Iconic Business Awards Return After 18 Years as ‘CIMA - JXG Pinnacle Awards 2025’

Originally initiated by Janashakthi Insurance, the event now returns under the leadership of JXG (Janashakthi Group) — Sri Lanka’s emerging financial conglomerate. Reflecting the expanded role of the Group, the initiative makes its comeback as the ‘CIMA - JXG Pinnacle Awards’, in collaboration with AICPA & CIMA Sri Lanka. Scheduled for 11 June 2025 at Cinnamon Life, the awards return after nearly two decades to once again recognise and celebrate excellence, leadership, and innovation across Sri Lanka’s corporate sector. 

The awards will span eight categories, including Business Leader of the Year, Chief Financial Officer of the Year, and Young CGMA Star of the Year, recognising outstanding contributions across a range of business disciplines. Each category will present Gold, Silver, and Bronze accolades, acknowledging exceptional performance at different levels. Winners will be selected by an independent panel of judges, ensuring transparency and credibility in the evaluation process. 

As a financial conglomerate, JXG sees the awards as a platform to support and spotlight emerging industry leaders and innovative organisations. The revival of the awards aims to celebrate achievements and highlight meaningful contributions to the corporate landscape.

Ramesh Schaffter, Managing Director and Group CEO of JXG, and a former Council Member of CIMA Sri Lanka, commented on the initiative: “Our revival of the ‘CIMA - JXG Pinnacle Awards 2025’ reflects our philosophy of celebrating leadership, innovation, and excellence in the ever-evolving business landscape. By joining hands with AICPA & CIMA Sri Lanka, we aim to reinforce the credibility and prestige of these awards, while also offering recipients an opportunity to elevate their future ventures.”

Adding perspective from the association’s side, Tharindu Wijewardana ACMA (UK) CGMA, Acting Country Manager of AICPA & CIMA Sri Lanka said: “Through the renewal of our partnership with JXG, we anticipate a promising step forward for Sri Lanka’s professional community. These awards are designed not only to recognise excellence but also to reinforce the values of professionalism, ethical leadership, and performance in practical contexts.”

The Pinnacle Awards were once a highly anticipated event on the corporate calendar, and their return marks the revival of a tradition that has long recognised individuals who have gone on to serve in key leadership roles across industries. Past awardees include respected professionals such as Hasitha Premaratne – Group Managing Director at Brandix; Suren Fernando – Group CEO at MAS Holdings (Pvt) Ltd; and Mahesha Amarasuriya – Director at Mastercard Sri Lanka.

Applications are now open, and professionals or organisations interested in participating can submit their entries via the AICPA & CIMA Sri Lanka website AICPA & CIMA JXG PINNACLE AWARDS 2025 | Advocacy | AICPA & CIMA.

The event is expected to serve as a valuable platform for networking and knowledge sharing among corporate leaders and professionals across industries.

About JXG (Janashakthi Group)

JXG (Janashakthi Group) is Sri Lanka’s emerging financial conglomerate, with a presence spanning in the insurance, finance, and investment banking sectors. Each of the Group’s core businesses is a formidable leader in its respective industry. JXG comprises First Capital Holdings PLC, Janashakthi Insurance PLC, Orient Finance PLC, and the Janashakthi Foundation.

JXG’s roots trace back to the early 1990s when its Founder and Chairman Emeritus, Mr. C.T.A. Schaffter, established Sri Lanka’s first specialized life insurance company, playing a pivotal role in revolutionizing the industry. Over the following decades, through strategic mergers and acquisitions, the Group has expanded its reach and influence.

The 'X' in the brand name symbolizes exciting opportunities, expansion, and exponential growth, representing the multiplication of potential as a unified entity. The slogan “Stronger Together, Stronger Than Ever” encapsulates JXG’s commitment to unity and collective strength.

About The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants

Founded in 1919, The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants® (CIMA®) is the world’s leading and largest professional body of management accountants. As part of the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants, CIMA and its members and candidates operate in 188 countries and territories, working at the heart of business — in industry, commerce, the public sector and not-for-profit organisations. CIMA works closely with employers and sponsors leading-edge research, constantly updating its professional qualification and professional experience requirements to ensure it remains the employer’s choice when recruiting financially trained business leaders.

About AICPA & CIMA, together with the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants

AICPA® & CIMA®, together as the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants (the Association), advance the global accounting and finance profession through our work on behalf of 597,000 AICPA and CIMA members, candidates and registrants in 188 countries and territories. Together, we are the worldwide leader on public and management accounting issues through advocacy, support for the CPA license, the CGMA designation and specialized credentials, professional development and thought leadership. We build trust by empowering our members, candidates and registrants with the knowledge and opportunities to be leaders in broadening prosperity for a more inclusive, sustainable and resilient future.

01 Image:  (L–R): Sivasubramaniam Vithushan – Manager, Markets & Relationships; Gayani De Soyza – Manager, Student & Member Services; and Tharindu Wijewardana – Acting Country Manager, Sri Lanka, from AICPA & CIMA Sri Lanka, alongside Gamika De Silva – Group Chief Marketing Officer; Sohan Colombage – Vice President, Marketing; and Fahad Fazly – Brand Executive from JXG (Janashakthi Group).