In Conversation with Thanushi Chandradasa
Her Story. Her Strength. By: Dr. Sulochana Segera
Success in corporate finance is often measured through numbers, transactions, and financial performance. However, behind every successful finance professional is a journey shaped by resilience, continuous learning, and the courage to embrace new challenges. Thanushi Chandradasa, Manager Corporate Finance at Sanken Overseas Private Limited, represents a new generation of finance leaders who combine technical expertise with strategic thinking and a passion for creating lasting value. Having entered the corporate world at the age of nineteen, she has built an impressive career spanning more than eleven years, contributing to cross border investments, major corporate transactions, and strategic business initiatives. Alongside her professional achievements, she is equally passionate about mentoring future professionals as a visiting lecturer, believing that knowledge becomes more meaningful when shared. In this interview, Thanushi reflects on the experiences that shaped her career, the lessons she has learned from working across cultures, and her vision for inspiring the next generation of finance professionals.
Before entering the corporate world, you had already built a strong foundation in finance through professional qualifications. What inspired you to choose finance as your career path?
From a young age, I was fascinated by the way businesses operate and how they evolve over time. While many people see finance as simply dealing with numbers, I was always interested in understanding the bigger picture behind those figures. Every financial statement tells a story about a company's performance, decisions, challenges, and future ambitions. I wanted to understand how organisations make investment decisions, allocate resources, and create sustainable value over the long term. This curiosity naturally led me towards finance as a career. I realised that finance sits at the centre of every important business decision, making it one of the most influential functions within any organisation. My professional qualifications provided me with a strong technical foundation, but I always viewed them as stepping stones rather than the final destination. My real ambition was to use that knowledge to support meaningful business decisions, contribute to strategic growth, and create long term value for organisations. Finance continues to inspire me because it is constantly evolving. Every project presents a new opportunity to learn, solve complex problems, and contribute towards shaping the future of a business. That continuous learning journey is what keeps me motivated every day.
You have built an impressive career over eleven years in corporate finance. What has been the most defining moment in your professional journey so far?
Rather than identifying one single defining moment, I believe my career has been shaped by the many opportunities and experiences I have encountered along the way. Every role I have undertaken has introduced me to new challenges that strengthened both my technical knowledge and my professional confidence. Beginning my career at the age of nineteen allowed me to gain exposure to different areas of finance from an early stage. I worked across Accounts Receivable, became involved in cross payments, and later progressed into corporate finance, strategic investments, and complex cross border business initiatives. Each responsibility expanded my perspective and helped me understand how finance contributes to broader organisational success.
One particularly significant experience was my involvement in one of the largest cross border transactions within Sri Lanka's leisure industry. Being trusted with such a major project was both exciting and demanding. It required careful planning, collaboration with multiple stakeholders, and the ability to think strategically while managing complex financial considerations. That experience reinforced the importance of resilience, teamwork, and maintaining focus under pressure. I have also been fortunate to work alongside leaders who believed in my abilities and encouraged me to take on responsibilities beyond my comfort zone. Their mentorship gave me the confidence to grow professionally and embrace opportunities that challenged me to become a better finance professional and leader. Looking back, I believe it is this combination of experience, trust, and continuous learning that has truly defined my journey.
Corporate finance requires both technical expertise and strategic thinking. How have you developed the ability to move beyond numbers and contribute to business decisions?
Throughout my career I have learned that numbers alone rarely provide the complete picture. Financial data is important because it measures performance and identifies trends, but it’s true value lies in understanding what those numbers mean for the future of a business. Effective finance professionals must be able to interpret financial information, identify opportunities, evaluate risks, and translate their findings into practical business strategies. My ability to think beyond the numbers developed through exposure to diverse functions and projects. Working with different teams across the organisation helped me understand operational challenges, strategic priorities, and the importance of collaboration when making business decisions. Instead of viewing financial information solely from an accounting perspective, I learned to consider its broader impact on growth, sustainability, and long-term value creation. One lesson that has had a lasting impact on me is that successful investments are never determined purely by financial models or valuations. While sound analysis is essential, the people responsible for implementing those decisions ultimately determine whether a project succeeds. Leadership, commitment, motivation, and shared vision often influence outcomes just as much as financial forecasts. This understanding has encouraged me to adopt a more balanced approach to corporate finance by combining quantitative analysis with qualitative judgement. Today I believe the role of finance professionals extends far beyond reporting numbers. We serve as strategic partners who help organisations make informed decisions, manage uncertainty, and achieve sustainable growth.
