Daily FT to moderate inaugural ICCS’s debates in the boardroom tomorrow

The Daily FT will moderate a ground breaking initiative by the Institute of Chartered Corporate Secretaries (ICCS) of Sri Lanka’s titled “The Debates in the Boardroom” first in the series of which will be held tomorrow (4 March) from 2 p.m. to 5.30 p.m. at the Hilton Colombo Residence.

The inaugural debate will be on “interest of the majority is of greater importance than that of the minority” with President’s Counsel Dr. Harsha Cabral and former Chairman of Ceylon Chamber of Commerce Chandra Jayaratne as proposers whilst top former banker and business leader Ranjith Fernando and Lion Brewery Ceylon CEO Suresh Shah as opposers.

Modelled on the lines of Doha Debates the event is opened to the public by prior registration.  At the beginning and end of the debate every participant will cast his / her vote on a given voting card.  The organisers will count the vote and at the time of winding up of the seminar the moderator will announce the winners so that the audience will know the shift in thinking.   

Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Corporate Secretaries and senior business leader Prof.M.T. Furkhan will define the parameters of the debate held in partnership with Daily FT.

“At a time when there is increased focus on the Boardroom, the Institute decided to organise a seminar series on a sensitive aspect of the role of the Board and the individual Director.  Under a main theme five topics of relevance will be discussed monthly,” ICCS President Bentley Batsenbach said.

Subjects proposed to be debated monthly include “Declaration of conflict of interest (in annual reports) is by itself is not adequate”; “Independent directors system in Sri Lanka works only in name and not in practice”; “Stringent regulations are essential for the growth of the capital market”; and “A chairman without sufficient equity is of very little consequence.”

Registration for the first boardroom debate tomorrow is via Institute of Chartered Corporate Secretaries of Sri Lanka, 546/6B, Galle Road, Colombo 3. Tel/Fax: 2301982 Email – [email protected]