CMI Communities Live: Sri Lanka celebrates leadership and innovation

 Chief Guest British High Commissioner Andrew Patrick (sixth from right) flanked by CMI UK CEO Ann Francke OBE and CMI Sri Lanka Kamaya Perera at the event

Seated from left: CMI Sri Lanka 2nd Vice President/Project Chair Dr. Thesara Jayawardane, CMI Sri Lanka President Kamaya Perera, CMI UK CEO Ann Francke, CMI Sri Lanka Immediate Past President Prof. Ajantha Dharmasiri, 1st Vice President Chaminda De Silva 

Standing from left: Executive Committee members Assistant Secretary Chaya Ranaweera, Secretary Ninesh Amirthaiah, Assistant Treasurer Graeme Le Brouy, Hon. Secretary Rishantha Mendis, Ex-Co member Uthpala Ranasinghe. Absent Ex-Co members Ravi Jayawardane, Farhaz Farouk and Tharindu Amarasekara

The Chartered Manag-ement Institute (CMI) UK, in collaboration with CMI Sri Lanka (CMI-SL) on 8 November hosted “CMI Communities Live” at the Galle Face Hotel, Colombo. 

Themed “Navigating change in uncertain times,” the event provided an exclusive platform for CMI members in Sri Lanka to connect, engage, and enhance their skills in today’s evolving professional landscape.

The event was graced by British High Commissioner Andrew Patrick, as the Chief Guest, who delivered the opening remarks. CMI UK CEO Ann Francke OBE, served as the Guest of Honour. The event also welcomed a distinguished assembly of delegates from the UK, alongside high-ranking professionals from Sri Lanka.

The agenda featured insightful fireside chats and panel discussions on entrepreneurship, leadership, and strategies for navigating change in uncertain times, led by a distinguished panel of experts, including Mark Surgenor, Kamaya Perera, Suranga Herath, Suren Fernando, Ravi Jayawardena, Rishantha Mendis, Yohan Lawrence, Prof. Ajantha Dharmasiri, and Dr. Thesara Jayawardane.

A key highlight of the evening was the presentation of new Chartered Manager and Fellow certificates, awarded to individuals who demonstrated exceptional leadership and management skills. The awards were presented by Ann Francke OBE, reinforcing CMI’s dedication to promoting management excellence globally. roject Chair of the event Dr. Thesara Jayawardane, was specially recognised for her shortlisting as a nominee for the 2024 Chartered Manager of the Year Award. She received a Certificate of Recognition from Ann Francke, honouring her outstanding leadership and contributions to the field of management.

The event also included a Felicitation of Past Presidents, acknowledging their invaluable contributions to the growth and success of CMI Sri Lanka over the years.

In her address, Ann Francke OBE reflected on the rapid growth of CMI’s learner community in Sri Lanka, which has expanded from 350 members in 2021 to over 500 today, with total membership now exceeding 650. 

 “Over the last three years, we have witnessed tremendous growth in our presence and impact in Sri Lanka. This growth reflects the increasing recognition of the value of professional management qualifications and the demand for skilled leadership across the region,” she noted. 

CMI Sri Lanka President Kamaya Perera said: “CMI’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of managers and leaders will play a pivotal role in strengthening the management profession in Sri Lanka and enriching the strong educational ties between the UK and Sri Lanka. Our ongoing efforts to elevate professional standards, champion ethical leadership, and promote continuous development within the management community are making a tangible difference in how institutions are managed.”

The event underscored the vital role that Chartered Managers play in driving professional standards and business success, both in Sri Lanka and internationally.