Our Founder

Chandri Gunawardhana LL.M (Monash)

Chandri Gunawardhana is a seasoned professional with over three decades of multifaceted expertise spanning law, regulation, business consultancy, and strategic leadership. As the founder and Managing Director of Global Business Counselling Pte Ltd, Chandri brings a wealth of experience to the table, garnered from his illustrious career trajectory.

Previously serving as the Director General/CEO of the Insurance Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka, Chandri has demonstrated his prowess as a commercial lawyer, regulator, and administrator. Notably, he held the position of Regional Head of Regulatory Affairs for an Anglo-American Fortune 500 MNC, stationed across key hubs in Asia Pacific. His foundation was at a leading law firm as Head of the Insurance Law Division, during with period he was also able to obtain his Master of Laws degree (thesis in Insurance law) at Monash University, Australia.

With a passion for fostering compliance, Chandri has collaborated with diverse stakeholders in emerging markets, aiding business leaders in navigating regulatory landscapes and crafting sustainable growth strategies. His track record includes guiding organizations in over 20 countries in the Asia Pacific region to mitigate risks, fortify reputations, and achieve mission-critical objectives responsibly. Notably, Chandri’s contributions have been recognized by esteemed institutions such as the World Bank, where he provided expert counsel on a significant financial services project in Sri Lanka, and he has collaborated with regulatory authorities of Nepal, Viet Nam, Thailand and Philippines.

His passion for social impact is evident in his dedication to developing resilient solutions for the most vulnerable segments of society, particularly in developing nations. His involvement with esteemed entities like the UNDP, InsuResilience Solution Fund (ISF), and KfW Bank underscores his commitment to driving impactful change. His credentials as a PRINCE2 programme and project management practitioner further augment his capabilities. He has also lent his expertise to private giants like AXA Climate, MunichRe, SwissRe and the Insurance Development Forum (IDF), alongside influential organizations like UNEP-Copenhagen Climate Centre and ADB.

Chandri remains deeply engaged in the insurance sector, with a rich history of involvement dating back to 1992. He has been an active participant in shaping global insurance standards, policy formulation and institutional restructuring. His affiliation with the International Association of Insurance Supervisors (IAIS) during his tenure at the Insurance Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka, and association with AIDA during his tenure as President of the Insurance Law Association of Singapore (ILAS), reflect his stature as a thought leader in the field.

Chandri’s adeptness in interpreting and implementing global regulatory frameworks, coupled with his adeptness in navigating complex, multicultural environments, positions him as a catalyst for aligning local imperatives with global best practices. His legacy of excellence continues to shape the trajectory of businesses and communities alike, making him a trusted advisor and influencer in the field of insurance law and regulation.