In the dynamic world of business, few names resonate as profoundly as L. Chiranthi Cooray. As the visionary founder of Accedo Intel, Chiranthi’s journey is a testament to the power of ambition, resilience, and innovation. Established in October 2024 in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Accedo Intel has swiftly become a beacon of ingenuity, particularly in how micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) approach risk management and sustainability.
Inspiration Behind Accedo Intel
Chiranthi’s journey to founding Accedo Intel was fueled by her observation of a critical gap in the market, especially in how MSMEs approach risk management and sustainability. “My journey to founding Accedo Intel emerged from observing a critical gap in the market, particularly in how MSMEs approach risk management and sustainability,” she shares. With a robust background in HR, digital transformation, and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance), Chiranthi has always been at the forefront of driving transformative change. Her tenure in senior leadership roles at institutions such as HNB Bank and the Securities and Exchange Commission provided her with invaluable insights into the challenges faced by smaller businesses in accessing essential tools and expertise for effective risk management and ESG integration.
The realization that MSMEs, despite being the backbone of the economy, often lack access to sophisticated risk management and sustainability frameworks led to the inception of Accedo Intel. “My background taught me the importance of human-centric solutions and the intrinsic link between sustainability and business success,” she adds. Through innovative technology, Accedo Intel aspires to democratize access to these critical business tools, ensuring that MSMEs can thrive in a rapidly evolving market landscape.
A Multifaceted Leader: Shaping the Future
Chiranthi’s diverse roles, ranging from corporate communications to policy advocacy, governance, and ESG, have profoundly shaped her leadership style and approach to driving change. “Each role in my career has added a unique dimension to my leadership approach,” she says. Her experience in corporate communications underscored the significance of clear, authentic messaging and stakeholder engagement. During her tenure as Director at Advocata Institute, she learned that systemic change requires both visionary leadership and pragmatic implementation strategies.
“My leadership style has evolved to become deeply collaborative and evidence-based,” Chiranthi reveals. Whether chairing the National Task Force for Female Labor Force Participation or spearheading HR transformation initiatives at HNB Bank, she has consistently combined data-driven insights with empathetic understanding of stakeholder needs. This multifaceted experience has equipped her to approach challenges holistically, considering both the technical and human aspects of any solution.
The Art of Balancing Multiple Roles
Balancing the roles of an entrepreneur, a leader, and an advocate for sustainability is no small feat. However, Chiranthi perceives these roles as interconnected facets of a unified purpose. “At Accedo Intel, our business objectives align naturally with our social impact goals,” she states. By empowering MSMEs to better manage their risks and embrace sustainability, Accedo Intel is simultaneously fortifying the economic fabric of communities.
Chiranthi’s involvement as a Board Member of the Women’s Chamber of Commerce & Industry and as Chair of SLID’s Tech & Innovation Committee has illuminated how business leadership and advocacy can mutually reinforce each other. “Effective leadership in today’s world requires an integrated approach,” she notes. This integration ensures that every initiative, whether it involves developing new technology solutions or implementing ESG frameworks, creates value both for clients and for society at large.
Overcoming Barriers in the ESG and Technology Sectors
As a female entrepreneur in the ESG and technology sectors, Chiranthi has encountered numerous challenges. “The challenges I’ve faced have often centered around breaking established paradigms—both in terms of gender roles and traditional approaches to business risk management,” she admits. However, she views these challenges as opportunities to demonstrate the value of diverse perspectives in leadership.
“My approach has been to let results speak for themselves,” she says. Her leadership of the National Task Force for Female Labor Force Participation focused on creating tangible, measurable outcomes. Similarly, Accedo Intel prioritizes delivering concrete value through its solutions, breaking down preconceptions and building credibility. Chiranthi’s accolades, including the Global HR Leadership Gold Award and the Women for Governance Professional & Career Women Awards, are testament to her impact and dedication.
Empowering Businesses through Sustainability and Technology
We’re entering an era where the most significant business opportunities emerge at the intersection of social, environmental, and market needs. The companies that will dominate their industries by 2030 aren’t those treating sustainability as a separate initiative, but those redesigning their core business models around regenerative principles. This shift requires moving beyond the outdated notion of “aligning” sustainability with profitability—as if these were separate objectives to be balanced—toward business models where environmental and social benefits directly drive financial performance. At Accedo Intel, we call this “integrated value creation,” and it’s the foundation of truly sustainable business design.
For MSMEs specifically, several strategies are proving particularly effective:
- Circular Value Chains: Designing products and services that eliminate waste and continuously recirculate materials creates simultaneous cost savings and environmental benefits. We’re helping businesses identify specific circular economy opportunities within their operations that deliver immediate margin improvements while reducing resource dependence.
- Climate Adaptation Solutions: Every climate challenge creates corresponding market opportunities. Businesses that develop products and services addressing climate resilience needs—from water-efficient technologies to heat-resistant building materials—are positioning themselves in rapidly growing markets.
