CIM, SLIM unite to assess the role of advertising

 ‘Who should control advertising?’ will be the thought-provoking theme of the joint forum organised by the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) Sri Lanka Region and the Sri Lanka Institute of Marketing (SLIM). The forum is scheduled to be held on Monday, 4 March 2013 from 6.30 p.m. onwards at the King’s Court, Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo.  

This is the first time that the two leading institutes of marketing are joining hands to host a forum and it will be held in line with the missions of both CIM and SLIM to represent and provide a platform for Sri Lanka’s marketing fraternity in safeguarding the interests of the marketing profession and to harness the growth of the Sri Lankan economy by steering excellence in marketing.

The two institutes are also committed towards national interests and therefore will place special emphasis on safeguarding the interests of the consumer through the forum.

Speaking about the forum, SLIM President Tilan Wijeyesekera said: “The advertising industry has been rapidly growing in Sri Lanka during the recent years, leading to the growth of traditional and non-traditional marketing communication activities which has also increased the liberal nature of creatives being used in campaigns. However, little attention has been placed on the issues being faced by the industry as well as the impact the ad industry has on our society.

“Therefore, SLIM as the national body of marketing which has a mandate to improve the standards of marketing in Sri Lanka and thereby add value to the economy and the nation, is pleased to be a part of the historic first joint initiative with the CIM Sri Lanka Region to bring to the fore some of the contemporary issues being faced by the industry and will provide a platform to seek some long terms solutions for these issues.”

Adding to this, CIM Chairperson Nadi Dharmasiri commented: “SLIM and CIM being the two leading bodies of marketing in Sri Lanka are of the view that it is relevant for these representatives to identify the choice of direction that needs to be reflected upon, in order to avoid issues that could arise through regulation or non-regulation of marketing communication activities.

“The forum also intends to cover a host of topics including marketing ethics, role of marketing communications in the modern day society, challenges faced by advertisers and how to safeguard the interests of the consumer. The concerns and suggestions that will arise at the forum will be directed to all relevant authorities.”

Renowned and respected professionals representing the Government, marketing and advertising industries, the media and consumers, will speak at the forum. The panel will comprise of Dr. Ananda Jayalal, Director – Environmental and Occupational Health and Food Safety, Ministry of Health, Ranil De Silva, Managing Director – Leo Burnett Solutions Inc., Asanga Ranasinghe, Marketing Director – Unilever Sri Lanka, Deepal Sooriyaarachchi, Development Consultant and Commissioner/Chairman – Sri Lanka Inventors Commission, and Laksiri Wickramage, Chairman – Power House Limited, TV/FM Derana/Ada Derana.

Imal Fonseka, CEO – Ceylon Biscuits, will moderate the forum. The panellists will discuss and debate on how best to uphold marketing communication fundamentals in the backdrop of new policies and regulations that are being introduced or being formulated to control advertising in the Sri Lankan market.

Several private sector organisations have come forward to support the joint forum. Singer Sri Lanka, Ceylinco Life, Sampath Bank, CIC and Pan Audio are the main sponsors of the event, while Derana TV and Lite FM are the official media sponsors. Ants Work is the official event partner, DimensionX, the official video production partner, Z-Messenger, the official mobile marketing partner and SoftWave is the official printer. TBWA/TAL is the official creative partner and TOTAL PR is the official PR partner for the event.

Tickets for the event are priced at Rs. 1,500 each and can be purchased from the SLIM Home, 94, Ananda Rajakaruna Mawatha, Colombo 10, or from the CIM Sri Lanka Region, 20, Deal Place A, Colombo 3.