The People Summit 2026 set the stage for a bold vision of the future of work, where innovation meets empathy and people, not machines, drive progress. Titled Human + Tech: The New Equation – Building Capabilities, Connecting People, Shaping What’s Next, it brought together thought leaders and industry professionals to explore how technology empowers people rather than replacing them.

Shehani Seneviratne, Chairperson of SLASSCOM, opened the summit emphasizing the need for reskilling and upskilling in a technology-driven world, noting that AI and emerging technologies should amplify human potential while strengthening Sri Lanka’s position as a hub for innovation and talent development.

Keynote sessions set a high benchmark. Venkatesan Vijayaraghavan, EVP of Virtusa, in The Human Code: Where People Thrive in a Tech-Driven World, highlighted that organizational success stems from blending technology with human-centric leadership, culture, and empathy. Navin Advani, CIO – Americas and VP, Global Supply Chain & Merchandising Technology at Sysco, speaking on People at the Core of Innovation, emphasized that innovation is driven by people, with AI amplifying human potential, and stressed trust, ownership, and accountability. Matt Wallaert, CXO at Oceans, in his session on Disrupted | Reimagined | Rebuilt, shared insights on navigating disruption, underscoring personal growth and multidimensional development to boost engagement and productivity.

A series of interesting panel discussions offered diverse perspectives. Human-Centered Workplace Culture, Wellbeing & Hybrid Success, with Dr. Kavinda De Silva, Andrea Jayatilleka, and Michelle Senanayake, moderated by Azeem Saheer, explored how inclusive cultures and hybrid models enhance wellbeing and engagement. Future Voices: Gen Z + Multigenerational Teams, with Mithila Wegapitiya, Arun Haridharshan, and Sharya Unamboowe, moderated by Hashani Ruberu, examined 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 translating creative ideas into actionable solutions balancing technological feasibility with human impact. Thushera Kawdawatta, MD of Sysco LABS, in his address on The Future of Work Is Human, emphasized the critical importance of placing people at the heart of transformation.

Other panels addressed key dimensions 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 to build resilience and adaptability, whilst Mayura Malagala of Deloitte Sri Lanka & Maldives, in Beyond the Fear: Debunking Myths About Jobs in the Age of Technology, challenged AI misconceptions 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 for 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), preceding the 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.

Panel discussion on Leading in a Gen Z World

Photo Caption : Panel discussion on Innovation in Action: Turning Ideas into Scalable, Human-Impactful Solutions