Sri Lanka Brand Forum Launched to Inspire the Nation and Reimagine Businesses for National Progress

In a landmark step toward redefining the role of business in national development, the Sri Lanka Brand Forum (SLBF) has been officially launched as a transformative platform dedicated to nurturing a new generation of purpose-driven, resilient, and globally competitive businesses. The announcement was made at a press conference attended by leading business figures, industry experts, and members of the media.

Founded on the belief that brands can—and must—be a force for good, Sri Lanka Brand Forum seeks to reshape the way businesses operate in an increasingly complex, volatile, and unpredictable world. Drawing inspiration from global marketing thought leadership and nearly two decades of regional experience, the Forum aims to create a holistic ecosystem where branding goes beyond communication to become a driver of economic, social, and human value.

At the launch, Shariful Islam, Chairman of Sri Lanka Brand Forum, emphasized the urgency of redefining business practices in what is now widely described as a BANI (Brittle, Anxious, Nonlinear, Incomprehensible) world. “In a time where uncertainty defines our reality, brands must evolve beyond profit-making entities into institutions of trust, clarity, and progress. Sri Lanka Brand Forum is not just an initiative—it is a movement to reimagine the future of business and the future of Sri Lanka,” he said.

Rohan Somawansa, Co-Founder of Sri Lanka Brand Forum, added: “Today’s launch of Sri Lanka Brand Forum marks a defining moment for our nation. Sri Lanka’s potential has always been undeniable. What we need now is to harness that potential with strategic intent, meaningful leadership, and collective action. The Brand Forum will be a catalyst for that change.”

Sri Lanka Brand Forum is structured around four critical pillars that will guide its year-round initiatives:

• Leadership – Driving vision, purpose, and responsible decision-making

• Innovation – Turning ideas into solutions that address real-world challenges

• Sustainability – Ensuring credibility, long-term impact, and ethical growth

• Branding – Translating value into compelling narratives that inspire action

These pillars will anchor initiatives such as conferences, academies, research platforms, and continuous stakeholder engagement, creating a sustainable ecosystem where business excellence and societal progress go hand in hand.

Recognizing that Gen Z and Gen Alpha are shaping the future of consumption, culture, and accountability, Sri Lanka Brand Forum places youth at the center of its mission. The Forum will create inclusive platforms that empower young voices to contribute to national brand-building, innovation, and leadership, ensuring that the next generation is not only heard but actively shaping Sri Lanka’s future.

As part of its inaugural initiatives, Sri Lanka Brand Forum also announced its flagship event—the Leadership Summit, themed “Resilience Redefined: Leadership for a New Era.” The Summit will bring together business leaders, innovators, policymakers, and emerging voices to explore how leadership must evolve in the face of rapid disruption, shifting consumer expectations, and global uncertainty.

The Summit will provide actionable insights and frameworks to build purpose-driven, resilient organizations capable of thriving in a BANI world. Through keynote sessions, panel discussions, and thought leadership exchanges, it will bridge global perspectives with local realities.

The Leadership Summit will feature globally renowned experts, including:

• David Aaker – Professor Emeritus, UC Berkeley Haas School of Business, father of modern branding

• Sanjiv Mehta – Former Chairman, Unilever South Asia; Non-Executive Board Member, Air India & Tata Group; Harvard Business School South Asia Advisory Board Member

• Paddy Padmanabhan – Program Director, INSEAD Leadership Programme for Senior Executives; GlaxoSmithKline Chaired Professor for Marketing

• Prof. Kulvant Singh – Head, Department of Strategy and Policy, NUS Business School

With the launch of Sri Lanka Brand Forum and its Leadership Summit, the country embarks on a new chapter—one where branding is not just about visibility, but about value; not just about competition, but about contribution; not just about business, but about building a stronger, more resilient Sri Lanka.

The Forum invites businesses, leaders, innovators, and young changemakers to join this journey of transformation—to build brands that are not only successful in the marketplace but meaningful in society.

About Sri Lanka Brand Forum

Sri Lanka Brand Forum is a national platform dedicated to advancing branding excellence by integrating leadership, innovation, sustainability, and purpose. Through strategic initiatives, knowledge platforms, and collaborative engagement, it aims to enable brands to become forces for good, driving both economic growth and societal impact. [www.srilankabrandforum.com]