PIMA felicitates future managers

The presentation of certificates to participants of the Management Development Programme organised by the Postgraduate Institute of Management Alumni was held recently at the Galadari Hotel.

The programme, which has developed almost 1,000 managers in the private and public sector, celebrated the achievements of the 23rd batch of participants, which was one of the largest groups, with 60 participants representing a wide spectrum of industry.

Chief Guest Dr. Ajantha Dharmasiri, a renowned management consultant with an impressive list of achievements accumulated over two decades of private and public sector experience, gave an inspirational speech to the participants, drawing upon his own experiences as well as his vision for the future.

Focusing on this moment as the start of a new journey, Dr. Dharmasiri emphasised on the need to look at things differently, stepping outside the box and taking action to tackle the new and exciting challenges that are presented by an ever changing world.

He added that in the future, the world would become a globalised areas for play and that it is imperative to become “brilliant on basics” as a way of managing yourself as well as others.

He also stressed on the R factor, stating that if there are no results, there was no point in the exercise. A new kind of capital, he stated, was knowledge and those who invest their creativity and imagination would ensure that they are treasured as human capital in their place of work.

Dr. Dharmasiri stated that the future organisation was not organisational individuals (where the people have to adapt to the organisation) but individual organisations where the workers are supported and looked after with their needs and flexibility placed first.

However, he mentioned the importance of teamwork, the need to synergise and make tangible the efforts and actions of the individual. He also encouraged the participants to act with confidence, do things differently and ask questions – vital requirements for effective managers.

He concluded his speech by wishing the participants all success in their future endeavours and by reminding them that, “the journey has just begun, enjoy all of it”.

The presentation of certificates was followed by the vote of thanks, delivered by Anuradhika Fernando who achieved the highest marks for the course, and a fellowship.