AAP 10th Residential Seminar a tremendous success

Wednesday, 5 November 2014 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Academy for Administrative Professionals, concluded its consecutive 10th Residential Seminar, at Peacock Beach Hotel, Hambantota, recently in a very successful note. Nearly 65 participants flew via Sri Lankan Airlines from BIA to Mattala, to attend this seminar, which was conducted for Administrative Professionals, Office Managers, Executives, and Executive/Personal Assistants.

Sunethra Nugawela, delivering the welcome speech, brought to the notice on various community projects, educational events, skills development activities and the great number of employment opportunities generated by AAP. She also said that the AAP stand high today due to the group of pioneers who believed and acted upon an idea that such an educational institution would be useful to promote and serve the Administrative Professionals in this country. Then to the group of leaders and members who expanded the vision of the organisation by offering exciting new trainings, activities and events that continue to serve the constituency today. Next – to the group of future leaders and associates who will continue to nurture and develop this institution into a vibrant future, and to all organisations, who placed confidence in AAP training and for making AAP a revolutionised leader. “You have strengthened us today and given hopes of further expansion for tomorrow,” she said. Dr. W.A.M. Gunasekera Chief Guest at this occasion, speaking on the topic ‘Beyond Excellence’ said that AAP during a decade, has rendered a marvelous and unbelievable service to the fellow Administrative Professionals, community and to the country as a whole and it itself is ‘Beyond Excellence’. Brand Transition- Sustainable Success was the theme for the seminar/workshop. Dr. Chalinda Beneragama, Director Staff Development Centre of Peradeniya University was the keynote speaker. He emphasised the need of positive mind, to brand the transition. Individual concerns to develop themselves should be the prime motto, in this competitive business environment. It is important to remember that when one is rising, there may be many adverse comments, which might put one down, but the key to success is to face criticism, to answer without fear if the conscious is clear, and to ignore what is not relevant. If not the journey to embark will be unsuccessful. Hence, just forget and forgive those who do not fit into the organisational frame, goals and strategy. It is obvious, to note stepping downs but leaders must take such challenges, and be geared to face unforeseen forces and must be prepared to continue without fear; as there would be many to join when one is leaving, as long as the mission is genuine, he said. He also served as a Resource Person and conducted very informative workshops on Communication and Relational Skills and on Techniques on floral arrangements. Dr. Mahesha Kapurbandara, Dean SLIIT, Dulani Guruge Managing Director Peacock Beach Hotel, Angeli Andrado and Andrew Bultjens spoke on XL Reporting Best Practices and Tools and Techniques, Better Ways to Better Deals (Negotiations), Empowerment and Enrichment, Free Mind-Relaxed Body respectively. Prof. Carlo Fonseka speaking at the Closing Ceremony on Credibility and Existence said that the AAP and people in it are so close to his heart and he has cherish memories of AAP over the last ten years as an Academic Advisor, which he will continue with pride. The organisers are extremely happy with the unprecedented number of feedback, indicating that the AAP has planned an exciting, programme highlighting knowledge enhancement, skills development, and self upliftment followed by social events, which gave the participants to exercise talents, public speaking skills, and to apply social etiquettes. The City Tour of Magampura has been very appropriate; the participants have indicated. AAP, during this seminar joined hands with the United Nations Information Centre to commemorate the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty; which fell on 17 October. AAP representatives Prof Carlo Fonseka, and Sunethra Nugawla addressed the gathering at Gonnoruwa Maha Vidyalaya in Hambantota. In a press release AAP has indicated that the 10th Residential seminar was unique in every way, from transport, food, program, entertainment and even the presentations. Nirmala Wijesuriya, team leader with sheer enthusiasm and drive, together with her team presented an excellent educative forum, a series of entertainment and awarded a galore of prizes and surprises, creating, yet another success story, and a memorable event of the AAP AAP membership is open to administrative professionals free of charge and those who wish to obtain the membership are extended a warm welcome. AAP is grateful to Peacock Beach Hotel, Sri Lankan Airlines, 361 D Ltd, Miridiya Lake Resort and many other institutions for powering the workshop.