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Sysco LABS Partners AHRP and Global Learning Lab to Drive Project GLO’s Growth in Sri Lanka

Project GLO (Guiding Leadership and Outreach) has emerged as one of Corporate Sri Lanka’s most impactful youth leadership initiatives over the past two years, with Sysco LABS playing a central role as one of its leading corporate partners in driving scale, reach, and sustained impact.

Launched in Sri Lanka through a collaboration between the Association of HR Professionals (AHRP) and Global Learning Lab, Project GLO was designed to nurture future-ready, values-driven leaders equipped to address complex global challenges. The program aligns closely with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), focusing on developing young individuals who can think critically, collaborate effectively, and drive meaningful community impact.

Since its inception, Project GLO has expanded across schools, universities, and communities, creating structured pathways for youth to develop leadership capabilities through experiential learning and real-world application. Built on the Global Learning Lab’s Leadership Academy framework, Project GLO combines immersive workshops with Sustainable Impact Projects, enabling participants to translate learning into action. A key differentiator of the program is its multiplier model, where participants are empowered to mentor others—creating a ripple effect of leadership development across communities. This model has enabled GLO to evolve into a national movement for youth leadership, supported by strong collaboration between global experts, industry leaders, and Sri Lanka’s HR community.

As one of the founding corporate partners, along with 12 other corporates, Sysco LABS has been instrumental in shaping the program’s direction and accelerating its growth. Over the past two years, the organization has actively contributed by enabling its colleagues to serve as facilitators, mentors, and advocates, while embedding leadership development as a core component of its community engagement strategy.

Commenting on the organization’s involvement, Rehan Anthonis, Senior Director – People Operations at Sysco LABS said: “At Sysco LABS, we believe leadership is defined by the ability to create meaningful impact. Our partnership with Project GLO reflects our commitment to nurturing the next generation of leaders—individuals who will shape communities, industries, and societies. Through this initiative, we are able to share knowledge, build confidence, and empower young people to see themselves as change-makers.”

This approach reflects Sysco LABS’ broader purpose of connecting the world to share food and care for one another, extending that commitment beyond business into meaningful community impact.

The success of Project GLO in Sri Lanka has also been recognized by its global founders. Robin and Roland Smith, founders of Global Learning Lab, noted: “Sri Lanka has embraced the GLO model with remarkable energy and collaboration. The level of engagement from corporate partners, particularly Sysco LABS, demonstrates how industry involvement can accelerate youth leadership development and create scalable impact across regions.”

At the center of this ecosystem is the Association of HR Professionals (AHRP), which has played a critical role in connecting global expertise with local organizations and communities. Dinusha Jayamanne, Vice President and Project Lead from AHRP, added: “GLO is a powerful example of what can be achieved when corporates, HR professionals, and global partners come together with a shared purpose. We are thankful to the original cohort of companies - John Keells Holdings, Brnandix, IFS, Fortude and Sysco LABS for taking on the challenge and joining us with the initiative. The impact we are seeing today is a testament to the strength of this collaboration and the commitment of organizations like Sysco LABS in shaping future leaders.”

With an expanding network of facilitators, corporate partners, and trained leaders, Project GLO is well positioned to scale further across Sri Lanka and beyond. Recent developments, including the introduction of certified GLO Master Trainers, will support the program’s continued expansion while maintaining the integrity of its leadership framework.

As GLO continues to grow, it stands as a testament to what can be achieved when global expertise, corporate leadership, and community-driven purpose come together to develop the leaders of tomorrow.

Caption for up image:

Global Learning Lab founders Robyn and Roland Smith with Sysco LABS MD Thushera Kawdawatta and the Sysco LABS GLO trainer cohort