SL next guru hotspot?

By Cheranka Mendis

It seems like Prof. Philip Kotler’s stay in Sri Lanka might just be what Sri Lanka needs to bring in global influence to the country.

Prof. Kotler, in a discussion with President Rajapaksa, is said to have suggested hosting an annual gathering of global bureaus in the country.

CEO of Kotler Impact, Dr. Fahim Kibria speaking on behalf of Kotler stated that Sri Lanka has the potential of becoming the promoter of global peace and that the country could be the model and host of a ‘human resource development summit.’ The summit, he said, should target the attendance of global gurus, which would uplift the country’s image in the world’s eye and could become the start of many successful partnerships.

“Kotler insisted to President Rajapaksa that he is ready to help you, support you and guide you whenever you need us,” said Kibria. “He has been very impressed by the country and I admit that he never stays in one place for so long. We have a schedule of ‘walk in, deliver and fly out’ and the trip to Sri Lanka has proven to be contrary to the customary trips,” he said.

Kotler is said to have noted that the country could be promoted as a white-collar country rather than a blue-collared one, with its high literacy rate. “He was of the opinion that that Sri Lanka should capitalise on capacity building.”

He noted that Sri Lanka should not concentrate on just Intelligent Quotient (IQ) development but also Emotional Quotient (EQ), Emotional Spiritual Quotient (ESQ) and Social Quotient (SQ) development. Kibria stated that Kotler is also of the view that Sri Lanka should prepare itself to supply to the human resource needs in other countries particularly in Saudi Arabia, USA and Japan. These countries, he said, has a demand for learned people and with the new embargo on Bangladesh, Sri Lanka now has the opportunity to promote itself as a provider of white-collar employees.

Kibria also stated that Kotler is all for changing the mindset of the next generation in the country. “He perceived that the youth, women and netizens (or cybercitizens) can really make a change in Sri Lanka in the future.”

Kotler was also very impressed by the tourism sector of the country. Discussing the five year Strategic Plan scheduled to be launched later this week with tourism officials, Kotler is said to have remarked, “This plan looks simple and very pragmatic.” He also stated that the plan is well managed and has listed all gems of Sri Lanka – history and attractions.

“You have got to brand each element,” he said. “Be ready for the tourists you really want to attract and you have to manage your expectations,” he warned on Saturday while addressing a gathering at Water’s Edge.

“How many tourists you want and development of the infrastructure must go hand in hand. I would rather build up the infrastructure and then concentrate on tourism.”

“I have great expectations for Sri Lanka. You have got everything going for you,” Kotler added.

Flying back from a visit to the Sigiriya rock fortress on Sunday he is said to have commented, “There are many countries in the world striving to obtain the green label but Sri Lanka truly deserves to be called a green destination and to my mind, it is one of the best locations in the world for eco-tourism.”