Roar Global received three honours at Sri Lanka’s National AI Awards 2026, recognising women’s leadership within the group and its work in delivering AI solutions to international markets.

Ishani Karunadasa, Regional Director Apex AI won Gold in the Women in AI Leadership category, while Udara Hettiarachchi, Director of Client Partnerships at BrandRadar received Bronze in the same category. Apex AI, a Roar Global venture, won the National AI Export Excellence Award.

The recognition comes as Roar advances its transition towards becoming an AI-led venture builder, developing businesses and capabilities that connect Sri Lankan talent with opportunities in the growing AI economy. The awards reflect both the group’s commercial direction and the contributions of the people building its AI ventures.

Commenting on the awards, Mustafa Kassim, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Roar Global, said: “These awards are encouraging because they recognise both the businesses we are building and the people driving that work. Our direction is to build AI ventures that solve practical problems and serve markets beyond Sri Lanka. That requires us to invest in our people, give them room to take ownership and support them in developing new capabilities. Wins of Ishani, Udara and the Apex AI team are further proof of how that ambition is turning into outcomes with real value.”

The recognition for Apex AI highlights the role of AI services in expanding Sri Lanka’s technology exports. For Roar Global, building this capability is part of a broader effort to translate emerging technology into practical solutions for businesses while creating opportunities for local talent to work with international clients.

Commenting on the recognition Ishani Karunadasa said: “I'm honoured to receive this recognition alongside the Export Excellence Award for Apex AI. Both reflect a collective effort. Coming from a non-technical background, stepping into the AI industry has been both challenging and incredibly rewarding. This recognition belongs to the team as much as it does to me, and I hope it encourages more people from diverse backgrounds to explore opportunities in AI.”

The two Women in AI Leadership awards also recognise the contribution of women shaping the group’s AI businesses. As Roar Global develops this part of its portfolio, it aims to create space for people across different disciplines to build their expertise and take on leadership responsibilities.

Udara Hettiarachchi shared her thoughts on the accolade stating: “Receiving this award in my first year in the AI space is particularly meaningful. Working with the BrandRadar team has given me the opportunity to learn, contribute and help build a business in a rapidly developing field. I’m grateful for the trust and support that have made that possible. I hope this recognition encourages more women to see a place for themselves in AI and to bring their experience and ideas into the industry.”

Roar Global’s AI direction builds on its experience across digital platforms, content and global talent. Its focus is on developing ventures that address business needs, serve regional and international markets, and enable more Sri Lankan professionals to contribute to the AI economy.

Ishani Karunadasa received the Gold for Women in AI at the National AI Excellence Awards

Udara Hettiarachchi received the Bronze award for Women in AI at the National AI Excellence Awards

Photo caption : Apex AI received the award for National AI Export Excellence – Silver