Anitra Perera Appointed CEO of Sri Lanka Institute of Directors (SLID), Bringing Expertise in Education, Leadership, and Strategic Consult...
Anitra Perera Appointed CEO of Sri Lanka Institute of Directors (SLID), Bringing Expertise in Education, Leadership, and Strategic Consulting
In an exciting development for Sri Lanka’s business and leadership community, the Sri Lanka Institute of Directors (SLID) has announced the appointment of Anitra Perera as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective September 2024. Anitra Perera, an accomplished leader with a proven track record in the fields of education, strategic consulting, and corporate governance, takes the helm at SLID during a critical period of growth and transformation.
Anitra Perera is a prominent figure in the education sector, known for her innovative approach to administration and digital transformation. With more than 15 years of experience, she has carved a unique niche as an "edupreneur," a title that reflects her entrepreneurial spirit within the realm of education. Her leadership roles have spanned diverse areas, from steering institutions toward digitalisation to serving as a consultant for strategic development and governance across various countries.
Perera’s most notable achievement came as Managing Director and Coordinating Principal of the Alethea Group of Schools. Under her visionary leadership, Alethea Schools became Sri Lanka’s first “Smart School” in 2018, a groundbreaking initiative that set a new standard for digital education in the country. This move placed Alethea at the forefront of educational innovation, providing a modernised learning environment through the integration of technology in every facet of the school’s operations. Her efforts garnered significant recognition, and she was awarded the prestigious “Education Leadership Award of the Year” in 2022 at the CEO Sri Lanka Awards.
Perera’s accomplishments have not been limited to local accolades. She was featured in Cosmopolitan’s “35 Under 35” list in 2020, which celebrated young women making waves in their respective industries. Further solidifying her international standing, she was honoured as “Edupreneur of the Year” at the 2019 International Schools Awards in India, where Alethea Group also received recognition for “Best Stand-alone School of the Year” and “Best Infrastructure of the Year” under her leadership.
Beyond education, Perera has lent her expertise to higher education institutions across Singapore, Malaysia, and China as a non-executive director. This exposure to global education trends and governance structures has enriched her strategic insights, making her a sought-after leader in both educational and corporate spheres.
A Vision for the Future of Corporate Governance
Perera’s appointment comes at a pivotal moment for SLID, as the institute looks to expand its role in enhancing corporate governance and professionalising directorship in Sri Lanka. The organisation plays a crucial role in training and equipping directors with the skills and knowledge necessary to lead effectively in a rapidly evolving global economy. As the new CEO, Perera will spearhead initiatives that aim to elevate the standards of corporate governance and ensure that Sri Lankan directors are well-prepared to navigate complex business environments.
“We are thrilled to have Anitra Perera join us as CEO,” said SLID Chairperson Aroshi Nanayakkara in an official statement. “Her exceptional leadership, not only in the education sector but also in strategic consulting, makes her an ideal fit to take SLID forward. Her experience and global exposure will be invaluable as we prepare for upcoming initiatives, including our first-ever International Directors Conference in Sri Lanka, scheduled for 29 October 2024.”
The International Directors Conference, to be held in Colombo, is expected to draw participants from across the globe, marking a significant milestone for SLID. The conference will provide a platform for directors to engage in high-level discussions on governance, sustainability, and innovation, topics that are increasingly vital for business leaders worldwide.
Strategic Goals and Leadership Vision
In her new role, Anitra Perera will focus on enhancing SLID’s programs and expanding its influence within Sri Lanka’s corporate sector. Her immediate priorities include strengthening SLID’s training and certification programs for directors, fostering research on corporate governance, and creating more networking opportunities for business leaders across industries.
“I am deeply honoured to take on this leadership role at SLID,” Perera said during her introductory remarks. “This is a fantastic opportunity to contribute to the growth of corporate governance in Sri Lanka and to help shape the future of leadership in our business community. My goal is to empower directors with the tools and knowledge they need to lead their organisations to success in a sustainable and ethical manner.”
With her extensive background in education and strategic consulting, Perera brings a fresh perspective to SLID’s mission of building more effective and professional boards. Her leadership is expected to drive forward SLID’s objectives of fostering transparency, accountability, and innovation in corporate governance, particularly at a time when businesses are under increasing pressure to adapt to changing economic conditions.
A New Era for SLID
Anitra Perera’s appointment is seen as a bold step by SLID as it seeks to adapt to the evolving demands of modern business leadership. By leveraging her deep experience in digital transformation and governance, Perera is expected to lead SLID into a new era of growth, innovation, and global collaboration.
As the corporate world continues to face unprecedented challenges, SLID’s role in shaping ethical, forward-thinking leaders will be more important than ever. Anitra Perera’s leadership, with her vision for a more digital, inclusive, and dynamic approach to governance, is poised to make a lasting impact on Sri Lanka’s business landscape.
Conclusion
With Anitra Perera at the helm, SLID is set to strengthen its position as the premier institution for directorship in Sri Lanka. Her blend of educational leadership, strategic consulting, and global exposure ensures that SLID will continue to provide valuable services to the country’s business leaders. As the institute prepares for its landmark International Directors Conference and other significant initiatives, the future of corporate governance in Sri Lanka looks brighter than ever.
In summary, Anitra Perera’s appointment marks a transformative moment for SLID, with high expectations for her to drive innovation, ethical governance, and professional development for directors across the nation.
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