Working across countries and cultures requires adaptability. What lessons have you learned from your regional exposure?
Regional exposure has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my professional journey. Although business objectives may remain similar across different countries, the ways people communicate, negotiate, and solve problems can differ significantly. Learning to appreciate these differences has strengthened both my professional effectiveness and personal growth. In my current role I have the opportunity to collaborate with foreign lawyers, tax advisers, and other professionals based in Hong Kong, Australia, Singapore, and several other countries, particularly when working on joint venture agreements and cross border transactions. Coordinating across different time zones and professional environments requires careful planning, flexibility, and strong communication skills. These experiences have taught me that successful collaboration depends on much more than technical competence.
Building trust, respecting cultural differences, and remaining open to different perspectives are equally important. Every interaction offers an opportunity to learn something new, whether it is a different negotiation style, a new business practice, or an alternative way of approaching complex challenges. Working internationally has also reinforced the importance of adaptability in today's business environment. Markets continue to evolve, organisations increasingly operate across borders, and professionals must be prepared to work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds. I believe these experiences have helped me become more open minded, resilient, and capable of contributing meaningfully within global business environments.
As a young woman building a career in finance, have you faced any barriers or stereotypes, and how did you navigate them?
I entered the corporate world when I was just nineteen years old, which meant I often found myself working alongside professionals who had many more years of experience than I did. At times, I had to overcome perceptions that came with being both young and relatively new to the profession. In finance, experience is highly valued, so earning credibility required consistent effort and a willingness to prove myself through my work rather than my words. Instead of allowing these perceptions to discourage me, I viewed them as motivation to keep learning and improving. I invested in developing my technical knowledge, sought opportunities to expand my skills, and accepted responsibilities that challenged me to grow professionally. Every project became an opportunity to demonstrate my commitment, reliability, and ability to deliver results. Being a woman in finance has also strengthened my confidence and resilience. I have learned that success comes from being prepared, believing in your capabilities, and having the courage to step forward when opportunities arise. Challenges are inevitable in any career, but they should never define your potential. They can instead become valuable lessons that shape your character and prepare you for greater responsibilities. Looking back, I am grateful for those early experiences because they helped me develop the discipline, determination, and confidence that continue to guide me today. They taught me that credibility
What impact do you hope to create in the finance industry and among future generations of professionals?
I hope to contribute to a finance profession that looks beyond financial performance alone and recognises the broader impact that business decisions have on organisations, people, and society. Finance is no longer limited to analysing historical results. It plays a critical role in shaping strategy, supporting innovation, and creating sustainable value for the future. Throughout my career, I have come to appreciate the importance of combining technical expertise with ethical decision making, strategic thinking, and effective collaboration. I hope to encourage finance professionals to embrace this broader perspective and become trusted business partners who help organisations achieve meaningful and responsible growth. Equally important to me is supporting the next generation of professionals, particularly young women who aspire to build successful careers in finance. I want my journey to demonstrate that age, gender, or initial challenges should never limit ambition. With continuous learning, perseverance, and confidence, it is possible to achieve goals that may once have seemed beyond reach. Through both my corporate career and my role as a visiting lecturer, I hope to continue sharing knowledge, mentoring aspiring professionals, and creating opportunities for others to grow. If I can inspire even a few individuals to believe in themselves, pursue excellence, and make a positive contribution to society, I will consider that one of my greatest achievements.
When people look back at your journey, what do you hope they remember most about Thanushi Chandradasa, the professional, the leader, and the person behind the achievements?
While professional accomplishments are important, I hope they are not the only things people remember about me. More than titles, qualifications, or career milestones, I hope to be remembered for the person I was throughout my journey and the positive impact I had on the people around me. I believe genuine leadership is measured not only by results but also by the way we treat others. Kindness, integrity, empathy, and respect create lasting impressions that often matter far more than professional success. I hope those who have worked with me remember someone who was approachable, supportive, and willing to help others succeed. Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to receive encouragement from mentors, colleagues, friends, and family. Their belief in me has reinforced the importance of extending that same encouragement to others. Whether through mentoring young professionals, teaching students, or working alongside colleagues, I hope I have helped create an environment where people feel valued and empowered. Ultimately, I would like my legacy to be one of positive influence. If people remember me as someone who worked with purpose, led with humility, inspired confidence, and made a meaningful difference in the lives of others, then I will feel that my journey has been truly worthwhile. Professional achievements may open doors, but it is character, compassion, and the relationships we build that leave the most enduring legacy.
