Neelika Tillekeratne Secretary General of the American Chamber of Commerce (Amcham)

In the high-stakes world of corporate strategy and international trade, it is rare to find a leader who prioritises the human element as much as the bottom line. As the Secretary General of the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) in Sri Lanka, Neelika Tillekeratne occupies a space where global interests meet local ambition. With a career spanning over two and a half decades, Neelika has built a reputation not just as a strategist, but as a bridge-builder. Whether she is championing the potential of grassroots female entrepreneurs in rural Sri Lanka or navigating the complexities of bilateral trade, her philosophy remains rooted in the belief that leadership is less about directing and more about empowering the people around her. Today, we explore the lessons learned from her journey, the realities of balancing a high-pressure career with a fulfilling life, and why she believes the next generation of Sri Lankan leaders needs to look beyond the boardroom to truly leave a mark.

Words - Harshana Sellahewa & Indika Sellahewa
Photos - Jagath Dharmakeerthi

If you had to describe your professional journey not as a list of job titles, but as a series of “lessons learned,” what would be the three main chapters?

For someone who did not know what she wanted to do after leaving school, my professional journey has been shaped by learning through experience - and, at times, learning the hard way. I would describe it in three chapters: “Finding my own path”, “Learning from leaders and mentors - both what to do and what not to do”- and, above all, “Remembering to be human”.

You’ve spent years working with global brands like Unilever and Coca-Cola. What is one “corporate myth” or outdated piece of advice you’ve encountered that you wish you could banish from the industry?

One myth I would like to dispel is that multinational companies simply work you to the bone. My ten years with global organisations were some of the most valuable learning years of my career. They invested in my training and development, gave me access to both local and global expertise, and exposed me to strong corporate cultures and well-established processes. I had the opportunity to learn from some of the best in the global corporate world, and those experiences continue to shape how I work and lead today.

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