OPA successfully concludes 34th Annual Conference focusing ‘Resurgence in the New Order’

The 34th conclave of the apex body of professional associations of Sri Lanka unfolded on a high note yesterday. The 34th OPA Annual Conference commenced its proceedings with the lighting of the traditional oil lamp by OPA President Eng. Shantha Senerath, OPA President Elect Dulitha Perera and 34th OPA Annual Conference Chairman Ruchera Gunasekara, OPA General Secretary Bandula Gamaarachchi, OPA Treasurer and 34th OPA Annual Conference Convener Amila Sugathapala, Senior VP Dr. Naresha Samarasekara representing the Executive Council and the Vice Presidents of the OPA, Rajah Corale representing the Forum of the OPA, and OPA Center Director D.N. Seneviratne.

The overall proceeding of the conference was grounded to its apt theme: ‘Resurgence in the New Order’ and to set stage to this insightful event, Keynote Speaker Lord Dr. Hastings of Scarisbrick CBE, House of Lords, Westminster, London deliberated on ‘a now Board matter’, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Environmental, Social and  Governance (ESG) emphasised that it ultimately comes to the point that one must have integrity to tell the truth – to hold to the truth and to live for the truth, despite the current norms and go against the odds to do what is right for our land – the environment and to regain right balance in our ecosystems.

Delivering his welcome address, Eng. Shantha Senerath said: “As most other organisations and associations OPA too were influenced by the impetus presented by the COVID-19 pandemic over embracing technology. OPA was able to progressively revive to cater to the new order, hence, the conclusion of the 34th OPA Annual Conference proceedings was one of its most glamorous endeavours which resulted through seamless technological interventions.”

Dulitha Perera, delivering his speech, reflected upon the tall tale and purpose of the conference theme and logo. Dulitha stated that all efforts were made by the conference committee to recognise the endeavours and focus of OPA’s member associations be seen with a bird’s eye view and those key subject matters be brought to the forefront to deliberate at 34th OPA Annual conference being a symposium of representation of the recognised professional fraternity in our Country.

The compelling story of the theme starts with showcasing the 32 diverse professions representing 52 professional associations, and how OPA fraternity could contribute through the collectivism of its member associations to help unlock our potential to the betterment of our country and the society we live in. 

The star that beckons the professionals as frontline members for the country’s development agenda whilst the earth in the middle of the star resembles the global outreach of our professionals. The 32 coloured boxes depict every professional is at par with each other despite the diversity in respective practices.

Amongst all these significant encounters, the OPA Editor presented its Journal to the President, President-Elect, General Secretary and Treasurer of OPA.

The technical presentations unfold into six core areas with the opening plenary session delivered by Brandix Apparel Ltd. Group CEO Ashroff Omar and CEO Dr. Udaya Indrarathne, Tourism Vertical, Ajlan and Bros Holding Group on Resurgence of Entrepreneurs and Entrepreneurship in Sri Lanka.

Running into concurrent sessions Open University of Sri Lanka former Vice Chancellor Prof. S.A. Ariadurai, National University of Singapore Director – Centre for Development of Teaching and Learning Dr. Dujeepa D. Samarasekera and Dyson School of Design Engineering of Imperial College, United Kingdom Professor in Robotics Prof. Thrishantha Nanayakkara discussed on the ‘Resurgence in the country’s Education System’ in their break out room whilst in the other break out room, experts were focusing on Imperatives for Sustainable Economic Development, delivered by KPMG IMPACT, London Global Head Richard Threlfall together with University of Colombo Professor/Head – Department of Economics Prof. Sirimal Abeyratne. 

The second round of concurrent sessions deliberated on ‘Leveraging supply chain for Sri Lanka by connecting with the global supply chain to gain competitive advantage’ which was delivered by Sathsindhu Ltd. Managing Director Rohaan Abeywickrema and IAS Holdings Group Managing Director Tania Polonnowita in a break out session and in the other break out room a session on legal and regulatory reforms that are required to develop today’s rippling transformative business and economic environment with a key thrust focus areas viz Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs), Agriculture sector, and Healthcare sector was presented by Padmini Walgama, Dr. Harsha Cabral PC and DIG Dr. Ajith Rohana.

In conclusion, closing plenary reflected on the Tourism Industry as one of the worst hit industries due to the pandemic and focus on strategic direction, delivered by Kimarli Fernando, fundamental shift required in the product offering, delivered by Dillip Rajakarier, and addressing the need for human capital development in the hospitality and tourism sector delivered by Eraj Abeywardena to cater to the brewing demands.

The 34th OPA Conference e-Souvenir was launched by the President, President-Elect, General Secretary, Treasurer and Convener of the 34th OPA Annual Conference. E-Souvenir amongst other information about the conference recognised conference sponsors including SLT-Mobitel for being the Official Telecommunication Partner, Siam City Cement (Lanka) Limited as Gold Sponsor and, HNB Finance PLC, Huawei Sri Lanka and Cargills Ceylon PLC as Bronze Sponsors.

The virtual conclave was live broadcasted on its social media channels and was well attended by its professionals.