Beyond Boundaries: The Most Impactful & Passionate Woman Lawyer of the Year 2024

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COVER STORY

HARSHANEE DESHAPRIYA GROUP CHIEF LEGAL OFFICER, JANASHAKTHI GROUP Busi nessTal esSe p

CEO, FOODWRAP

20 MR. GOPAL AGRAWAL CEO, SOURYA MEDICAL

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COVER

Harshanee Deshapriya - A Beacon of Legal Excellence in Sri Lanka’s Corporate

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n the vibrant landscape of Sri Lanka’s corporate world, few figures stand as tall and as respected as Harshanee Deshapriya. As the Group Chief Legal Officer of the Janashakthi Group (JXG), Harshanee’s career is a remarkable narrative of passion, persistence, and a profound dedication to the law. Over 18 years, she has navigated the complexities of corporate law with a unique blend of expertise and empathy, earning her a reputation not just as a legal powerhouse but as a leader who profoundly understands the human element at the heart of every legal decision.

TheSeedsofPas s i on:Di s c over i ngt heLaw Harshanee’s journey into the legal profession wasn’t a mere career choice; it was a calling since a toddler as her beloved father used to call her “our lawyer” since she was 3 years old.

Growing up in Sri Lanka, she was captivated by the idea of justice and the role law plays in creating a fair and equitable society and was popular at school as a great orator and captain of the debating team displaying such attributes. Her multiple talents led her to win the Gold Medal for the Best All Round Student in Girls` High School Kandy. Unlike many who are drawn to the law for its prestige or financial rewards, Harshanee was driven by a deep desire to be a catalyst for positive change. This passion led her to pursue a Bachelor of Laws with Honours at the University of Colombo, Faculty of Law, a decision that would set the stage for her illustrious career.

Reflecting on those early years, Harshanee often speaks of the challenges she faced as a young law student. The rigorous demands of legal education were intense, yet she approached them with an unwavering determination. Simultaneously, She managed to complete the professional qualification in Human Resources Management at IMPSL with outstanding performance while reading for Law.It wasn’t just about memorizing cases or understanding statutes for her; it was about grasping the profound impact the law could have on individuals, businesses, and society at large. This intrinsic motivation pushed her to excel, culminating in her admission as an Attorney-at-Law in Sri Lanka with Honours—a moment of pride that validated her hard work and set the tone for the years to come.

Bui l di ngaFoundat i on:ThePur s ui tofKnowl edge Harshanee’s commitment to continuous learning is one of the cornerstones of her success. After establishing herself as a promising young lawyer, she recognized the need to specialize and deepen her understanding of the intricate legal issues that govern international business. This led her to pursue a Master of

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Laws (LLM) in International Business and Commercial Law from the University of West London. Graduating with a Merit Pass and receiving Outstanding Performance Recognition for the Highest Average in Dissertation, Harshanee’s academic journey is a testament to her relentless pursuit of excellence.

But academic achievements alone don’t define a successful legal career. Harshanee’s education was punctuated by practical experiences that provided her with invaluable insights into the real-world applications of law. Interning at prestigious institutions like John Keells Holdings PLC, Peoples’ Bank, and the Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka, she gained firsthand experience in how legal principles are applied in corporate settings. These early experiences were transformative, allowing her to bridge the gap between theory and practice, and laying the groundwork for her future roles in the corporate world .

AVer s at i l eLegalMi nd:Navi gat i ngCompl exi t i eswi t hConi denc e Harshanee’s career in corporate law spans over 15 years, during which she has become a formidable force in fields as diverse as finance, investment banking, manufacturing, real estate, and insurance. Her expertise is not confined to one aspect of corporate law; rather, she has developed a broad and deep understanding of various legal domains, making her a versatile and sought-after legal professional.

One of the areas where Harshanee has made a significant impact is in capital market regulatory work. Navigating the regulatory environment is no easy feat, particularly in a rapidly changing global economy. Harshanee’s ability to anticipate changes, understand the implications of new regulations, and develop strategies to ensure compliance has been instrumental in guiding the companies she has worked with through complex legal landscapes.

Her work in foreign and local investment activities, including company takeovers, mergers, and corporate finance, has been particularly noteworthy. These are high-stakes areas where the margin for error is minimal, yet Harshanee has consistently demonstrated her ability to manage these transactions with precision and insight. Her strategic thinking and attention to detail have made her an invaluable asset to the Janashakthi Group, where her leadership extends beyond the legal department to influence the company’s broader strategic direction.

STORY

Har s haneeDes hapr i ya Group Chief Legal Officer

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Harshanee’s leadership style also reflects her commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment. As the Group Chief Legal Officer, she leads a team of legal professionals who look up to her not just for her legal expertise, but for her mentorship and guidance. She believes in empowering her team, encouraging them to take on challenges, and supporting their professional development. This approach has created a culture of trust and collaboration within the legal department, contributing to the overall success of the Janashakthi Group.

