The Institute of Supply and Materials Management (ISMM) was established on 24th October 1972. Considering the global and national importance of Supply Chain Management (SCM) and also to facilitate wider prosperity and growth of economic affairs of Sri Lanka through training and developing Supply Chain professionals, on the recommendations submitted by ISMM and as per the Cabinet approval, the Government has declared 24th October in every year as the ‘National Supply Chain Day’ whilst acknowledging tributes to ISMM for being the pioneer institution in training and developing Supply Chain professionals in the country for the last 50 years.
ISMM being the only professional organisation enacted by Act of Parliament No 3 of 1981 for fostering and conducting training on Supply Chain Management in Sri Lanka, in collaboration with the Ministry of Industries and the Industries Development Board (IDB) will celebrate “National Supply Chain Day” on October 24 in Shangri-la, Colombo.
The theme for the seminar is “Supply Chain Innovations in Crisis: Exploring New Avenues and Adapting to Global Shifts.”. The Chief Guest for the Morning Session will be (Dr.) Ramesh Pathirana, Minister of Health and Industries. Mr. Chris Oanda, President, International Federation of Purchasing and Supply Management (IFPSM), Mr. Markku Henttinen, Chief Executive Officer of International Federation of Purchasing and Supply Management (IFPSM), Mr Jayantha Gallahewa, President ISMM and many other distinguish guests will grace this occasion.
The National Supply Chain Day Seminar with “03 Technical Sessions & CEO Forum”will bring together industry leaders, experts, and professionals to discuss the latest trends, best practices, and innovations in the field of supply chain management. It will provide a unique opportunity for all participants to gain valuable insights, network with peers, and contribute to industries growth and success.
Prof Chandana Gamage – Professor, Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University of Moratuwa will be the Session Chairman for “First Session”under the Session Theme of “Integration of Technological Innovations for Sustainable Supply Chains”and Mr Oshada Senanayake – Group Chief Operating Officer, Digital Transformation- Brandix Lanka (Pvt) Ltd will speak under the topic of “Digitalization in Supply Chain: Benefits and Challenges” and Mr Subodha Perera – CEO, E – Consulate will speak under the topic of Dynamic Digital Capabilities and Supply Chain Resilience as the Session Speakers.
“Second Session”, CEO Forum will be under the theme of “Exploring New Avenues and Adapting to Global Shifts for Sustainable Supply Chains” and Mr. Ravi Jayawardena – CEO Maliban Group will drive the CEO Forum as the Forum Chairman and Mr Sathiyenthra Pandchadcharam – Global Product Portfolio Manager, Nestle Asia, Oceana and Africa, Mr Mahesh Wijewardane – CEO, Singer Sri Lanka, Mrs. Jayanthi Dharmasena – MD, Heyles Agriculture Industries, Mr. Nalin Karunaratne – CEO CBL Ltd will participate as Members of CEO Forum.
Prof Nalin Abeysekara – Dean, Faculty of Management Studies – Open University of Sri Lanka will be the Session Chairman for “Third Session” under the Session theme “Exploring the Evolving Global Landscape of Supply Chain” and Mr Kanchana Fernando – Director, Supply Chain, Nestle Sri Lanka will speak under the topic of “Cutting Edge Strategies to Increase Supply Chain Visibility”and Mrs Shirley Jayawardane – Chairperson, Ceylon Chamber of Women Entrepreneurs will speak under the topic of “Transition towards Circular Supply Chains through an Integrated Approach” as the Session Speakers.
Prof H M A Herath – Professor (Chair) in Management, Wayaba University of Sri Lanka will be the Session Chairman for “Fourth Session” under the theme of “Tapping into Sri Lanka’s Entrepreneurial Ecosystem to explore global opportunities”and Dr. Nayana Dehigama – Chairman / MD, Epic Technologies will speak under the topic of“Exploring the Integration between Entrepreneurship and Supply Chain Innovation” and Mr Shalin Balasuriya – Co-Founder SPA Ceylon will speak under the topic of ““Success Stories in Sri Lanka: Exploring Market Trends and Entrepreneurial Ecosystem” as Session Speakers.
During the evening Session at the same Venue, Hon (Dr.) Ramesh Pathirana, Minister of Health and Industries will grace the event as the Chief Guest with participation of eminent Supply Chain professionals, ISMM members and many other distinguished guests for the “National Supply Chain Excellence Awards” for both Organizations (under 03 Categories of large, Medium & Small) &Individuals. There will be excellence awards for both “manufacturing” and “service” Sector Organizations followed with 52nd Anniversary Banquet Dinner of ISMM.
The declaration of “National Supply Chain Day” will be a great achievement and a milestone for the ISMM in particular, and Supply Chain Management Industry in Sri Lanka in general, to receive the proper recognition from the government itself and to address the due areas of the current context of SCM in a professional manner.
