ISMM holds 23rd convocation

ISMM President Noel Wickramasinghe (right) handing over a token of appreciation to the Chief Guest Prof. Ananda Jayawardena, Vice Chancellor, University of Moratuwa in the presence of Course Director Harsha Sirimanne (centre)

The Institute of Supply and Materials Management, the pioneer institute for supply chain education and training in Sri Lanka established in 1972, conducted its 23 Convocation to award Graduate Diplomas in Purchasing and Supply Chain Management to 41 students who successfully completed the grueling 14 Module 3 Year Course. 

The Convocation was held at the BMICH with Prof. Ananda Jayawardena, Vice Chancellor of the University of Moratuwa as the Chief Guest. The Guests of Honour were Dilith Jayaweera, Chairman/Managing Director of George Steuarts Group and Lal Keerthi Gunawardena, Managing Director of Lucky Lanka Milk Processing Co Ltd.

The Capt V. T. D. Amaratunga SLN Memorial Award for the Best Student was won by Rukmal Liyanage of Cairn Lanka Ltd., the S.A.P. Rupesinghe Memorial Award for the 2nd Best Student was won by Nuwangi Ranasinghe of Ansell Lanka Ltd., and the Gp. Capt. A. H. Puvimanasinghe Memorial Award for the 3rd Best Student was won by Nilantha Nayana Kumara of Lion Brewery (Ceylon) PLC.

ISMM President Noel Wickramasinghe speaking on the occasion said: “Today it is all about our new diplomates who are receiving their Graduate Diploma after three years of hard work and commitment. You were not just school leavers, but already represent different organisations performing various roles. Therefore, we acknowledge the commitment you have shown during these years of study while making sacrifices which only you will know better. As a diplomate myself long time ago I am aware of the kind of family commitments that were put on hold during the course of study and I believe the family members of every diplomate should be appreciated for their support and tolerance which ensured your success.”

He further noted: “This Convocation is not the end of your study. In fact it is the beginning of your future careers, where we expect you to put into practice every piece of knowledge you have gained during these three years and serve your respective organisations and the country as well. Especially supply chain professionals are capable of handling any given target on time or otherwise they cannot survive in the business. They are really result-driven personnel in any organisation.” 

Therefore, he requested the graduates who step out as well qualified professionals in the field of supply chain management, to keep in touch and be a part of the ISMM Alumni Association and participate in the workshops and seminars that will be a forum for sharing knowledge and experience.

Wickramasinghe further stated that the ISMM was undertaking many steps to ensure that students of the ISMM will become the frontliners of the industry, and invited them to continue their partnership with the ISMM starting as an Associate Member and later a Corporate Member and finally a Fellow Member, which is the highest recognition of the supply chain profession today. Further, as pioneers of the supply chain education and now as an ISO certified organisation, he sought the continuous support as active members of ISMM to carry the flame forward. 

He further observed that the graduates will be entrusted with more responsibilities at their respective organisations and he noted with confidence that the key is to maintain the highest levels of professional ethics, discipline in supply chain management and face any challenge with the right shift in attitudes which will help to reach the pinnacle of respective careers easily. He noted that with the qualifications gained, a positive change in one’s attitudes ought to follow and to add value to the qualifications by changing one’s attitudes, especially with positive thinking.

Wickramasinghe acknowledged the commitment and support of the course directors, faculty members, chairman and members of the professional development committee, acting director of training and the staff members who have been the guides of the success of the graduates. He concluded his address commending the efforts of the newly passed out students who has been responsible for the successful organisation of the 2015 Convocation ceremony.