British High Commissioner’s address at The Management Club’s 12th Anniversary
Monday, 3 March 2014 00:53
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The British High Commissioner, John Rankin officiated as Chief Guest at the recently concluded 12th Anniversary Celebrations of The Management Club, on 18 February 2014 at Excel World, in the midst of a large gathering of members, spouses and special guests, IFC/World Bank Adam Sack and Hyaat Regency GM Diego Concha.
In his address he spoke of the need for effective management being important for any organisation, be it Government, an Embassy, Public body or the Private Sector. He said that well managed organisations tend to thrive and those badly managed tend to fail. He was happy that TMC promotes professional management work ethics and leadership skills.
The High Commissioner was appreciative of the close links TMC has through the Chartered Management Institute which had its origins way back in 1945. He said he was aware that the Chartered Management Institute now has international branches including one in Sri Lanka, which is one of significance. He mentioned that the same professional standards are required to gain the status of a Chartered Manager in both UK and Sri Lanka. This he said, creates trust between managers in both countries, when they work together and in another aspect where there is a rich bond between the two countries
He spoke of two main issues on business growth and on inclusivity. He said he shares our interest in the strong economic development in Sri Lanka during the past three years. This he said was good for Sri Lanka as well as UK. He said that there are 100 UK companies operating successfully in Sri Lanka and his task is to help those businesses grow and to identify new opportunities for UK companies seeking FDI perhaps in Sri Lanka
UK businesses he said look at good management practices as well as transparency, lack of red tape clear decision making processes, freedom from arbitrary decisions and above all good governance. He said this applies to both Sri Lanka and UK. He said promoting good governance will also speed growth and development and would attract FDIs.
At the High Commission he said, he has staff from UK, from Sri Lanka and other countries. He also has staff of different genders and sexuality and staff of different ethnic and religious backgrounds. This he said makes them stronger as a High Commission and that the diversity of experience and approaches they all bring to their work. He said that even UK’s Foreign and Commonwealth too, employs a wealth of people from different genders and ethnic and religious backgrounds.
He paid a glowing tribute for the work carried out by the CSR Arm of The Management Club ‘Enable the Disabled’ as he had personally attended some of their programs. He was pleased that ETD with the backing of TMC has recognised disabled achievers and was impressed with the work of ETD in early intervention for children with special needs. He said he shares the same goals and values of ETD.
So for all the reasons he has mentioned – their links with the Chartered Management Institute, their Corporate Social Responsibility work and their commitment to effective, transparent and ethical management – he welcomes their work and wishes them every success for the future.
