Supply chain management vital in megalopolis program: Minister

The Institute of Supply and Materials Management (ISMM), held its 44th anniversary at Water’s Edge on 24 October, where Minister of Megapolis and Western Development Patali Champika Ranawaka was the Chief Guest and Secretary to the Ministry of Defence Eng. Karunasena Hettiarachchi was the Guest of Honour.

Minister Champika Ranawaka reiterated the importance of supply chain management in strengthening the activities of the megalopolis program. The Minister said supply and materials management will play a significant role in positioning Sri Lanka as the major naval hub and aviation hub in Asia between Singapore and Dubai.

“In the local scenario transport sector development in regard to expressways and railroads are underway. Housing programs and waste management are two other areas that shed light on supply chain management. Megalopolis plan involves several specialised cities; Techno-City covering Pitipana, Kottawa and Malabe is one of them. The first phase of the project was launched in September 2016 to propel high-tech industry growth,” the Minister said.

S-lon Lanka Hon. Assistant Secretary/Supply Chain Manager Jayantha Gallehewa receiving his Fellow Membership Certificate from Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka in the presence of ISMM President Noel Wickremasinghe and ISMM Vice President I.G. Perera

ISMM has been adding value to the local purchasing and supply chain management sphere for over four decades by promoting and developing the principles, techniques and practices.

International diploma students and Fellow members were recognised at the event. Certificates were awarded to the Students of International Diploma in Supply Chain Management (Certificate Level, Advanced Certificate Level and International Diploma Level) and to the new members of ISMM namely Associate, Corporate, Life, Fellow and Institutional, Fellow membership being the highest Membership Category which an individual Member can afford in ISMM.

ISMM President Noel Wickramasinghe said as a national institute, ISMM has intervened effectively to streamline procurement processes. ISMM currently has over 1,000 professionals in public and private sector undertakings.

He commended Megalopolis and Western Development Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka for his contribution towards national infrastructure development in the country and invited ISMM members to join hands with the minister. Defence Ministry Secretary Karunasena Hettiarachchi said when he served as an irrigation engineer in 1977 supply chain management did not play a significant role in the country.

“Since then I have worked in a number of state entities where I have realised the importance in supply chain and material management. During the humanitarian operations the tri-forces depended heavily on back-up support for logistics. Timely supply of food, medicine and ammunition to the battlefields was essential. Thus the importance of supply and materials management was realised,” he said.