It was refreshing to witness the voice of thought leaders in action amid the ongoing socio-economic crisis fuelled by the lack of the right leaders in this country. The Postgraduate Institute of Management (PIM), the only dedicated state-sector higher education entity in the business of ‘leader breeding’ had its largest Convocation recently. It had an apt theme, ‘The best fly above the rest’. Today’s column focuses on its relevance including the keynote speech delivered by Dr. Harsha Cabral, a legal veteran.
Overview
“It is a great honour to join you here as your keynote speaker at the graduation ceremony of the prestigious Postgraduate Institute of Management. By profession, I am a lawyer, and I am used to building arguments and navigating complex challenges. But today is a special milestone, as I stand here to celebrate your achievements and reflect on the path ahead for each of you, as your lecturer at the PIM Faculty, as well as the keynote speaker at your graduation ceremony.” Dr Cabral commenced his address in this manner.
“I take this opportunity to congratulate the graduates from the batches of Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration, Master of Business Administration, Executive Master of Business Administration, Master of Business Administration in Taxation, Master of Business Administration in Customs and International Trade, Master of Public Administration in Education Management and Postgraduate Diploma in Management of the Postgraduate Institute of Management,” he said and congratulated all batches comprising over 600 graduates.
Illustrious career
Dr. Harsha Cabral is a President’s Counsel (PC) with thirty-seven years’ experience in Company Law, Intellectual Property Law, Commercial Law, International Trade Law and Commercial Arbitration. He has been a PC for eighteen years and commands an extensive practice in the Commercial High Courts and the Supreme Courts of Sri Lanka. He holds a doctorate in Corporate Law from the University of Canberra, Australia.
He is a member of the Law Commission of Sri Lanka, a member of the Advisory Commission on Intellectual Property Law in Sri Lanka, a current member of the Board of Management at the Postgraduate Institute of Management, University of Sri Jayewardenepura. As a member of the Advisory Commission on Company Law in Sri Lanka he has contributed heavily to the corporate sector and the legal fraternity and has been one of the architects of the Companies Act No. 7 of 2007, the current Act.
Dr. Cabral has contributed immensely to the legal academia. He was a sitting member of the International Chamber of Commerce ICC Court of Arbitration in Paris for six years till 2021. He assisted the World Bank team in drafting the latest Insolvency Laws for Sri Lanka. Dr. Cabral is serving as a Chairman and a Non-Executive Director in many public and private sector organisations.
He is also a senior visiting lecturer at several Universities here and abroad and is a regular speaker at public seminars, author of several books on Corporate Law and has presented several papers on Corporate Law, Intellectual Property Law, International Trade Law and Commercial Arbitration here and abroad. He has also been counseling for either the Claimant or the Respondent in many Arbitrations and has served as Sole-Arbitrator, Co-Arbitrator, Chairman in a large number of Arbitrations domestic and international here and abroad.
Reflections on leadership
Dr Cabral reflected deeply on the PIM’s apt theme. “Today’s theme, ’The Best Fly Above the Rest’, directly reflects the qualities that this institution, the PIM has instilled in you. PIM’s graduates are known for their commitment, hard work, and intellectual rigour. As you leave this institution and begin a new phase in your journey, remember that true excellence — the kind that allows you to fly above the rest —demands more than just knowledge. It demands skills, competencies, and the right attitude to do what is right, even when no one else is watching.”
“As a lawyer, I have come to learn that the essence of a successful career lies not merely in legal knowledge or skills, but in character,” Dr. Cabral said. “In every profession, including my profession as a lawyer, the foundation of true leadership is authenticity and trust. Authenticity is built through consistent, ethical, and responsible actions and it is maintained by standing firm in the face of challenges. This may sound simple, but in practice, it is often difficult.”
“You must understand that every decision you make carries weight — often beyond what you can see. Therefore, as leaders in business, every action you take influences not only your immediate team but the lives of countless others in your organisation, the industry and beyond.
“Leadership is not optional; it is the very standard upon which your success is built. You have been equipped with the skills and competencies to make a difference, but how you choose to use them as well as how you take up on leadership opportunities, will define who you are as a leader.” Dr. Cabral’s advice was refreshingly relevant.
He continued to share his insight into the emerging world of work. “Today, as new graduates, you step into a world where the pace of change is faster than ever before. Technology such as artificial intelligence and robotics, globalisation that has interconnected people across cultures more than ever before, and shifting societal expectations are reshaping this country. To stay relevant, to be ahead of the competition and to be impactful, you must continually adapt, remain curious, and uphold a mindset of lifelong learning.”
“However, adapting doesn’t mean compromising your values as a leader” said Dr. Cabral. “In fact, it means strengthening them. In a context where short-term gains often tempt people to overlook long-term benefits, I urge you to hold firm to your values. It will allow you to build trust with others and, ultimately, to inspire and lead them.”
“The law teaches us that true power lies not in authority over others but in the service to them. This is the foundation of effective leadership, where you place the needs of others in the forefront. As you step into positions of leadership, remember that your success will be measured not only by what you achieve individually but by how you elevate those around you.” His wealth of exposure and expertise as a legal luminary was clearly evident.
“Think of the times ahead when you will be called upon to lead teams, negotiate difficult deals, or make high stake decisions,” Dr. Cabral said adding, “Today, Sri Lanka is in dire need of leadership, perhaps more than ever. I encourage you to take on leadership opportunities and create an environment where those around you feel empowered, valued and capable of reaching their own potential.”
Flying above the rest
“The education you’ve received here at the PIM has sets you apart from the rest.” Dr Cabral said. “You have been given the tools not only to succeed but to lead with vision and integrity. You are now a part of a distinguished community of PIM alumni who have gone on to shape industries, Governments and communities. As you step into this legacy, remember that your choices reflect not only on you but on this institution and the values it stands for. Be intentional in how you represent this legacy. In every situation, lead with a commitment to excellence and an understanding of your larger responsibility to contribute positively to society.”
Dr Cabral cautioned about turbulent times ahead and said, “Finally, know that there will be challenges. In law as in business. The best outcomes are often achieved not by those who avoid obstacles but by those who face them with courage and learn from them. Embrace setbacks as opportunities for growth. In every challenge lies a lesson, and in every lesson, a chance to become a stronger, more capable leader.”
Moving ahead
It was encouraging to see the presence of Senior Prof. Pathmalal Manage, The Vice Chancellor of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, where PIM belongs. The presence of Deans of all Faculties of the University was a significant signal towards collaborative excellence. Dr. Asanga Ranasinghe, the new dynamic director of the PIM led the organising team of the Convocation including the Senior Assistant Registrar of the PIM, Jayantha Ranapura and all members of the PIM team.
“The world awaits each of you with open arms, and it is ready for the impact you will make,” Dr. Cabral said. “In a world where many choose to settle, I urge you to rise. The best fly above the rest, not because they seek glory but because they hold themselves to a standard that benefits everyone around them. As you take this next step, do so with pride, integrity and purpose. Congratulations again to the graduates of PIM.”
It was indeed delightful to see the best moving forward to fly above the rest. As a former Director of the PIM, I am happy to see the continuing progress through collective collaboration with accolades to Dr. Asanga Ranasinghe who is on a passionate mission to make it ‘The business school for the new world’. That is how the leader-breed blossoms with brilliance.
