EY Sri Lanka and the Maldives has announced a significant leadership transition, appointing Gayathri Manatunga as its new Country Managing Partner, effective July 1, 2026. The appointment follows the retirement of the outgoing managing partner, marking a new chapter for one of the region's most prominent professional services firms. The transition signals continuity and ambition for EY's operations across Sri Lanka and the Maldives as the firm looks to build on its established legacy in the region.
A Historic Leadership Transition at EY Sri Lanka
The retirement of Hulangamuwa from EY Sri Lanka and the Maldives marks the end of a distinguished era in the country's professional services landscape. Having led the firm through numerous economic cycles, regulatory shifts, and industry transformations, Hulangamuwa's tenure was defined by resilience and strategic growth. Under his stewardship, EY Sri Lanka cemented its reputation as a trusted partner for businesses navigating complex financial, advisory, and assurance challenges across the island nation and the Maldives.
Hulangamuwa's contributions to the accounting and professional services sector in Sri Lanka have been widely recognized within industry circles. His leadership helped shape EY's local identity while aligning the firm closely with its global standards and values. As he steps down, the organization transitions with a clear sense of purpose and direction, ensuring that clients, employees, and stakeholders experience a seamless change in leadership.
Who Is Gayathri Manatunga?
Gayathri Manatunga's appointment as Country Managing Partner represents a landmark moment not only for EY Sri Lanka but also for the broader professional services industry in the country. Manatunga brings with her a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the local and regional business environment. Her ascent to the top leadership role at EY Sri Lanka and the Maldives reflects the firm's commitment to nurturing homegrown talent and promoting leadership from within.
Throughout her career at EY, Manatunga has built a strong track record across multiple service lines, earning the trust of clients and colleagues alike. Her technical expertise, strategic thinking, and ability to lead diverse teams position her well to guide the firm through its next phase of growth. The appointment also underscores a growing recognition within Sri Lanka's corporate sector of the value of experienced female leadership at the highest levels of business.
What the Appointment Means for EY Sri Lanka and the Maldives
EY operates as one of the Big Four professional services networks globally, offering assurance, tax, consulting, and strategy services to a wide range of clients. In Sri Lanka and the Maldives, the firm serves businesses across industries including banking and financial services, manufacturing, telecommunications, hospitality, and the public sector. The appointment of a new Country Managing Partner at this juncture carries significant weight, particularly as both Sri Lanka and the Maldives navigate evolving economic conditions and increasing demand for high-quality advisory services.
For Sri Lanka, which has been working through a complex economic recovery following the financial crisis of recent years, the role of professional services firms like EY is more critical than ever. Businesses require sound financial guidance, robust assurance frameworks, and strategic advisory support to rebuild and grow sustainably. Manatunga's leadership will be pivotal in ensuring EY remains at the forefront of supporting this recovery while delivering value to its clients.
In the Maldives, where tourism-driven economic growth continues to attract international investment and business activity, EY's presence and expertise are equally important. The dual-country mandate that Manatunga now holds reflects the interconnected nature of the two markets and the firm's strategic approach to serving them cohesively.
A New Era of Professional Services Leadership
The transition at EY Sri Lanka and the Maldives arrives at a time when the professional services sector globally is undergoing rapid transformation. Advances in technology, evolving regulatory environments, increasing emphasis on sustainability and ESG reporting, and the growing complexity of global business operations are reshaping what clients expect from firms like EY. Manatunga's leadership will need to address these shifts proactively, ensuring that EY Sri Lanka continues to innovate and deliver cutting-edge solutions.
Her appointment also sends a broader message to the Sri Lankan business community about the evolving nature of corporate leadership. As organizations across the country increasingly recognize the importance of diverse and inclusive leadership teams, Manatunga's elevation to the top role at a globally recognized firm serves as an inspiration and a benchmark for the industry.
Looking Ahead
As Gayathri Manatunga officially assumes the role of Country Managing Partner from July 1, 2026, all eyes within Sri Lanka's business and professional services community will be on the direction she sets for EY. With a strong foundation built by her predecessor and a clear mandate to drive the firm forward, Manatunga is well-positioned to lead EY Sri Lanka and the Maldives into a dynamic and promising future. The firm's clients, partners, and employees can look forward to continued excellence, innovation, and growth under her capable leadership.