world-class design.
Event Participation
- Date: 17 December 2025
- Time: 8:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
- Venue: Port City Colombo
Individuals interested in attending this exclusive session may register by emailing: admin@womeninmanagement.org or calling +94 772 307 356. Early registration is encouraged due to limited seating.
A Morning of Insight, Dialogue and Collective Action
The Breakfast Networking Session promises to be a morning of rich dialogue, strategic thinking, and solution-focused discussion. As Sri Lanka seeks to reclaim its place on the global stage, the event underscores the power of storytelling, not only as a communication tool but as a catalyst for national transformation. Through collaboration, leadership, and a renewed commitment to strategic communication, Women in Management aims to inspire a movement that positions Sri Lanka as a resilient, relevant, and future-ready nation, while uplifting women entrepreneurs across the country.
