CIMA – JXG Pinnacle Awards 2025 crown Sri Lanka’s corporate trailblazers

The highly anticipated and prestigious CIMA - JXG Pinnacle Awards 2025 organised in collaboration with JXG (Janashakthi Group) and AICPA & CIMA Sri Lanka, was held on 11 June at Cinnamon Life, Colombo and was a resounding success. 

Building on the legacy established by Janashakthi Insurance, the awards, previously celebrated as among Sri Lanka's most prestigious business recognition platforms, have returned after an 18-year break and successfully resumed under JXG, Sri Lanka's emerging financial conglomerate. 

The black-tie gala welcomed more than 250 business leaders, professionals and distinguished guests to celebrate excellence, leadership, and innovation throughout Sri Lanka's corporate sector. The event was graced by Andrew Harding FCMA CGMA, Chief Executive Management Accounting AICPA & CIMA and Ramesh Schaffter FCMA (UK) CGMA, Managing Director/Group CEO of JXG.

The CIMA–JXG Pinnacle Awards 2025 honoured exceptional accomplishments across a set of carefully curated categories, including Chief Financial Officer of the Year, CGMA Business Manager of the Year, Young CGMA Star of the Year, Digital Transformation Project of the Year,  ESG Sustainable Champion of the Year, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Champion of the Year. Gold, Silver, and Bronze accolades were presented in each category. In addition, two special awards were presented: Business Leader of the Year 2025 and Management Team of the Year 2025. 

Ramesh Schaffter FCMA (UK) CGMA, Managing Director/Group CEO of JXG, stated, "The successful revival of the CIMA - JXG Pinnacle Awards symbolizes more than recognition. The Pinnacle Awards celebrate those who demonstrate courage to innovate, discipline to deliver, and values that build a sustainable Sri Lanka. By celebrating these achievements, we inspire the next generation of leaders.”

A key highlight of the awards was the rigorous and transparent selection process. Winners were chosen by an independent panel of distinguished judges, comprising respected industry leaders and led by Faizal Salieh, Former Chairman, Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka. The judging panel included Harsha Purasinghe, Director/CEO, Microimage Group/MiHCM/ICTA; Nisthar Cassim, Editor/CEO, Daily FT, Wijeya Newspapers Ltd; Sharmini Ratwatte, Non-Executive Director, Convenience Foods PLC, National Credit Guarantee Institution (Pvt) Ltd, Green Peace South Asia (Pvt) Ltd; Dinesh Weerakkody, Chairman, Union Bank of Colombo PLC & Employers’ Federation of Ceylon; Thamali Rodrigo, Partner, KPMG; and Prof. Arosha Adikaram, Senior Professor (Chair), Human Resource Management, University of Colombo. 

Tharindu Wijewardana ACMA (UK) CGMA, Country Head Sri Lanka, said, “AICPA & CIMA are proud to collaborate with JXG. These awards highlight the highest standards of professional ethics, business leadership and strategic agility in a rapidly changing economy that current industry demands. Together with JXG, we believe it is timely to amplify the achievements of Sri Lanka’s finest organisations and professionals, showcasing how Sri Lankan enterprises are innovating with purpose.”

The successful return of the Pinnacle Awards establishes a foundation for continued recognition of business excellence in Sri Lanka. The event's positive reception and high-quality participation signal strong industry support for annual recognition of outstanding corporate achievements.

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, Janashakthi Finance PLC, and its philanthropic arm, 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. CIMA is a founding body of the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants; its members and candidates operate in more than 150 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. 

Image 01 - Shashi Kandambi, General Manager / Chief Executive Officer at National Savings Bank, receiving the CIMA-JXG Pinnacle Awards - Business Leader of the Year 2025 (Gold)

Image 02 - Andrew Harding FCMA CGMA, Chief Executive Management Accounting AICPA & CIMA, delivering the Chief Guest address. 

Image 03 - Ramesh Schaffter FCMA (UK) CGMA, Managing Director/Group CEO of JXG (Janashakthi Group), delivering the keynote address.

List of Winners

Individual Excellence Awards

Organizational Excellence Award