Past President’s generosity strengthens SLIM library
Tuesday, 30 September 2014 00:01
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The ‘SLIM Prof. Philip Kotler Library’ of Sri Lanka Institute of Marketing (SLIM), already one of the most comprehensive libraries in the country dedicated to sales and marketing fields, was further strengthened recently with the donation of over 200 books on marketing and management.
The books were part of the private collection of SLIM Past President Willie Weerasekara, who is domiciled in the USA, and were donated by him with the aim of nurturing upcoming marketers in Sri Lanka. Another Past President of SLIM, Nimal Gunawardhana also contributed to the resources of the popular library by donating a book on digital media.
The donation was made through Daya Senanayake, founder member of SLIM at an official ceremony held on 3 September at SLIM Home. He read out the message sent by Willie Weerasekara in which he mentioned about marketing. “The fundamentals of marketing have not changed. What has changed is how we manage marketing within the dramatically changed situation. The growing sophistication and interconnection of consumers and citizens around the world, who have been acclimatised to a global point of view by cross border trade, communications and consumption has changed the playing field,” he said.
The event saw the participation of President Kalana Rathnayaka, past Presidents, Dehan Seneviratne who coordinated the handing over of books with Willie Weerasekera, Sisira Jayalath, Taslim Rahaman, Rohan Somawansa and immediate Past PresidentGamika De Silva, together with Council members and Heads of Divisions of SLIM.
Kalana Rathnayaka, while appreciating the donation, noted the keen interest shown by Willie Weerasekara to help develop the Sri Lankan marketing field despite living overseas.
“It is truly admirable how passionate Mr. Weerasekarais about developing Sri Lankan marketers even while living abroad. As the national body for marketing SLIM takes great pride in constantly enriching local marketing talent which in turn adds value to the nation, and this gracious donation will support us immensely in this endeavour.”
SLIM CEO Sanath Senanayake commented on the importance of the donation in establishing the library as a reservoir of knowledge comparable to those of international academic institutions.
“Thanks to Willie Weerasekara’s generous contribution, the SLIM Philip Kotler library is now more equipped to serve its patrons with renewed vigour. This library is the main resource for professionals, academics and students in the marketing field and I am confident this will further increase its popularity.”
Since 1970, SLIM has been promoting marketing excellence and elevating the status of marketing, with a primary component of this endeavour being its focus on education and youth.
As the national institute for marketing in Sri Lanka, SLIM is a member of the Asia Marketing Federation, which is affiliated to the World Marketing Association.