Round Table Dialogue: Policy and Power – Leadership Lessons from China’s Global Strategy and India’s Economic Ascent

The Bandaranaike Academy for Leadership and Public Policy (BALPP) recently hosted a high-level round table dialogue on Policy and Power: Leadership Lessons from China’s Global Strategy and India’s Economic Ascent. The event brought together an eminent group of senior policymakers, public sector leaders, diplomats, academics, and professionals for an in-depth discussion on how leadership and policy intersect to shape national progress.

Held under the Chatham House Rule, the dialogue explored how visionary leadership and strategic governance have driven the economic transformation of China and India over the past decades. Participants examined how political will, institutional strength, and adaptive policymaking have enabled both nations to navigate global challenges, stimulate growth, and deliver tangible improvements in social development.

The conversation also highlighted key takeaways for Sri Lanka and other developing countries—particularly the importance of aligning leadership vision with long-term policy coherence and implementation capacity.

This dialogue formed part of BALPP’s ongoing commitment to fostering informed policy discourse and leadership development in Sri Lanka. Insights from the discussion will be synthesized into a forthcoming Policy Brief, providing actionable lessons and reflections for policymakers and practitioners engaged in development and governance.