Founders & Investor Panel

​What does it take to build a globally relevant startup from Sri Lanka?

​This high-energy, public-facing panel brings together ecosystem leaders, seasoned founders, and capital catalysts to unpack the real challenges, mindset shifts, and growth strategies behind successful scale.

​Key themes include:

• ​Founder resilience and market timing

• ​Raising capital across multiple markets

• ​Building globally competitive teams from Sri Lanka

• ​Bridging local insights with international ambitions

​Speakers:

• ​Dilshan Wirasekara – CEO, First Capital

• ​Ayami Wanasinghe – Regional Director - South Asia, Founder InstituteMangala Karunaratne – CEO, Calcey

• ​Moderator: Shamindra Kulamannage – Editor, Echelon Magazine

• ​Imal Kalutotage – Founder / Chairman, NCINGA, Founding Partner, nVentures