In a significant move aimed at reshaping the contribution of businesses to national development, the Sri Lanka Brand Forum (SLBF) has been launched as an innovative platform focused on fostering a new breed of purpose-driven, resilient, and globally competitive enterprises. The announcement took place during a press conference attended by prominent business leaders, industry specialists, and media representatives.
Rooted in the conviction that brands can and should serve as agents of positive change, the Sri Lanka Brand Forum aspires to transform business operations in a world that is increasingly complex and unpredictable. Drawing from global insights in marketing and nearly two decades of regional expertise, the Forum intends to develop a comprehensive ecosystem where branding transcends mere communication and becomes a catalyst for economic, social, and human advancement.
During the launch, Shariful Islam, the Chairman of the Sri Lanka Brand Forum, highlighted the necessity of redefining business methodologies in what has been characterized as a BANI (Brittle, Anxious, Nonlinear, Incomprehensible) environment. “In an era marked by uncertainty, brands need to evolve from mere profit-driven entities into institutions that embody trust, clarity, and progress. The Sri Lanka Brand Forum is not merely an initiative; it represents a movement aimed at reimagining the landscape of business and the future of Sri Lanka,” he stated.
Rohan Somawansa, Co-Founder of the Forum, remarked, “The launch of the Sri Lanka Brand Forum signifies a pivotal moment for our nation. Sri Lanka’s potential has always been clear. What we need now is to strategically harness that potential through meaningful leadership and collective efforts. The Brand Forum will serve as a catalyst for this transformation.”
The Sri Lanka Brand Forum is built around four essential pillars that will steer its ongoing initiatives:
- Leadership – Promoting vision, purpose, and responsible decision-making
- Innovation – Transforming ideas into practical solutions for real-world issues
- Sustainability – Ensuring credibility, long-term impact, and ethical growth
- Branding – Converting value into inspiring narratives that drive action
These pillars will support various initiatives, including conferences, educational programs, research platforms, and ongoing engagement with stakeholders, all aimed at creating a sustainable ecosystem where business excellence aligns with societal advancement.
Understanding that Generation Z and Generation Alpha are influencing future trends in consumption, culture, and accountability, the Sri Lanka Brand Forum prioritizes youth involvement in its mission. The Forum will establish inclusive platforms that empower young voices to actively participate in national brand development, innovation, and leadership, ensuring that the younger generation plays a significant role in shaping the future of Sri Lanka.
As part of its initial efforts, the Sri Lanka Brand Forum has announced its flagship event—the Leadership Summit, themed “Resilience Redefined: Leadership for a New Era.” This summit will convene business leaders, innovators, policymakers, and emerging voices to discuss the evolution of leadership amidst rapid disruptions, changing consumer expectations, and global uncertainties.
The Leadership Summit will offer practical insights and frameworks for building purpose-driven, resilient organizations that can succeed in a BANI world. Through keynote presentations, panel discussions, and exchanges of thought leadership, the event aims to connect global perspectives with local realities.
The summit will feature esteemed experts, including:
- David Aaker – Professor Emeritus at UC Berkeley Haas School of Business, recognized as the father of modern branding
- Sanjiv Mehta – Former Chairman of Unilever South Asia; Non-Executive Board Member of Air India & Tata Group; Member of the Harvard Business School South Asia Advisory Board
- Paddy Padmanabhan – Program Director for the INSEAD Leadership Programme for Senior Executives; GlaxoSmithKline Chaired Professor for Marketing
- Prof. Kulvant Singh – Head of the Department of Strategy and Policy at NUS Business School
With the establishment of the Sri Lanka Brand Forum and the upcoming Leadership Summit, the country is set to embark on a new chapter—one where branding is about more than just visibility; it is about creating value; it is not solely about competition, but about contribution; it extends beyond business, focusing on building a stronger, more resilient Sri Lanka.
The Forum invites businesses, leaders, innovators, and young changemakers to engage in this transformative journey—aiming to create brands that are not only successful in the marketplace but also meaningful within society.
