Startup Economy & Market Companies

Sri Lanka Brand Forum launched to redefine role of business in national development

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.”

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), Sanjiv Mehta (Former Chairman, Unilever South Asia) and 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.

Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Source - Daily Mirror