- Regenerative Practices: Beyond merely reducing harm, businesses implementing regenerative practices that actively restore natural systems are discovering powerful competitive advantages. For example, agricultural businesses adopting regenerative farming methods are seeing improved productivity and premium pricing opportunities simultaneously.
- Transparent Value Networks: As younger consumers increasingly make purchasing decisions based on supply chain transparency, businesses that can verify and communicate the environmental and social impacts of their entire value network gain significant market advantages.
The fundamental insight driving our work at Accedo Intel is that sustainability isn’t a cost to be minimized but an innovation opportunity to be maximized. By helping businesses identify their specific regenerative opportunities, we’re enabling a new generation of enterprises where positive impact and financial success are indivisible.
Pioneering the Future of ESG and Climate Risk Consulting
At Accedo Intel, we leverage AI and data analytics to create predictive models that help businesses understand their climate risks in real-time. “This data-driven approach not only makes sustainability more tangible but also helps businesses make informed decisions about their investments in sustainable practices,” Chiranthi explains. By democratizing access to advanced technology, Accedo Intel empowers MSMEs to navigate the complexities of sustainability and financial inclusion.
Looking ahead, Chiranthi envisions the future of ESG and climate risk consulting as one driven by greater integration of technology and real-time data analytics. “We’re moving toward more standardized and quantifiable ESG metrics, driven by advances in data collection and analysis,” she observes. AI and machine learning are enabling more precise climate risk assessments and predictions, and there is a growing recognition that ESG is about building resilient, future-proof businesses.
Accedo Intel is positioning itself at the forefront of these trends by developing solutions that make sophisticated tools accessible to businesses of all sizes. By staying ahead of the curve, Accedo Intel is well-equipped to support MSMEs in their journey towards sustainability and resilience.
Measuring the Impact of ESG Initiatives
Many organizations grapple with measuring the impact of their ESG initiatives. Chiranthi emphasizes that businesses should focus on metrics that are both meaningful and measurable. “Effective measurement combines quantitative and qualitative indicators,” she says.
At Accedo Intel, the team helps businesses identify and track metrics relevant to their operations and aligned with global sustainability standards. Essential metrics include environmental impact indicators, social impact measures, governance effectiveness, and financial resilience indicators. This comprehensive approach ensures that businesses can effectively monitor and improve their ESG performance.
Transforming Organizational Culture
One of the most significant transformations Chiranthi led was during her time as DGM Sustainability & Corporate Communications at HNB Bank. “We implemented a comprehensive ESG framework that touched every aspect of the organization, from operational processes to corporate culture,” she recalls. Approaching it as a cultural transformation rather than just a policy change was key to success. Engaging over 5,000 employees through innovative programs made sustainability personal and relevant to their daily work. The result was not just improved ESG metrics but a fundamental shift in how employees viewed their role in creating sustainable value. This experience deeply influences how Accedo Intel approaches change management, emphasizing building a culture of sustainability alongside implementing technical solutions.
Bridging Sustainability and Profitability for Long-Term Growth
Chiranthi’s approach to sustainability has always been holistic. “Sustainability and profitability aren’t opposing forces—they’re complementary aspects of future-proof business strategy,” she asserts. Sustainable practices often lead to operational efficiencies, innovation, and stronger stakeholder relationships. At Accedo Intel, the team helps businesses discover these synergies, demonstrating how environmental consciousness can drive both impact and growth.
Chiranthi’s extensive experience, including teaching sustainable aviation at the MSc level for a leading international university, has reinforced her belief that sustainability and profitability can coexist harmoniously. By guiding businesses to integrate sustainability into their core strategies, Accedo Intel is helping them achieve long-term growth and resilience.
A Message for Future Leaders
Chiranthi’s personal journey in sustainability began with simple everyday choices, such as eliminating single-use plastics, practicing the 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle), and making conscious decisions about environmental impact. “True leadership in sustainability isn’t about grand gestures—it’s about consistent, thoughtful actions that create ripple effects,” she emphasizes.
Whether speaking at international forums, teaching students, or mentoring young professionals, Chiranthi shares that every individual has the power to drive meaningful change. By leading by example, she hopes to inspire the next generation of leaders to prioritize sustainability in their personal and professional lives.
Accelerating Action for a Sustainable Future
As we accelerate action for a sustainable future, the convergence of women’s leadership, technology, and sustainability offers a powerful catalyst for change. At Accedo Intel, the team is translating this potential into reality by democratizing access to sustainable business solutions for MSMEs.
“My journey—from corporate leadership to founding a tech-driven sustainability company, while serving as an educator and advocate—reflects my belief that meaningful change requires both innovation and accessibility,” Chiranthi asserts. Whether in the classroom teaching sustainable aviation, developing practical business solutions, or practicing the 3Rs in her daily life, Chiranthi is committed to fostering a sustainable future for businesses and communities alike.