November 05, 2024: Lahiru Maduranga, General Manager – Business Development at Sri Lanka’s 2nd largest life insurer, Softlogic Life, has been appointed the country chair for the Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT), the premier global association for financial professionals, and he is the youngest professional to ever hold this position.
The position of the Sri Lanka MDRT Country Chairman is a leadership role within the global MDRT organization, which is an international association of top life insurance and financial services professionals. The Country Chairman represents Sri Lanka’s insurance and financial professionals who are members of MDRT and is responsible for various key duties, that among a host of others, include the following:
– Leadership and representation: The Country Chairman acts as the representative for MDRT members in Sri Lanka, promoting the organization’s mission, values, and standards. They serve as a bridge between the global MDRT organization and local members.
– Supporting and growing membership: One of the Chairman’s main responsibilities is to grow MDRT membership in Sri Lanka by encouraging top-performing professionals in the insurance and financial sectors to join the organization. They provide mentorship and support to members aiming to achieve MDRT status.
– Promoting professional development: The Chairman facilitates training, seminars, and workshops, aimed at improving the knowledge, skills, and ethical standards of MDRT members in Sri Lanka. This includes promoting MDRT’s resources, conferences, and best practices for financial and insurance professionals.
The role is pivotal in driving the professional development and global recognition of Sri Lanka’s insurance and financial services professionals.
Lahiru, who joined Softlogic Life in 2006 as a team leader, has consistently demonstrated outstanding performance and leadership, becoming a key figure within the organization. This milestone is a testament to Lahiru’s exceptional talent and dedication, as well as a source of immense pride for both him and Softlogic Life.
Lahiru is one of the top notch performers produced by Softlogic Life. The company continues to make significant strides in producing high-quality MDRT qualifiers, including top female MDRT members, reflecting the company’s commitment to upholding the highest standards within its sales force with a focus on diversity. This year, Softlogic Life recorded 263 MDRT qualifiers—the highest number in the company’s history—further solidifying its position as Sri Lanka’s 2nd largest life insurer, with market leadership in health insurance.
An impressive list of accolades marks Lahiru’s journey to this role, underscoring his commitment to excellence. He has won many national awards, including the coveted ‘Shramaabhimani Young Entrepreneur of the Year’ and numerous awards at the National Forum for Life Insurance Advisors (NAFLIA) conference. Furthermore, key internal awards, such as Best Sales Performer (2007 to 2016), Best Branch Manager (2019 and 2020), and Best Zonal Manager (2021 and 2022), further highlight Lahiru’s consistent track record of excellence across various roles within Softlogic Life. He is also a 14-time MDRT qualifier and 5-time Court of the Table (COT) winner with the prestigious ‘MDRT Life Member’ recognition under his belt.
In addition to his MDRT achievements, Lahiru won the coveted ‘Rookie Insurance Agency Leader of the Year’ at the Fifth Asia Trusted Life Agents and Softlogic Life Regional Manager Lahiru Maduranga Advisers Awards 2020, organized by the Asian Insurance Review Magazine. He has also won the LMRA IQA/IQMA awards and is a member of the prestigious MDRT MCC Executive Committee.
“At Softlogic Life, we believe that investing in the professional development of our employees is fundamental to our success. The ethics, attitudes, and quality of our sales team is what sets us apart. Lahiru’s recognition as the youngest MDRT country chair is a prime example of our efforts to groom the next generation of leaders. His dedication and perseverance, particularly in navigating the challenges of recent times, exemplify the culture of perseverance and excellence we cultivate within our organization. Lahiru’s achievements are a testament to the commitment he has demonstrated, helping to maintain industry momentum while driving Softlogic Life forward,” said Softlogic Life Deputy Chief Executive Officer Indu Attygala.
Lahiru envisions bridging the significant gap between the global and Sri Lankan insurance industries by elevating local practices to meet international standards. He is committed to bringing Sri Lanka’s insurance sector to the global stage through his leadership, setting a new benchmark for sales professionals across the industry. Despite being young, Lahiru’s rise within the industry is a testament to Softlogic Life’s strategic focus on employee development, with the company playing a pivotal role in nurturing exceptional talent. Lahiru, unearthed by Softlogic Life, has emerged as a true gem in the insurance sector, driven by his passion for inspiring excellence and elevating the industry.
Lahiru Maduranga commented on his appointment, stating, “Appointing me as the youngest MDRT country chair is a tremendous honor and a pivotal moment in my career.” This recognition is not only a personal milestone but a reflection of the collective efforts of my team and the incredible support system at Softlogic Life. In a rapidly evolving industry, this role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to shaping the future of financial services in Sri Lanka. I am excited to collaborate with the MDRT committee to drive innovation, inspire excellence, and empower fellow professionals to reach new heights. My sincere gratitude goes to ‘Softlogic Life,’ who has groomed me into the leader I am today through training, coaching, and endless opportunities.”