WIM Canada formally award 44 Sri Lankan origin women in Canada for second consecutive year

Group Picture WIM Canada 2019

Women in Management (WIM) was found in Sri Lanka by Dr. Sulochana Segera in 2010 and has been exporting its brand to many countries as the first women organisation to export a women brand from Sri Lanka to recognise women leadership and women contribution to the economy and society and especially, to recognise Sri Lankan origin women globally. WIM Canada, which is a Chapter of WIM Sri Lanka, celebrated its Second Annual WIM Awards, Canada on 29 March at Toronto. 

The event was graced by the Sri Lanka High Commissioner Asoka Kumara Girihagama and wife along with Canada Sri Lanka Business Council President Upali Obeysekera, Raj Kumar Parameswaran and Vice President John Keels Holdings Nadeem Shums, the Platinum Sponsor of WIM Canada Awards. 

WIM Sri Lanka – Canada Chapter President Julian Devika Anthony said: “WIM Canada is planning to implement many programs in the next few months. We will have programs to share knowledge and advice on ‘career guidance’ and programs to enhance knowledge on how to be healthy physically and mentally to meet all challenges in life and work. We invite the WIM Award winners to become members of WIM Canada and help us help others.”

The event was attended by 230 participants and 90% of them were Sri Lankan origin. The event was partnered by Platinum Sponsor – John Keels Properties and Sponsors and Donors Lucky Lankage of Grace Canada, Riyas Rauf – Power Brand, Terrance Raja – Insurance, Sanjaya Peiries – Mortgage, Anita Perera Legal Service, Gordon Potter – Salad Master and Nalayainie Maheshwarana WIM Committee Member.

Dr. Sulochana Segera said: “It’s sad that I was not being able to share my vision personally at the Awards as my Visa was rejected. Anyhow I am so glad that WIM Team in Canada was able to carry out my mission successfully. This Award will reconnect our own women with their homeland to share their learning and also it will give them a pride that they have done their best in a country where they made home. It’s not about where you live it’s all about how you want to live.”

WIM Canada Awards recognised 44 winners while 25 were Gold Award Winners and 19 were Merit Award Winners. 

WIM Representative in Canada Rienzie Martinesz said: “This Award program is a springboard in building relationships and creating networking possibilities between Sri Lanka and Canada. WIM will be the conduit that will pave the way for them to network with their peers across the globe in sharing knowledge, supporting one another and building successful businesses between Sri Lanka and Canada. I would like to see the WIM Award winners to take the lead in this regard.”

Few of the comments from the Award winners are as follows.

De Zoysa Law Professional Corporation, Barristers and Solicitors Anjana Bandara said: “I certainly had the opportunity to show my young daughter that I am much more than a mother and that she as a female is a member of a truly unique and exceptional class.” 

Nirmalee Attanayake said: “I am so honoured to be awarded the ‘Role Model of the Year’ Gold award. It is a great motivation and an inspiration.” 

Anita Abeyesekera said: “The WIM organisation is doing something amazing, and I felt this at the event in Canada. It is very uplifting for women, and inspiring for young women. I believe that having role models in such diverse careers can do wonders for a young woman’s dreams.”