Sunday Nov 24, 2024
Sunday Nov 24, 2024
Tuesday, 11 December 2018 00:31 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Sri Lanka’s only integrated turnkey healthcare solutions provider Premium International celebrates 15 years since its incorporation at the end of 2018. What began as a six-man trading organisation primarily targeting medical equipment supply in the year 2003, has grown today to be considered one of the most respected corporate entities in Sri Lanka with an illustrious portfolio of completed healthcare projects under its belt and is widely decorated with local, regional and international awards for entrepreneurship and business excellence.
A glittering ceremony was held at the Water’s Edge, Colombo the foremost thematic location within the capital to celebrate this event with the participation of all Premium associates, their families, ex Premium employees, visiting overseas healthcare technology partners and a host of dignitaries which included well known corporate personalities and senior health sector professionals .
The gala event kicked off in style with two of the most well-known TV personalities taking over the compeering tasks with an abundance of energy and enthusiasm adding their professional communication on display both in English as well in Sinhala. Adding colour to this glamorous event was the three dance acts performed by the well-known Sri Lankan dance troupe of Chandana Weerasinghe who has won a host of international competitions.
Premium staff, their families and the overseas technology partners of Premium were given pride and place in the event as the company recognised their invaluable contribution to date to make Premium shine in the corporate landscape of Sri Lanka. 12 deserving associates who have served more than 10 years in the organisation were recognised at the event in lieu of their loyal contribution to the organisation.
Premium International MD/CEO Prasantha Kularatna reminisced on the exciting story of how Premium International was conceived when he accidentally encountered some of the leading entrepreneurs in the country on a one on one basis as a part of his academic submissions to complete his Masters Degree at the Post Graduate Institute of Management of the Sri Jayewardenepura University. This experience was further reinforced when he had the opportunity to be a part of a group of entrepreneurs who travelled on a three-week study tour to Japan organised under the patronage of JASTECA. During his speech he bestowed great praise on the inspiring moments he shared with those special breed of people and how it had not taken long for him to plunge into the unknown, giving up a senior corporate position to create the “Premium” story upon his return to the country.
A guest lecture was delivered by one of the most senior and respected corporate personalities in Sri Lanka, LAUGFS Chairman W.K.H. Wegapitiya group of companies highlighting the maturity, resilience and character displayed by companies that go beyond 10 years of operations from their inception which ironically is a rare feat in the modern business world with more than 50% of all start-ups failing to cross that milestone. The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Laith Ekanayake, former Director General Health Service of the Sri Lanka Navy but more fondly known today as one of the best wildlife photographers the country has ever produced. Having won some of the most recognised wildlife photo competitions in the world he had a story to narrate given his rich experience in the wild relating to the need to protect our wildlife, flora and fauna this beautiful country has been blessed with, in impeccable style using captivating photo journalism.
Adding vibrancy and colour to the event was the final act performed by the internationally famed fusion drum troupe from Sri Lanka – Ravi Bandu Vidyapathi. They held the attention of the 250+ audience in breathless wonder for close to 15 minutes with a demonstration of master drumming techniques using nine different types of indigenous traditional drums. This colourful and elegant event came to an end with a sumptuous buffet highlighting the typical gastronomical and culinary skills of the Waters Edge, which has been synonymous with its patrons for years.
