Bridging Generations: Gen Z and Corporate Leaders in Conversation at AmCham Sri Lanka
At a time when workplaces are undergoing rapid transformation, the American Chamber of Commerce in Sri Lanka (AmCham Sri Lanka) is set to host a timely and relevant forum titled “Gen Z Means Business: Rethinking Leadership, Communication & Corporate Culture.” Scheduled to take place on April 7, 2026, at Taj Samudra Colombo from 5.00 p.m. to 7.00 p.m., the event aims to bring together corporate leaders and emerging young professionals for a meaningful exchange of ideas.
As organisations navigate shifting expectations driven by younger generations, particularly Generation Z, this forum arrives at a crucial moment. Businesses today are not only focused on growth and profitability but are also challenged to create work environments that resonate with a new wave of employees who value purpose, inclusivity, flexibility, and innovation. The event seeks to address these evolving dynamics and explore how companies can better align themselves with the mindset of the modern workforce.
The forum will examine how Generation Z is reshaping workplace expectations, communication styles, and leadership structures. With Gen Z entering the workforce in increasing numbers, their influence is becoming more evident across industries. Their preference for open communication, digital-first engagement, and value-driven work cultures is prompting organisations to rethink traditional corporate frameworks. This discussion will provide a platform to better understand these shifts and how businesses can adapt effectively.
A keynote address will be delivered by Mr. Vidusha Nathavitharana, Founder and Destiny Architect of High Five Consultancy & Luminary Learning Solutions. His insights are expected to set the tone for the evening, offering perspectives on leadership transformation and the importance of adapting to generational change.
The event will also feature a panel discussion comprising a diverse group of professionals representing both leadership and emerging talent. The speakers of the event are Mr. Malinda, Ms. Sayumi, Ms. Onaya, Ms. Dhashma, Mr. Vidusha, Mr. Shamal, and Mr. Ovin. Bringing together varied experiences and viewpoints, the panel is expected to offer a balanced and engaging conversation on the realities of today’s workplace.
Among the panellists are Dhashma Karunaratne, Chief Commercial Officer of Colombo West International Terminal (Pvt) Ltd, and Shamal Gunawardene, Chief Operating Officer of CEAT-Kelani Holdings (Pvt) Ltd, both of whom bring extensive corporate leadership experience. They are joined by Onaya Kulatunga, Managing Director of Intercontinental Institute of Human Resource Management, whose expertise in human resources will provide valuable insights into talent development and workplace culture.
Representing the younger generation of professionals are Ovin Amaratunga, Assistant Manager International Sales & Marketing at Hayleys Agriculture Holdings Limited, and Malinda Perera, Training Development Executive at KLN Logistics Lanka (Pvt) Ltd. Their perspectives are expected to shed light on the expectations, challenges, and aspirations of Gen Z employees navigating corporate environments today.
The session will be moderated by Sayumi Jayawardene, Project Assistant at the United Nations Development Programme in Sri Lanka. Her role as moderator will help guide the discussion, ensuring that key themes such as communication gaps, leadership expectations, and workplace inclusivity are explored in depth.
One of the central themes of the forum is bridging the generational gap that often exists within organisations. Differences in communication styles, work preferences, and career expectations can sometimes lead to misunderstandings between senior leaders and younger employees. By creating a space for open dialogue, the event aims to foster mutual understanding and collaboration.
The forum is designed to move beyond theoretical discussions and focus on practical, real-world strategies. For young professionals, it offers guidance on how to navigate corporate environments, build meaningful careers, and stand out in an increasingly competitive landscape. For employers and business leaders, it presents an opportunity to better understand the motivations and expectations of the country’s emerging workforce, enabling them to create more engaging and productive workplaces.
As Sri Lanka continues its journey toward economic recovery and sustainable growth, initiatives such as this play an important role in shaping the future of the corporate sector. Aligning talent development with evolving business needs is essential for long-term success, and forums like this contribute to building that alignment.
By facilitating conversations between generations, AmCham Sri Lanka is not only addressing current workplace challenges but also laying the groundwork for a more resilient and forward-thinking business community. The emphasis on collaboration, adaptability, and inclusivity reflects the direction in which modern workplaces are heading.
Now in its 33rd year, AmCham Sri Lanka stands as one of the country’s most influential business chambers. Representing over 250 member companies across a wide range of industries, it continues to serve as a key platform for fostering trade, investment, and business relations between Sri Lanka and the United States. Through initiatives like this forum, the organisation remains committed to supporting the growth and development of the business landscape in Sri Lanka.
For more information, interested parties can contact: info@amcham.lk
