Our Vision
Transforming people, elevating performance, and shaping the future.
About The Ascend
A story of purpose, passion, and proven results.
Helping leaders and teams thrive in a complex world.
Our story
A story that is still being written.
The Ascend was founded on the belief that sustainable organizational transformation begins with people. Though our story is still being written, it is one of purpose, passion, and proven results in helping leaders and teams thrive in a complex world.
Our Mission
We help organisations grow by unlocking talent, building strong leaders, and creating engaging learning experiences that drive lasting results.
Our Belief
Sustainable organizational transformation begins with people. When people grow, organizations ascend.
Why choose us
Built on insight, measured by impact.
We deliver customized talent solutions aligned with your business goals, combining insight-driven strategies that focus on measurable impact. With deep expertise in leadership, HR, and organizational development, we bring a strong foundation of experience to every engagement.
Our work is guided by a passion for building inclusive, engaged, and high-performing workplaces where both people and organizations can thrive.
Our Team
The people behind your transformation.
Chief Consultant
Rukmal Bandaranayake
Executive Coach · HRM Expert · Leadership Development Facilitator · Faculty Member
Rukmal Bandaranayake is an executive coach, leadership development facilitator, and Human Resources professional with more than 15 years of experience leading people and culture initiatives across multinational organisations, including AIA Insurance, MAS Holdings, and HealthRecon Connect LLC.
He specializes in leadership development, organizational effectiveness, talent management, and executive coaching, helping leaders and teams build capability, navigate change, and achieve strategic outcomes. Known for his engaging facilitation style and practical, business-focused approach, Rukmal delivers coaching and learning experiences that create lasting impact.
Based in British Columbia, Rukmal currently serves as a faculty member at University Canada West, where he combines academic insight with extensive industry experience to support professionals, managers, and emerging leaders. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Human Resource Management, an MBA, and a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) from Swiss School of Business and Management. His doctoral research focused on transformational leadership in the healthcare sector in British Columbia, Canada.
Rukmal is a Certified Executive Coach through the Certified Coaches Federation and an accredited practitioner of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator. He has also completed executive education at the National University of Singapore. In addition, he is a Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR), a professional member of CIPD, and a member of CIPM Sri Lanka.
Through coaching, consulting, and leadership development programs, Rukmal partners with organizations to strengthen leadership capability, enhance employee engagement, and build high-performing workplace cultures. His approach combines strategic thinking, evidence-based practice, and genuine empathy to help individuals and organizations thrive.
Senior Consultant
Oshan Withanage
HR Generalist · HR Process Consultant · HR Data Evangelist
Oshan Withanage is an HR Consultant at The Ascend, bringing over six years of progressive experience across the technology, healthcare, and professional services sectors. He specializes in delivering practical, people-centered HR solutions that align workforce strategies with business objectives.
Throughout his career, Oshan has led HR transformation initiatives, implemented HRIS platforms, designed talent management frameworks, supported organizational restructuring, and partnered with leadership teams to enhance employee engagement, performance, and organizational culture. He has successfully managed HR strategies for workforces of over 1,000 employees and has extensive expertise in talent acquisition, learning and development, leadership assessment, performance management, employee experience, and HR analytics.
Prior to joining The Ascend, Oshan held senior HR roles at HealthRecon Connect and SLASSCOM, where he drove strategic HR initiatives and contributed to large-scale organizational development and industry-wide capability-building programs.
Oshan holds postgraduate qualifications in Human Resource Management and Project Management from Conestoga College, Canada, an MBA from Cardiff Metropolitan University, UK, and a Bachelor's degree in Business Management from Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka. His consulting approach combines strategic insight, data-driven decision-making, and a commitment to creating meaningful and measurable people outcomes.
Our Client Portfolio
Organisations we’ve worked with.
Ready to elevate your people and performance?
Shape your organisation's future and let The Ascend align your talent with tomorrow's success.