Speakers
Welcome to our distinguished Speakers Page, where expertise meets inspiration. Our carefully curated lineup of accomplished individuals brings a wealth of knowledge and innovation to the forefront. From industry trailblazers to thought leaders shaping the future, our speakers embody the essence of excellence. Each presentation is a unique journey, offering valuable insights, diverse perspectives, and the expertise needed to navigate the ever-evolving landscapes of business and marketing. Explore the profiles of our esteemed speakers, and get ready to be captivated by the wisdom they bring to our upcoming event.
A leading business professional with experience working for multinationals Unilever, ReckittBenckiser and Diverseylever India in as the Country Head- Sri Lanka and Maldives. He twice won the ‘ Marketing Achiever’ award by the Chartered Institute of Marketing and the Business Achiever award by PIM, University of Sri Jayewardenepura.
Dr. Athukorala was the was the youngest Chairmen to be appointed to the Sri Lanka Export Development Board and there after in Sri Lanka Tourism. There after he was appointed as the Commissioner General for the World Expo in Milan and then was head hunted by the United Nations( UNOPS) as the Portfolio Development Head- Sri Lanka and Maldives where Sri Lanka won the the ‘ Best Project’ globally and was awarded Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam “Pride of the Nation” award.
He has a double degree in marketing, MBA and doctorate in business administration and is a Alumni of Harvard University. He is the only Sri Lankan to win the coveted ‘ Rotary International People of action’ award globally.
Dr Rohantha has led the UNDP and EU funded Tourism projects in 2023. He was appointed by UNILEVER Sri Lanka to do the ‘ 3 year Lessons Learned Study in 2023’. The Government of Sri Lanka appointed him in 2024 Strategic Plan for the University Grants Commission( UGC).
Dr Rohantha Athukoarala is currently the Country Head for South Asian Artificial Intelligence brand mapping company Clootrack Software Labs – Sri Lanka, Maldives and Pakistan and Board Director in multitude of companies in Sri Lanka.
Enterprising and entrepreneurial, Sinthya is an accomplished Eco-warrior whose work focuses on sustainable development. Armed with a degree in Economics and a Master’s degree in luxury Management from the prestigious. International university of Monaco, Sinthya began her pursuit in Monaco. After gaining substantial experience, she moved to Dubai to pursue her business development Passion with local firms. A strong advocate of sustainability and global consciousness, she has dedicated have work mission towards sustainable developments. Sinthya assist, business and corporations, emphasizing technology, innovation, and sustainability to turn them around into a sustainable business model that supports a circular economy, especially in the post pandemic set up. Her works also include assisting green organizations that consider the social impact of their decisions, value equality, and support the UAE government’s sustainable priorities. With the vision to encourage and support organizations whose products, services, ethics and culture strive to make the world, more sustainable, equitable and healthier, Sinthya has made saving the environment her business.
Lochana Jayakodi, prior to her social media career, was a certified Zumba Instructor and a professional dancer, having danced for renowned troupes in Sri Lanka. Inspired by Lele Pons, she aspired to become a Sri Lankan internet celebrity. Starting her digital content journey in 2016 with TikTok, Lochana gained popularity for her dance, comedy, and lip-sync videos on her profile ‘lochanajayakodi,’ amassing over 850,000 followers. Beyond digital content creation, Lochana has engaged in stage plays, television serials, and commercials for brands like Signal, Lemon puff, and People’s Bank. She also worked as a presenter for the youth program ‘Y-cafe’ on Sirasa TV. In 2021, Lochana ventured into television acting, playing the role of “Randuli” in the serial Race on Siyatha TV. Notably, she owns a 360-degree digital marketing agency called “Lochi Studios Pvt. Ltd.” As of Aug 2023, Lochana surpassed 1 million subscribers on her YouTube channel.
Randika Rajapaksha, the Co-Founder & CEO of Nine Hermits Games based in Dubai, is a visionary leader with a diverse background in gaming, spatial computing, Web3, and VR. With nearly two years at the helm of Nine Hermits, Randika has steered the company towards innovation in gaming IP, product designs, and Web3 gaming. His extensive experience includes directorial roles at Noor Capital in Saudi Arabia and Gameroar Technologies in Sri Lanka. As the founder of Seven Fantasy and a former Chief Digital Officer/Product Designer at HypeHash, Randika has consistently demonstrated a keen understanding of technology and gaming, solidifying his position as a trailblazer in the industry.
Shan Virajith Perera, a seasoned Chief Creative Officer (CCO) at Nine Hermits in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, boasts over 12 years of diverse experience in the creative industry. Leading a dynamic team, he manages gaming and interactive media projects, specializing in game narrative, character development, and sound designing. As a Co-Founder and Director of Nine Hermits, Shan contributes to the company’s strategic direction, showcasing his entrepreneurial spirit. Concurrently, he imparts his wealth of knowledge as a Visiting Lecturer at the National Institute of Business Management (NIBM) in Sri Lanka, fostering the growth of creative minds. Shan’s versatile skill set and innovative approach underscore his adaptability, making him a valuable asset in the ever-evolving realm of creative industries.
