John Keells Group Celebrates 10th Cohort Milestone of Its Flagship Management Development Programme

The John Keells Group recently marked the successful completion of the 10 th cohort of its flagship Management Development Programme (MDP) with the Certificate Awarding Ceremony held on 18th June 2026 at Cinnamon Grand, Colombo. The event brought together senior management of the Group, programme faculty, and alumni, and recognised 36 managers who successfully completed the programme. The milestone not only celebrated the achievements of the graduating cohort but also reaffirmed the Group’s sustained investment in developing future- ready leadership talent across its diverse business sectors.

The redesigned website was symbolically launched by Krishan Balendra, Chairperson of the John Keells Group, in the presence of the JKF’s Management Committee comprising the Group Head of CSR, JKF Project Champions, Sector CSR Coordinators, the JKF team and associated Centre functions personnel.

Launched in 2011 in collaboration with the Postgraduate Institute of Management (PIM), the MDP has played a pivotal role in strengthening the Group’s leadership pipeline. Over the years, the programme has evolved in line with changing organisational priorities and external business dynamics, ensuring its continued relevance and impact. To date, it has developed nearly 300 mid-level managers, equipping them with the capabilities required to navigate complexity, lead teams effectively, and contribute meaningfully to organisational performance in an increasingly competitive and fast-changing environment.

The eight-month programme is designed to blend academic rigour with practical, experience-driven learning. Participants engage in a comprehensive curriculum that includes core management modules covering strategy, finance, marketing, and leadership, complemented by panel discussions featuring senior leaders who share insights from their professional journeys. The inclusion of psychometric assessments supports deeper self-awareness and personal development, while external company visits and cross-industry exposure broaden perspectives. A key highlight of the programme is the action-oriented business projects, which require participants to apply their learning to real-world organisational challenges, thereby reinforcing both analytical ability and execution discipline.

Commenting on the milestone, Isuru Gunasekera, Chief People Officer of the John Keells Group, stated: “Launched to develop future-ready leaders, the MDP continues to evolve with the changing business landscape. The programme equips managers with the strategic capabilities to drive performance and create long-term value. Its alumni, many of whom now hold senior roles across the Group, consistently reflect the programme’s strong impact on leadership development and organisational excellence.”

As the programme marks its 10th cohort, the MDP continues to stand as a cornerstone of the Group’s talent development strategy, fostering a strong pipeline of capable, forward-thinking leaders who are well-positioned to drive the organisation’s sustained growth and success.