COLOMBO – November 7, 2025: Sri Lanka Telecom PLC (SLT) has announced the appointment of Riyaaz Rasheed as its new Chief Executive Officer, marking a significant leadership transition for the nation’s premier telecommunications company.
With over 34 years of professional experience, including 29 years in telecommunications, Rasheed brings deep expertise across multiple markets and multinational organizations. His career includes key leadership roles at Millicom International Cellular SA (Luxembourg), Etisalat (UAE), and CK Hutchison Group (Hong Kong) — all global leaders in the telecom industry.
Rasheed began his professional journey at Ernst & Young before moving into telecommunications. His past roles include Acting CEO and CFO at Robi Axiata PLC, Bangladesh, Deputy CEO at Hutchison Telecommunications, Sri Lanka, and Deputy CEO and CFO at Etisalat Sri Lanka. He also served as CFO of Celltel Lanka Ltd. and Tigo Lanka Ltd., playing pivotal roles in their financial transformation and market expansion.
Before joining the telecom sector, Rasheed spent over three years at Hayleys Group of Companies, one of Sri Lanka’s largest conglomerates, where he worked with Dipped Products PLC.
He holds an MBA from the Postgraduate Institute of Management at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura and a Bachelor’s degree in Pure Sciences. Rasheed is also a Fellow Member of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (UK) and the Institute of Chartered Management Accountants (Sri Lanka), and a Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA).
His appointment underscores SLT’s strategic focus on strengthening leadership, financial discipline, and operational excellence as the company continues to navigate Sri Lanka’s evolving digital and telecom landscape.
