Thursday Nov 28, 2024
Thursday Nov 28, 2024
Thursday, 20 November 2014 00:03 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
From left: Romesh Moraes, Aslam Omar, Rozaine Cooray, Muthaiah Muralidaran and Kushil Gunasekara
The Crisis to Character model of change was highlighted through the panel discussion where leaders from each sphere of expertise shared their thoughts and views regarding crisis and character growth. Romesh Moraes took the stage first and inspired the audience by the simple but powerful message, “You are here in this season, for a reason.” He also mentioned the importance of focusing on ‘now’ and the ‘future’ rather than on what has happened in the past. 
A video presentation in between the panel discussion showcased the endorsements given by persons from the organisational sector, to humanitarian sector, academia and also from the arena of sports. The endorsements came from local experts such as Dr. Anura Ekanayake, Kushil Gunasekera, Muttiah Muralidaran, and foreign personalities such as David Williams, Prof. David Mellor, and Anna de Boer who have studied and worked in the area of change and transition.
Aslam Omar, Director Brandix Lanka Ltd and a reader of Rozaine’s columns, took the stage thereafter and discussed the crisis that hit the apparel industry in Sri Lanka with the effects of the lapse of quota in early 2000s and GSP crisis in mid 2000s and the credit crunch in 2007-2009. He also brought to light how crisis sets the platform for creativity and innovation which he could greatly relate to coming from the apparel industry.
Furthermore, thoughts from Muttiah Muralidaran who had reviewed and endorsed the ‘Crisis to Character Model’ left the audience moved as he emphasised the importance of support in character building. He brought out examples from his childhood and also mainly from the cricketing career to elaborate his point of view. He related lessons learnt in not quitting, in not giving up, in continuing to be passionate about the cause which enriches a person to be more hardy and resilient.
Additionally, Kushil Gunasekara, Founder of Foundation of Goodness and also a reader of Rozaine’s columns, who had looked at the ‘Crisis to Character Model’ from community building perspective after the 2004 tsunami, mentioned the ability to find an opportunity in every crisis and how that mindset allows you to overcome the crisis. Relating his experience is Seenigama when the tsunami devoured the village and the normality of life, he mentioned how after 10 years the village stands as a model village of community character that supports many more communities, villages and people from around the country.
A message from Dian Gomes, Managing Director of MAS Intimates and Group Director of MAS Holdings, who was not able to attend, was read out to the audience by Shanaka Amarasekara which not only congratulated Rozaine Cooray, but also emphasised on the importance of a book of this nature in order to change and transform the organisations and the society for the better.
Following the panel discussion, a reading from the book was done by Dilshan Rodrigo, the Chief Operating Officer of HNB Assurance PLC, where he gave an introduction to the book and its three sections: I, You, We, and read an excerpt from an article that discusses ‘defensive behaviour in the workplace’.
The book was launched thereafter where Rozaine personally handed the first copy of ‘From Crisis to Character’ to her father, Russell Cooray, and then to all the dignitaries from Romesh Moraes, Aslam Omar, Muttiah Muralidaran and Kushil Gunasekara.
The evening ended with a speech from the author herself, where she explored the meaning and importance of work, by relating to her personal and professional experiences and crises while disclosing the beautiful journey of the book which left the audience inspired and encouraged.
Amongst the invitees were organisational leaders and HR personnel such as Suren Rajanathan, Vice President of 3M Lanka, Isuru Tillakawardana, DGM- HR Management at Commercial Bank Of Ceylon PLC, Rohan Pandithakoralage, Chief Human Resource Office at Aitken Spence, Dimuth De Alwis, Director of Group Human Resources at Hemas Holdings PLC, and Chrishanta Jayasinghe, Managing Director of Sarva Integrated.
From Crisis to Character will be available at all the leading bookshops and could also be reserved by emailing Fortè at [email protected]. Special discounts and seasonal promotions are available.