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Leadi ngwi t hHear t :TheHumanSi deofCor por at eLaw What sets Harshanee apart from many of her peers is her deep understanding of the human element in legal work. Corporate law is often seen as cold and impersonal, a field dominated by contracts, regulations, and financial considerations. However, Harshanee approaches her work with a strong sense of empathy, recognizing that behind every transaction, every legal document, there are people—employees, shareholders, customers—whose lives are affected by these decisions.

This human-centric approach is evident in the way she handles negotiations. Rather than viewing them as mere business transactions, Harshanee sees them as opportunities to build relationships and find solutions that benefit all parties involved.

Her ability to listen, understand different perspectives, and find common ground has made her a highly effective negotiator, capable of resolving even the most complex disputes with grace and fairness.

Harshanee’s leadership style also reflects her commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment. As the Group Chief Legal Officer, she leads a team of legal professionals who look up to her not just for her legal expertise, but for her mentorship and guidance. She believes in empowering her team, encouraging them to take on challenges, and supporting their professional development. This approach has created a culture of trust and collaboration within the legal department, contributing to the overall success of the Janashakthi Group.

Rec ogni t i onandAwar ds :ARel ec t i onofDedi c at i on Over the years, Harshanee’s contributions to the legal profession have been recognized both locally and internationally. One of the highlights of her career came in 2024 when she was named the Leading In-House Counsel of the Year at the Lex Falcon Global Awards, conferred during the Lex Talk World Conference in Singapore. This prestigious award is not just a recognition of her legal acumen, but also of her leadership, integrity, and the positive impact she has had on the organizations she has served.

Awards and recognitions, while gratifying, are not what drive Harshanee. For her, they are simply a byproduct of doing what she loves—helping companies navigate legal challenges, protecting their interests, and ensuring that they operate in a way that is both ethical and compliant with the law. Her true reward comes from the satisfaction of knowing that she has made a difference, whether by successfully closing a complex merger, resolving a legal dispute, or mentoring a young lawyer who has just started their career.

TheBal anc i ngAc t :Per s onalLi f eandPr of es s i onalSuc c es s Despite the demands of her high-powered career, Harshanee is a firm believer in the importance of work-life balance. She understands that to be truly effective in her role, it is crucial to maintain her mental and physical well-being. Harshanee’s approach to balancing her professional and personal life is grounded in the belief that taking care of oneself is not a luxury but a necessity for long-term success.

Outside of her legal work, Harshanee has a range of interests that help her unwind and recharge. Whether it’s spending time with her family, engaging in her hobbies, or simply taking a moment to reflect and relax, she makes sure to carve out time for herself.

This balance not only keeps her grounded but also enhances her Busi nessTal esSe p

ability to approach her work with a clear and focused mind.

Harshanee is also passionate about giving back to the community, particularly in the area of education and mentorship. She recognizes the challenges that young professionals face, especially in a field as competitive as corporate law, and she is committed to supporting the next generation of lawyers.

Harshanee is in particularly thankful to Mr.Prakash Schaffter who is the Deputy Chairman of Janashakthi Group for his leadership, mentorship and professionalism instilled upon her throughout the years to shape up her career positively.She also appreciates her other supervising Directors Mr.Ramesh Schaffter (MD JXG) and late Mr.Dinesh Schaffter who have made major impacts in her career.Last but not least she is verygrateful to family members, especially her husband for their continuous support and in the absence of which her career aspirations would have been dreams only.

Looki ngFor war d:AVi s i onf ort heFut ur e As Harshanee looks to the future, she remains focused on continuing to make a positive impact in the legal and corporate world. She is driven by a vision of a more equitable and transparent business environment, where legal frameworks not only support economic growth but also protect the rights and interests of all stakeholders. This vision is particularly important in today’s rapidly changing global landscape, where the boundaries of law and business are constantly being redefined.

Harshanee is committed to staying at the forefront of these changes, continuously updating her knowledge and skills to ensure that she can effectively navigate the challenges that lie ahead. She understands that the legal profession is evolving, with new technologies, regulations, and business models emerging all the time. By staying informed and adaptable, Harshanee is well-positioned to continue leading the Janashakthi Group and other organizations she may work with in the future.

But beyond her professional ambitions, Harshanee’s ultimate goal is to leave a legacy of integrity, fairness, and excellence. She hopes that through her work, she can inspire others to pursue their passions, to strive for excellence in whatever they do, and to always remember the human element in their professional endeavors. In a world that is often driven by profits and competition, Harshanee’s story is a powerful reminder of the value of empathy, integrity, and the pursuit of a purpose-driven career.

ARol eModelf orFut ur eGener at i ons Harshanee Deshapriya’s journey is a testament to what can be achieved through passion, perseverance, and a deep commitment to continuous learning. From her early days as a law student in Sri Lanka to her current role as Group Chief Legal Officer of the Janashakthi Group, Harshanee has consistently demonstrated her ability to excel in the most challenging environments. Her story is one of growth, resilience, and a relentless pursuit of excellence—qualities that have not only defined her career but also made her a role model for future generations of legal professionals.

In a rapidly changing world, where the intersections of law, business, and society are becoming increasingly complex, Harshanee stands.

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