Update from Sri Lanka: ILDC Alumni Receive Leadership Awards

We recently received wonderful news from Mr. B. M. Raheem, an ILDC 2019 alumnus, from Berendina Development Services (Guarantee) Limited (BDS), Sri Lanka.

At the Management Leadership Excellence (MLE) Awards 2025, organized by the Institute of Chartered Professional Managers (CPM) of Sri Lanka, both Mr. Sheril Dayantha F. Kurukulasooriya, a 2024 alumnus, and Mr. B. M. Raheem received the Leadership Award in the NGO category.
Raheem was also named Runner-up in the Corporate Manager Level category.

We asked him to share his thoughts on this recognition.

How were you selected for these awards?

The awards were decided through a transparent evaluation process at the national level, where the contributions of organizations and individuals were carefully reviewed.
The key criteria included demonstrated impact on communities, innovative approaches to addressing local challenges, and sustainable practices.
Our selection reflects the recognition of both our leadership and our organization’s consistent commitment to improving education, health, and community well-being.
It is truly encouraging that our collective efforts have been acknowledged at this level. 

How did your ILDC experience shape your leadership and connect to this award?

ILDC was a transformative experience that strengthened my leadership skills and equipped me with practical methods and tools to work more effectively with communities. Specifically, what I learned from ILDC helped me develop a people-centered and sustainable development strategy that fosters collective leadership among community members through a participatory and inclusive approach.

We are especially pleased to see how the leadership and achievements of the awardees are connected with their experiences at AHI and the ILDC.
It is inspiring to witness how the lessons learned at ILDC have been put into practice, creating real impact within their organizations and communities. We hope to continue fostering opportunities for shared learning and collaboration.