In today’s rapidly evolving corporate landscape, internal audit is no longer a compliance-driven, checklist-focused function. It has transformed into a strategic, advisory pillar that strengthens governance, enhances decision-making, and enables sustainable growth. At the forefront of this transformation is Thishanie Dharmadasa, Head of Internal Audit and Risk Management at Rocell (Royal Ceramics Lanka PLC), a seasoned auditor, a champion of integrity, a mentor to aspiring professionals, and an adventurer who has stood at the foot of the world’s tallest mountain. Her story is one that bridges the rigour of governance with the resilience of a mountaineer, anchored in discipline, clarity, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
With over 17 years of industry experience, Thishanie has carved out a reputation as a dynamic Internal Auditor with a strong foundation in Finance, Information Technology, Manufacturing, and Services. Her skillset spans over Enterprise Risk Management, ESG, forensic auditing, Information Security, BCP, and governance frameworks. Supported by a solid academic background and her CISA qualification in Information Systems Auditing, she leads Rocell’s Internal Audit and Risk Management Divisions with exceptional precision, clarity, and conviction.
At the core of her leadership philosophy lies a single value that has guided her throughout her career: Integrity. For Thishanie, this is not merely an ethical guideline, but a professional compass. “Integrity is the centerpiece of who we are as auditors. Independence and objectivity cannot be compromised, not even for a moment, not for any convenience, and not for any pressure, regardless of where it comes from,” she explains. This unwavering commitment has helped her navigate complex organizational landscapes, enabling her to provide insights that are both truthful and trusted. Her philosophy of practising what one preaches ensures that she maintains strong relationships across departments while remaining firm in her responsibility to uphold governance standards.
One of the perennial challenges of internal audit is communicating difficult truths. Processes evolve, people resist change, and established systems often mask underlying inefficiencies. Yet, Thishanie approaches these challenges with a blend of transparency, empathy, and professionalism. She often reminds her team of a principle that has shaped her approach over the years: “Audit processes, not people. Our role is not to point fingers but to note the gaps in the practices and then find solutions, and that shift in mindset changes everything.” This perspective helps reduce defensiveness, fosters collaboration, and encourages other functions/ teams to embrace improvements rather than view them as a threat. Her experience has shown that cultural change does not happen overnight; it requires consistent and open communication, patience, and clarity about the ultimate purpose of internal audit supporting the core business objectives, not obstructing it.
Mentorship is another defining pillar of Thishanie’s leadership. She believes strongly that organizations thrive when people grow together, not in isolation. She strive to invest in her team, providing continuous guidance, encouraging critical thinking, and empowering and delegation, creating a space for a learning culture. As a female leader, she also understands the unique challenges women face in balancing professional and personal responsibilities. Her empathy and advocacy play a key role in supporting women across different levels of the organization. She believes that when women are empowered not just with flexibility, but with confidence, trust, and recognition, organizations benefit from stronger retention, deeper loyalty, and more diverse leadership pipelines.
The digital transformation of the manufacturing sector has fundamentally reshaped the expectations placed on internal audit teams. Today, organizations operate in a world where data-driven insights determine competitive advantage. Recognizing this, Thishanie has taken the initiative to change the approach towards traditional audit methodologies adopted. This shift has elevated the function from being reactive to proactively identifying patterns, anomalies, and emerging risks. She firmly believes that digital literacy is no longer optional for auditors, noting that “Auditors must be as digitally capable as the systems they evaluate. The future of audit is data-led, insight-driven, and anchored in technology.”
Her early years in the field as a full-time Information Systems Auditor have also equipped her with the ability to navigate cybersecurity risks, a competency that is increasingly critical in hybrid organizations like Rocell, which integrates manufacturing operations with a widespread retail footprint. Her approach begins with assessing IT maturity, understanding vulnerabilities, and escalating the gaps identified. She recognizes that information security risks do not exist in isolation; they intersect with financial, operational, strategic, and reputational risks. And as a Risk Management professional, the ability to grasp the broader risk landscape is vital, and helps organizations remain future ready.
While her professional achievements are impressive, what sets Thishanie apart is her ability to balance an intense corporate role with physically demanding pursuits that challenge her both mentally and emotionally. She is an avid hiker, trekker, and adventurer who has spent years exploring some of Sri Lanka’s most formidable terrains. Her most remarkable accomplishment to date is conquering the Everest Base Camp, situated at a staggering 5,364 meters above sea level. This achievement places her among the 125 Sri Lankans to reach this milestone which is a testament to her perseverance, discipline, and mental resilience. The journey, marked by harsh altitudes, extreme weather, and physical exhaustion, mirrors the tenacity she brings into her professional life. She describes the experience as one that demanded “bucket loads of sweat, tears, and years of consistent training,” but also one that reshaped her perspective on endurance and leadership.
Her personal achievements are not distractions from her career; rather, they enrich her leadership. The mountains have taught her self-reliance, mindfulness and the importance of taking one deliberate step at a time, values that translate seamlessly into her approach to audit and risk management. They also showcase her belief in balance and being resilient. She has shown that one can excel in demanding corporate roles while still nurturing passions, pursuing challenges, and investing in personal growth. This balance humanizes her leadership and inspires both her peers and her team to embrace a more holistic view of success.
Today, as she continues to strengthen Rocell’s governance frameworks and expand the strategic influence of internal audit, Thishanie remains grounded in the values that shaped her journey. Her leadership is defined not only by expertise, but by authenticity; not only by knowledge, but by courage; not only by audit frameworks, but by an unwavering belief in doing what is right consistently, transparently, and fearlessly. As she looks ahead, her focus remains on elevating the internal audit function, mentoring the next generation of leaders, and continuing to push her own boundaries, both professionally and personally.
Her story is ultimately one of purpose and possibility, a powerful reminder that leadership is not just about overseeing functions, but about expanding horizons, lifting others, and continuously challenging oneself to climb higher, both in the corporate world and on the world’s tallest peaks.