WiLAT Sri Lanka Forum celebrates first anniversary
Thursday, 27 March 2014 00:00
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The Chartered Institute of Logistic and Transport Sri Lanka (CILT), with its mission to promote and encourage the art and science of logistics and Transport, took a giant step forward in March 2013 to encourage women representation in transport and logistics industry by launching the Women in Logistics and Transport Sri Lanka (WiLAT) forum.
The main objective of the forum is to create a platform to discuss issues connected with the low profile of women in the industry and to provide opportunities for their career advancement by empowering them to make the right choices in their careers and become leading professionals in the industry.
WiLAT had their first AGM in May 2013 and Gayani de Alwis was elected as the Chairperson with a strong executive committee being formed to take the activities forward.
To coincide with International Women’s Day which fell on 8 March, WiLAT organised a panel discussion themed ‘Can women change the dynamics of logistics and transport industry?’ on 7 March at the Galadari Hotel.
The keynote speaker for the event was Kasturi Chellaraja Wilson, Managing Director Hemas Transportation sector. The panel consisted of Shea Wickremasinghe, Managing Director of Ceylon Biscuits Ltd., Kasturi Chellaraja Wilson, Gayani de Alwis, Chairperson WiLAT, Hanif Yusoof, Group Managing Director Expo Lanka and Saliya Senanayake, Managing Director Lanka Shipping and Logistics. The event also marked the first anniversary of WiLAT, which attracted a large gathering from different sectors of logistics and transport industry.
Gayani in her welcome address mentioned that no country can expect economic growth by leaving half of its population behind. Therefore WiLAT’s primary objective is to encourage more women to get into this male dominated logistics and transport industry to create more value to the industry. She went on to mention that as a first step WiLAT has developed a career brochure for the different sectors in the industry (e.g. aviation, maritime, supply chain, land transportation and freight and cargo) identifying the career paths that women can take up.
Work is also underway to conduct a survey to analyse the engagement of women in the industry sector wise, and to get a more broad understanding of the career paths available in the industry and how WiLAT forum can encourage more women in doing so. WiLAT also plan to organise a series of events such as guest lectures, panel discussions consisting of prominent ladies in the industry, special program like this on the International women’s day, mentoring programs to encourage young females and also some fun activities too.
WiLAT membership is open to all women employees in public and private sector organizations of logistics, transport, supply chain and supporting functions and also in the academia. WiLAT hope that the activities that have been planned will provide a platform for women engaged in the industry to maximise their true potential both professionally and personally.
