Leadership is often associated with authority, titles, and positions of influence. Yet for Dilrukshi Kurukulasuriya, Board Director and Group Chief Human Resources Officer at DIMO, leadership has always been rooted in something far deeper, responsibility. With more than two decades of experience in shaping people strategies, building organizational cultures, and nurturing talent, she has consistently championed the belief that leadership is not defined by hierarchy but by the trust and accountability that guide one’s actions. Her understanding of leadership began long before her corporate career. One of the earliest defining moments occurred during her school years when she served as the Head Prefect. At the time, the country was experiencing a curfew, and uncertainty was part of everyday life. On one particular morning, due to the unusual circumstances surrounding the curfew, she decided not to ring the bell for morning prayers.
However, many students had already arrived at school, and the expectation was that she would step forward to manage the situation. When she was questioned about the decision, the experience left a lasting impact on her. That moment taught her an invaluable lesson; leadership is not determined by circumstances but by the willingness to take responsibility regardless of them.
“Leadership is responsibility. No matter what challenges or circumstances exist around you, people still expect you to step up and deliver.”
The incident shaped her perspective on what it truly means to lead. A leader, she believes, must provide direction and stability even when the environment is unpredictable. People look to leaders for guidance, and when a leader falters, others often follow. From that early stage in life, Dilrukshi recognized that leadership is not about authority but accountability. To earn the trust of others, a leader must demonstrate consistency, competence, and credibility. These principles would later guide her professional journey and influence the way she leads teams and organizations.
As her career progressed, another key lesson became clear: leadership is never a solitary endeavor. Behind every successful leader is a capable and committed team.
Rather than surrounding herself with individuals who simply execute tasks, Dilrukshi believes in cultivating teams that possess strong expertise and the confidence to contribute meaningfully. By empowering individuals to take ownership and encouraging diverse perspectives, she has built environments where collaboration and innovation thrive.
“Leadership is never a solo journey. You need a strong and engaged team beside you.”
While her appointment to the Board of DIMO marked an important milestone in her career, she reflects that some of the most meaningful moments occurred even before she held formal leadership titles. When colleagues sought her advice, respected her insights, and valued her perspective, it reinforced her belief that leadership is defined by trust rather than designation.
For Dilrukshi, titles may formalize responsibility, but genuine leadership is reflected in the confidence people place in you.
Beyond her leadership responsibilities, she has also been a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion within organizations, particularly in industries where women have historically been underrepresented.
Many sectors today speak of talent shortages, yet Dilrukshi, points out an important contradiction: nearly half of the available talent pool, women has often been overlooked. For decades, stereotypes and traditional perceptions limited women’s participation in technical and skilled roles.
Yet she firmly believes that qualities such as innovation, resilience, and creativity are not defined by gender. When women are given equal opportunities, they bring fresh perspectives, stronger collaboration, and more balanced decision-making to organizations.
Recognizing the value of inclusive leadership, DIMO has taken a bold step by committing to achieve 40 percent female representation in leadership roles by 2030. It is an ambitious target, but Dilrukshi believes meaningful progress requires equally bold commitments. “Inclusion is not just about fairness, it is about unlocking the full potential of the talent available to us.”
For women aspiring to leadership positions, particularly in industries traditionally led by men, her advice is simple yet powerful: believe in your capabilities, continue developing your skills, and step forward with confidence. She emphasizes that progress happens when individuals challenge limitations and organizations intentionally create opportunities for diverse talent to thrive.
Another area that Dilrukshi is deeply passionate about is the development of future leaders. In her view, leadership cannot be cultivated solely through formal training programs or theoretical frameworks. Instead, it evolves through real-world experiences, responsibility, and trust.
When individuals are given opportunities to take ownership of projects, face challenges, and make decisions, they gain the confidence and resilience necessary to grow into effective leaders. Mentorship and guidance further strengthen this process by helping individuals broaden their perspectives and develop the judgment required to navigate complex situations.
Ultimately, Dilrukshi believes a leader’s true impact is measured not by individual accomplishments but by the leaders they help create. “I believe a leader’s success is measured by the strength of the leaders they develop,” she notes.
The legacy she hopes to leave behind is one where leadership opportunities are accessible to everyone based on potential, commitment, and capability. A particularly meaningful outcome for her would be seeing more women confidently stepping into leadership roles and shaping the future of organizations. If the next generation of women leaders feels empowered because of the pathways created today, she believes that will be a legacy worth celebrating.
Within organizations, Dilrukshi also views Human Resources as a powerful driver of innovation and transformation. Over the years, the role of HR has evolved significantly from administrative support to a strategic function that directly contributes to business success. Today, HR leaders play a crucial role in aligning people strategies with organizational goals, strengthening employee engagement, and building the capabilities required for future growth.
At DIMO, HR initiatives focus on fostering a culture that encourages collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning. Through upskilling and reskilling programs, employees are equipped with the knowledge and capabilities needed to adapt to evolving industry demands. She emphasizes that transformation is often mistakenly perceived as a technological process. While technology certainly accelerates change, genuine transformation begins with people.