Nominations period extended for 6th Professional and Career Women Awards 2016

Women in Management (WIM) and IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, the organisers of the ‘6th Professional and Career Women Awards 2016’, have extended the last date to receive nominations for the awards. This is being done to attract additional nominations, particularly from the regional districts of Sri Lanka. 

The launch events for the awards program were held recently in the north and east to attract a larger and more inclusive pool of nominees that can represent Sri Lanka as a whole. Government Agents M.Y.S. Desapriya from Mannar and P.S.M. Charles from Batticaloa participated in these events. Interestingly, Charles is also a past ‘Professional and Career Women Awards’ winner. 

Women in Management Founder/Chairperson Sulochana Segera said, “WIM’s objective in conducting these awards is to bring all women, regardless of race, religion, or region, on one platform to celebrate their achievements as women. It’s time we women stand tall, highlight our success stories, and take the lead in driving Sri Lankan economy. The women who live outside Colombo have fewer opportunities to showcase their successes and achievements. The awards present a good opportunity for women of all regions to put their best feet forward and celebrate their achievements.” 

Following the nominations phase of this awards program, the final award winners will be selected by a high-powered judging panel. This year, the panel comprises representatives from WIM and IFC along with Exporters’ Association of Sri Lanka former Chairman and Nidro Supply Managing Director Dawn Austin; Lanka Sathosa Chairman Rohantha Athukorala; FJ&G De Saram

Corporate and Commercial Law Partner Ayumi Aluwihare Gunawardene; Singer Sri Lanka Director of Sales Kumar Samarasinghe and Jetwing Travels Managing Director and 2015 award winner Shiromal Cooray.

Apart from Charles and Cooray, previous Professional and Career Women Awards winners include many of Sri Lanka’s top leaders, including Hemas Transportation Sector CEO Kasturi Chellaraja Wilson, Prime Lands Managing Director Sandamini Perera, Sanasa Uthamavi Director Samadanie Kiriwandeniya, and Academy of Design Founder and Managing Director Linda Speldewinde. 

IFC Senior Operations Officer for Sri Lanka Graeme Harris said, “IFC’s partnership with WIM is creating new opportunities that will help Sri Lankan women professionals boost their skills and access new markets both locally and globally. We are proud to partner on these awards for the second year and are keen to encourage nominations from across the country.”

The Professional and Career Women Awards celebrates remarkable women who inspire others through achievements in careers, businesses, and everyday lives. The awards ceremony is planned for 24 June. Nominations can be submitted online at www.womeninmanagementawards.org.