Returning Voices: Diaspora x A Reflection on what it could mean to return to build, to give back, create and reimagine the country's future
About the Event
As Sri Lanka looks to the future, voices from its global diaspora offer fresh perspectives on creativity, identity, and renewal. In this inaugural Mercedes-Benz Future Talk, Ian M. H. Joseph, President of Paradigm Capital Inc. and Vice Chair of Canada’s Shaw Festival Board, reflects on leaving Sri Lanka at 18, building a distinguished global career, and returning with purpose. In conversation with Victoria Walker, Ian explores how experiences abroad can inspire new ideas, values, and collaborations to reimagine Sri Lanka’s creative and economic landscape. “Returning Voices,” a new initiative by the Sri Lanka Design Festival, celebrates Sri Lankans around the world who are shaping what it means to come hometo contribute, create, and build anew.
Time & Location
Sunday, 23rd November 2025
3.30pm - 4.30pm
At Fashion Week Lounge, Level 8
Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams
No. 02 Glennie St, Colombo 02.
Chaired &. Moderated by
Victoria Walker
Victoria Walker is a consultant and mentor in creative industries with a particular focus on craft, handmade textiles, sustainability, and design. Leveraging skills and experience acquired in a 30-year diplomatic career across three continents, her focus is now on giving back. Victoria was the Honorary President of AOD’s Design for Sustainable Development Foundation (DFSD) from 2018 to 2020, supporting Sri Lankan artisans by helping to promote and preserve Sri Lanka’s craft heritage. Her current roles include Director of International Partnerships for AOD and running a small business exporting exquisite South Asian textiles and crafts to Canada.
In conversation with
Ian M. H. Joseph, CFA
President, Paradigm Capital Inc.
Chair, Shaw Festival Board of Directors (Canada)
A seasoned financial leader and cultural advocate, Ian Joseph is the President of Paradigm Capital Inc., one of Canada’s leading independent investment banks. With over thirty-five years of experience in the finance industry, Ian has built a distinguished career that bridges capital markets, strategic planning, and organizational growth.
Beyond his corporate leadership, Ian plays a pivotal role in Canada’s arts landscape as Chair of the Board of Directors at the Shaw Festival,one of North America’s foremost theatre institutions located in Niagara-on-the-Lake. He serves on all board committees and is an active member of the Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Committee, reflecting his commitment to inclusive governance and cultural development.
A passionate supporter of the arts along with his wife Rebecca, who serves on the Shaw Festival Board of Governors, Ian and his partners at Paradigm Capital have sponsored one of the Shaw Festival's theatres and several performances each season for over 15 years. His Board leadership has coincided with a period of remarkable renewal and success at the Festival, marked by record-breaking attendance, artistic innovation, and the biggest capital and development campaign in the company's sixty-year history.
Sanjiv Hulugalle
Sanjiv Hulugalle is the Managing Director of Cinnamon Life Integrated Resort, bringing with him extensive global experience in luxury hospitality. Known for his visionary leadership and people-focused approach, Sanjiv has held senior management roles across prestigious hotel brands worldwide. At Cinnamon Life, he spearheads the resort’s mission to redefine Sri Lanka’s hospitality landscape through innovation, world-class service, and memorable guest experiences.