SLIM launches novel course on Public Sector marketing

The Sri Lanka Institute of Marketing (SLIM) has introduced a novel marketing course catering to the public sector employees in the country under the patronage of Lalith Weeratunga, Secretary to the President, who was recently conferred as an Honorary Fellow Member of SLIM.

Weerathunga is only the second Sri Lankan to be conferred as an Honorary Fellow Member of SLIM, joining Prof. Uditha Liyanage, Sri Lankan Marketing Guru in the exclusive league. Prof. Philip Kotler and Hermawan Karthajaya, international advocates of Marketing have been conferred as Honorary SLIM Fellow members earlier.

 “The decision to confer the honorary status to Weeratunga, was based on many contributions he made towards in taking marketing to the public sector as well as his influence with academia and various steps he has taken to develop the future of our country through greater professionalism,” SLIM President Thushara Perera said.

The launch of the Certificate in Public Sector Marketing (PSM) was held amidst SLIM council members   Thushara Perera (President), Rohan Somawansa (Immediate Past President), Tilan Wijeyasekera (Vice President), Kalana Ratnayake (Secretary),  Dhanesh Jayathilaka (Asst. Secretary),   Ruwan Liyanagamage (Treasurer), Sanath Senanayake (CEO/Executive Director) SLIM staff Samantha Rathnayake (AGM - Operations and Education),  Chamil Wickremasinghe (Manager-Membership Services and Development).

SLIM presented the Coursework Book signifying the launch to Weeratunga at the Telecommunication Regulatory Commission office where he holds the position of Chairman, recently.

Furthermore, SLIM spearheaded by Perera, presented 60 books of ‘Marketing in the Public sector: A roadmap for Improved Performance’ co-authored by Dr. Philip Kotler and Nancy Lee to Weeratunga at this occasion commemorating launch.

Weeratunga in accepting the status stated, that he was delighted in having received this honorary status from SLIM, the national body for marketing, and that taking marketing to the public sector was essential, as it would ensure better service to the nation , he also said that he was happy to partner SLIM in this endeavour.

The Certificate in Public Sector Marketing (PSM) is the combination of professional expertise in the Public Sector and the Sri Lanka Institute of Marketing (SLIM) enhancing the skills and knowledge of Public Sector employees through applying marketing intelligence. Through this introduction, marketing and sales professionals, both seasoned and fresh in the public sector in Sri Lanka, would further strengthen their theoretical and applied knowledge.

Elaborating further SLIM CEO and Executive Director Senanayake said: “SLIM, as the national marketing body has always worked closely with the public sector of our country, Sri Lanka’s strength of the public sector has increased to 1.1 million over the years, making up 14% of the total working population. With the country blossoming through economic resurgence, the state sector will play a vital role in the development of our country without a doubt.

He further added, “Within this context we are happy to present the Certificate in Public Sector Marketing, which is a course conducted especially for public sector employees, aspiring to be employed in the public sector and those who are keen in learning marketing which is an essential tool not only in ones professional life but also day-today personal life. They will be exposed to fundamentals of marketing and they may continue with our Post Graduate Diploma in Marketing subsequently. This introduction is an advancing factor in the public sector in mounding this segment to reach greater heights in marketing and would no doubt create the roadmap to improve their performance.” 

The program will be delivered over a period of fourmonths which includes Introduction to Marketing, Application of Marketing Tools and Managing Marketing Process etc. Students will be able to work closely with an experienced SLIM faculty. Those who are interested can call