Project Management Institute Regional Presidents meet

For the First time in history, Sri Lanka has been chosen as the venue for such a higher level planning and update sessions.  Usually such meetings are held in India, Singapore, Australia, Hong Kong or Japan.

This has positively promoted Sri Lanka as a good venue for such high level events

As a neutral location, all West Asian and other Asian countries can travel to Sri Lanka without any

Travel restrictions and most nationals can obtain visas on arrival for such an International event as Sri Lanka also promotes professional tourists.   

Many reasons to select the location were explained, as initially this meeting was to be held in Tokyo Japan.

After the tsunami disaster the meeting was postponed due to safety concerns. When PMI Colombo Sri Lanka Chapter President Hugo Wisidagama promoted Sri Lanka as a beach resort all decision makers agreed to have it despite the short notice.

PMI USA has given the green light to have this meeting in Sri Lanka.

In general, the favorite locations for this meeting are the south west or eastern countries such as Singapore, Japan, Australia or India.

However the PMI Colombo Chapter’s progress and also country direction towards PM practices has made them decide to have the First PMI Chapter Presidents’ Regional Meeting in Sri Lanka.

As a tourism Promotion effort in year 2011, PMI Sri Lankan Chapter has encouraged the holding of this meeting in a beach resort — Waikal, Negombo rather than in a City Hotel.

This is a good sign for Sri Lanka as there is no risk factor involved or any opposition from other countries to hold this meeting in Sri Lanka.

PMI Globally recognised the, PMI Colombo Chapter activities working with the government, industry and private sector to develop project management practices through education, participation with various activities not only just training the project managers for certifications.

Since PMI Colombo Chapter has brought the credibility to Sri Lanka and PM Professionals to host such a high level “Planning Meeting,” the PMI Leadership Institute’s knowledge sharing session will bring great experience to all participants in a different country.

As Chapter President Hugo Wisidagama, explained, that the next Regional Conference too will be promoted to be held in Sri Lanka in 2012.

All West Asian Chapter Presidents and Directors will attend this Planning & knowledge sharing session, which is generally held bi-annually.  

This opportunity also promotes Sri Lanka to showcase some mega “Sri Lankan project success stories” to the regional leaders such as ports development, BP/ICT - ICTA projects, tourism industry Infrastructure success to show the country’s readiness to be the regional hub for many business services.

With this meeting Sri Lanka will be once again highlighted on all PMI Global magazines, in 171 countries, to over 600,000 members as the location, with some exciting news Magazines which help to bring back the country’s image, after 30 years of war.

The country which is in par with other regional leading countries such as Malaysia, Singapore, India and Australia in terms of infrastructure and facilities.

Western and South Asian Presidents and their family get together, is also a key feature to understand, our social and cultural events.  This will open a window of opportunities to promote Sri Lanka with such future events to be held in Sri Lanka attracting professional tourists.

PMI Colombo Chapter President, Hugo Wisidagama said the feedback of the visitors will be provided to the respective authorities for the benefit of the country.