Benzina Kawtar, a seasoned Language Specialist, brings over a decade of expertise to the field. Armed with an MBA, Benzina has traversed diverse realms within marketing and communication, showcasing a versatile skill set and an in-depth understanding of language dynamics. Her professional journey is marked by a commitment to linguistic excellence and strategic communication. With a rich background in various work areas, Benzina is well-equipped to navigate the nuanced landscapes of language and communication, contributing significantly to her field. Her proficiency and adaptability underscore a career dedicated to bridging linguistic gaps and enhancing the impact of marketing strategies.
Rupak Zaidi, a distinguished professional in Human Resources and Leadership Coaching, currently holds the position of General Manager (Additional Charge) at the Power Grid Company of Bangladesh Limited (PGCB) in Dhaka. With a wealth of experience spanning over a decade, Rupak has demonstrated expertise as a Certified Business Consultant and Certified Key Performance Indicator (KPI) Professional. His current role at PGCB showcases his effective leadership in managing additional responsibilities. Prior to his tenure at PGCB, Rupak served as the Deputy General Manager (HR) for nearly five years, contributing significantly to the human resources landscape. Notably, his earlier role as the Head of HR, Training & Admin at Prime Finance & Investment Ltd reflects his comprehensive understanding of organizational development. As a seasoned professional and Leadership Coach, Rupak Zaidi continues to make impactful contributions to the field of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) in the USA.
Shiranaaz is an accomplished and seasoned marketer with a track record of successfully managing leading brands. Her extensive experience in the field is complemented by her role as a well-known lecturer and coach, where she imparts her knowledge and expertise. Shiranaaz’s contributions have not gone unnoticed, as she has garnered numerous awards and recognitions for her outstanding service and remarkable contributions to the growth of women in various professional capacities. Her multifaceted career reflects a commitment to excellence, both in the marketing arena and as a mentor and advocate for the empowerment of women.
Hassan Sharih Adam, a seasoned professional in the realm of marketing communications, currently serves as the Manager of Marketing Communications at Dhiraagu in Malé, Maldives. With an extensive career spanning 11 years, Hassan has played pivotal roles in shaping advertising and events strategies, contributing significantly to Dhiraagu’s dynamic marketing landscape. His journey includes noteworthy positions such as Assistant Manager, Advertising and Events, as well as Marketing Communications & PR Executive. Prior to his time at Dhiraagu, Hassan honed his skills in marketing with Allied Insurance Company and DhiFM 95.2, where he served as the Director of Programs. A graduate of Monash University Sunway Campus, Hassan’s career trajectory underscores his commitment to excellence in marketing and communications within the vibrant Maldivian market.
Onalie Dissanayake is a multifaceted professional with a rich background in marketing, education, training, and entrepreneurship. Currently serving as a Country Head for Sri Lanka & The Maldives at a UK Professional Educational Institute. She has demonstrated corporate leadership for over 4 years. Onalie’s dedication to education is evident in her previous roles, including a 3-year tenure as Deputy Principal at Alethea and a simultaneous position as the Headmistress for Primary & Senior Schools. During her dynamic career, she has accrued 7 years and 3 months of experience, showcasing her commitment to both marketing and education sectors. Onalie’s diverse skill set and leadership roles underscore her versatility and impact across various professional domains.
Mauroof Nahid is a seasoned professional in Marketing Communications and Public Relations, currently serving as a Marcoms & PR Specialist in Malé, Maldives. With a diverse skill set that includes roles as the former General Manager at Chopart Private Limited and affiliations with PSS, PFA, MhGap, and UN H4S, Mauroof has demonstrated expertise in various facets of business and mental health support. His tenure as General Manager at Chopart spanned over 2 years, showcasing his leadership and management capabilities. Mauroof pursued his education in Human Resources Management and Services at Heriot-Watt University, laying a foundation for his career in the dynamic field of communication and business leadership.
Hussain Shahid, currently serving as the General Manager at I&C Trading in the Maldives, possesses a wealth of experience across diverse industries, including airline ticketing, education, freight forwarding, express services, administration, and information technology. With a tenure as the Chief Operating Officer at both GoShop and RedBox, spanning over three years at each, Hussain has demonstrated adept management skills and a commitment to self-development. His leadership extends to fostering the growth and success of colleagues, emphasizing both personal and professional development. In his current role at I&C Trading, Hussain continues to contribute to the ever-growing ICT industry in the Maldives, bringing a wealth of knowledge and mentorship to his team.
Adeel Saeed is a seasoned entrepreneur and a renowned figure in the insurance industry, known for his expertise in strategic planning and effective execution. With a proven track record, he excels in both sales and network development, showcasing a keen understanding of the intricacies of the insurance landscape. Adeel’s reputation as a skilled professional is underscored by his ability to navigate complex business environments, making him a notable name in the field.