Abans becomes Official Career Partner for SLIM students

The national body of marketing in Sri Lanka, SLIM, joined hands for the first time with the Abans Group, and welcomed the leading conglomerate as the official career partner of the institute. The monumental signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) took place recently. The partnership will focus on capacity building of SLIM students through knowledge sharing and career guidance, along with opportunities for employment. 

Officials of both organisations, including SLIM President Suranjith Swaris, SLIM CEO Sanath Senanayake, SLIM Manager – Education Nanduni Dahanayaka, Abans Group Director Dr. Saroshi Dubash, Abans Group CEO Sriyan de Silva Wijeyeratne, and Abans Group Chief Human Resources Officer Dulani Nissanka attended the official signing of the MoU.

Over the last couple of years, a tremendous growth and demand for SLIM certified sales and marketing professionals has taken place across the nation, which has led to SLIM forging this partnership with the Abans Group in order to further enhance the quality of educational programs offered by the institute. SLIM focuses not only on the theoretical facet of education, but also on practical learning as well, which aids immensely in facilitating the careers of the students. 

Suranjith Swaris noted: “This is a win-win agreement for both parties. Being the national body of marketing, SLIM is exercising its national responsibility by developing professionals, and their skills and knowledge, to a point where they can confidently perform in the corporate world. Thus, this collaboration will provide a definite platform for our students to explore career opportunities while also providing Abans with the opportunity to attract skilled human resources personnel to the organisation.” 

Speaking at the event, Dulani Nissanka acknowledged the significance of this partnership. “With a 50-year legacy in Sri Lanka, the Abans Group is a company focused on the upliftment of the nation. It is critical that we enable the youth of Sri Lanka to get the right education, which in turn benefits the country at large. 

“We believe SLIM is the pioneer in marketing education in Sri Lanka, and contributes immensely to this cause. Retailing being one of the key segments within the Abans Group, we take every effort in acquiring and building the teams’ capabilities. Our partnership with SLIM will assist in further strengthening the group’s sales and marketing competency and augment our employer brand amongst sales and marketing professionals.”  

Sanath Senanayake stated: “This alliance is a lucrative opportunity to enhance a mutual relationship between the two organisations as well as with the entire marketing fraternity. We thank the Abans Groups’ management for partnering with us, as their ‘Career Partner’ while contributing to the enhancement of the marketing fraternity in the country.” 

The MOU forms a part of SLIM’s commitment to support educational initiatives in the marketing fraternity, and to encourage and promote professional marketing skills in the country. SLIM has always campaigned for high professional standards, greater recognition for the profession and marketing excellence in Sri Lanka through education, training and development.