The People Summit 2026 established a dynamic vision for the future of work, emphasizing the synergy between innovation and empathy, where human potential, not machines, drives progress. The summit, titled “Human + Tech: The New Equation – Building Capabilities, Connecting People, Shaping What’s Next,” convened thought leaders and industry professionals to explore how technology can empower people rather than replace them.
Shehani Seneviratne, Chairperson of SLASSCOM, inaugurated the summit by highlighting the importance of reskilling and upskilling in a world increasingly driven by technology. She asserted that artificial intelligence and emerging technologies should enhance human potential, reinforcing Sri Lanka’s role as a hub for innovation and talent development.
The keynote sessions set a high standard. Venkatesan Vijayaraghavan, EVP of Virtusa, in his presentation “The Human Code: Where People Thrive in a Tech-Driven World,” emphasized that organizational success is rooted in the integration of technology with human-centric leadership, culture, and empathy. Navin Advani, CIO – Americas and VP, Global Supply Chain & Merchandising Technology at Sysco, in his talk “People at the Core of Innovation,” highlighted that innovation is people-driven, with AI amplifying human potential, and stressed the importance of trust, ownership, and accountability. Matt Wallaert, CXO at Oceans, in his session “Disrupted | Reimagined | Rebuilt,” provided insights on navigating disruption, stressing the need for personal growth and multidimensional development to enhance engagement and productivity.
A series of engaging panel discussions offered diverse perspectives. The panel on “Human-Centered Workplace Culture, Wellbeing & Hybrid Success,” featuring Dr. Kavinda De Silva, Andrea Jayatilleka, and Michelle Senanayake, moderated by Azeem Saheer, explored how inclusive cultures and hybrid models can boost wellbeing and engagement. “Future Voices: Gen Z + Multigenerational Teams,” with Mithila Wegapitiya, Arun Haridharshan, and Sharya Unamboowe, moderated by Hashani Ruberu, examined strategies for bridging generational gaps to empower younger talent. “Innovation in Action: Turning Ideas into Scalable, Human-Impactful Solutions,” featuring Sampath Jayasundara, Poornaka Delpachitra, Nevindaree Premarathne, and Sachin Wickramasinghe, moderated by Angelo De Silva, demonstrated how creative ideas can be translated into actionable solutions, balancing technological feasibility with human impact. Thushera Kawdawatta, MD of Sysco LABS, in his address “The Future of Work Is Human,” stressed the critical importance of keeping people at the center of transformation.
Additional panels addressed crucial aspects of the future of work: “Leading in a Gen Z World: Rethinking Work, Careers & Leadership – BPM,” with Suranga Nanayakkara, Matt Wallaert, Shanaka Fernando, and Upulka Samarakoon, moderated by Jehan Perinpanayagam, explored strategies for leading a Gen Z workforce; “People First: Guardrails for a Human-Centered Tech Future – Ethics, Governance, Responsible AI, and Human-Led Policies,” with Ruwanthi Fernando, Shehan Warusavithana, Bimsara Seneviratne, and Dushyantha Perera, moderated by Gayathri Liyanage, highlighted ethical frameworks and responsible technology policies.
A workshop on “Emotional Agility in an AI-Driven World” by Azeem Saheer provided practical tools for building resilience and adaptability, while Mayura Malagala of Deloitte Sri Lanka & Maldives, in “Beyond the Fear: Debunking Myths About Jobs in the Age of Technology,” challenged misconceptions about AI and highlighted technology’s role in enhancing human potential.
A fireside chat, “Reskill to Rise: Building Workforces Ready for Tomorrow,” with Inoka Dias, Dinali Peiris, Damitha Jayasinghe, and Mayura Malagala, moderated by Sampath Thirimavithana, showcased strategies for reskilling employees to meet evolving workforce demands.
The summit also featured the handover of the Compensation and Benefits Survey, presented by Shehani Seneviratne, Chairperson of SLASSCOM, to Sachindra Samararatne of the Information and Communication Technology Agency of Sri Lanka (ICTA), followed by a guest note on “Insights on Compensation Trends Shaping 2026 and Beyond” by Upekha Ukuwela, Director and Practice Leader – Human Capital Consulting, Deloitte Sri Lanka & Maldives.
The event was made possible with the support of Global Industry Partner Virtusa, Thought Leadership Partner Sysco LABS, Innovation Partner IFS, Technology Partner N-able, and Gifting & Rewards Partner Thyaga.
