EFC Shares Good Governance Insights at Global Young Professionals’ Academy
Ms.Yashoravi Bakmiwewa, Director General/CEO of the Employers’ Federation of Ceylon (EFC), participated as a panelist in an online technical session on Good Governance in Employers’ and Business Membership Organisations (EBMOs) held on 22 September 2026. The session also featured Douglas Opio, CEO of the Federation of Uganda Employers, and brought together young professionals from 21 countries as part of the 2026 Global Young Professionals’ Academy.
Drawing on EFC’s experience as an employers’ organisation established in 1929, the Federation’s governance framework, highlighting the importance of effective governance structures, constructive working relationships and inclusive representation in decision-making was shared.
During the discussion, EFC emphasized the importance of a strong partnership between the governing body and management, supported by a clear understanding of their respective roles and responsibilities. She identified clarity, communication, trust and accountability as the four essential pillars of this relationship.
EFC also highlighted that board diversity extends beyond professional experience and expertise. Bringing together different perspectives, generational viewpoints and sectoral interests contributes to a more comprehensive approach to decision-making. She highlighted the importance of representing the diverse industries within EFC’s membership, while providing opportunities for affiliated organisations and regional chambers to contribute to the governance process. Such broad-based representation strengthens decision-making and supports EFC’s national-level advocacy by ensuring that its submissions reflect a wider range of views and interests across the private sector. She further noted the importance of constitutional flexibility in accommodating diverse representation without relying on fixed quotas.
Concluding her remarks, EFC underscored that good governance rests on trust in the system, accountability for actions and transparency in decision-making. These principles, together with a shared commitment to the organisation’s objectives and the interests of its members, are essential to maintaining an effective and sustainable governance framework.