Sri Lanka Telecom PLC (SLT) has announced the appointment of M. Riyaaz Rasheed as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective January 1, 2026. A veteran telecommunications executive with nearly three decades of experience in the industry, Rasheed brings a wealth of leadership expertise from some of the world’s leading telecom groups.
Throughout his 34-year professional career, Rasheed has held senior roles at Millicom International Cellular, Etisalat, Hutchison Telecommunications, Robi Axiata, Celltel, and Tigo. His previous positions include Acting CEO and CFO of Robi Axiata (Bangladesh), Deputy CEO of Hutchison Telecommunications (Sri Lanka), and Deputy CEO and CFO of Etisalat (Sri Lanka). He also served as CFO at both Celltel Lanka and Tigo Lanka.
Before entering the telecom industry, Rasheed began his career at Ernst & Young and worked with Hayleys Group’s Dipped Products PLC for over three years. He holds an MBA from the Postgraduate Institute of Management, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, and a BSc in Pure Sciences.
Riyaaz is a Fellow Member of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (UK), a Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA), and a Fellow Member of the Institute of Chartered Management Accountants of Sri Lanka. His appointment signals a new chapter for SLT as it continues its digital transformation and growth within Sri Lanka’s rapidly evolving telecom sector.
