Sri Lanka, April 6 -- With a distinguished 20-year career at HSBC spanning Sri Lanka, the Middle East, and Australia, Chanaka Palihakkara made a bold transition into entrepreneurship, driven by a deeper purpose. As the founder of the Australian Centre for Higher Education (ACH), she has dedicated herself to guiding Sri Lankan students towards international academic opportunities. Her work recently earned the top 50 Women Entrepreneurs in Sri Lanka in 2025 being recognized for the title Career Women in Education and won the most significant contribution to Education Services at the prestigious 2024 Blacktown City Local Business Award in Sydney, marking a historic milestone as the first Sri Lankan Australian to win in the education services category. Her journey reflects resilience, vision, and a commitment to creating meaningful change.
When you look back at your journey today, what is the moment that made you realise that your dream was truly becoming a reality?
Last year I was recognised among the top 50 female business entrepreneurs in Sri Lanka winning the title Career Women in Education for 2025. It was a privilege for me to win a title of this nature considering the outstanding work I have delivered in the education sector. Further, when I received the 2024 Blacktown City Local Business Award in Sydney, it was a defining moment for me. To be recognised among over 300,000 companies and to become the first Sri Lankan Australian to win in any category - and in education services - was incredibly humbling. That recognition made me pause and truly reflect on how far I had come, from leaving a long and stable career in banking to building something of my own in a completely different industry. It felt like validation not just of my work, but of the purpose behind it. I realised then that my dream was not just an idea anymore; it had become something real, impactful, and meaningful - not only for me, but for the Sri Lankan community as well.
What personal values or principles guide you when making important decisions in your business and life?
My decisions are always guided by purpose and integrity. When I stepped away from my 20-year career at HSBC, it was not an easy decision, but it was driven by a genuine passion to help Sri Lankan students access better opportunities. That purpose continues to guide me. I believe strongly in creating value for others, and in doing things the right way, even when it is not the easiest path. I also value commitment and responsibility - once I take something on, I give it my full effort. These principles have shaped both my professional journey and the way I run my business.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Lanka Woman.