IOSL launches CASA-approved Diploma in Sales and Marketing for shipping, logistics industry

Sales and Marketing for Maritime, Shipping, Freight Forwarding and Logistics Services Diploma being launched by (from left): CASA Chairman Ikram Cuttilan, CIM Country Head Onalie Dissanayake, IOSL Managing Director/CEO Gihan Warusavitane, CASA Secretary General Ralph Anandappa, Sajitha De Mel and Rajesh Fernando, visiting lecturers of IOSL

The Institute of Shipping and Logistics (IOSL) recently launched its groundbreaking Diploma in Sales and Marketing for Maritime Shipping, Freight Forwarding and Logistics Services. 

IOSL said the diploma is a first of its kind in the world.

The launching ceremony was attended by leading dignitaries representing the shipping and logistics industry, freight forwarders, the Ports Authority, terminal operators, etc.

The diploma is approved and recognised by the Ceylon Association of Shipping Agents (CASA). The launch was graced by the Guests of Honour CASA Chairman Iqram Cuttilan, CILT Past International Vice President Saliya Senanayake and CIM (UK) Country Head Onalie Dissanayake 

Sri Lanka Ports Authority Additional MD Upul Jayatissa and CASA Secretary General Ralph Anandappa also graced the occasion. 

CASA Chairman Iqram Cuttilan in his address congratulated the IOSL for introducing this diploma at a very appropriate time. He said that the shipping and the logistics industry is a globally competitive field and the shipping companies and logistics companies find it very difficult to recruit suitably qualified candidates as marketers due to the lack of industry knowledge and the lack of marketing skills of the candidates. Consequently, this diploma would fill that void and will assist companies to find suitably qualified applicants. This diploma will also enhance the product knowledge (in shipping and logistics) and the marketing skills of practicing marketers.

The Guest of Honour and Keynote Speaker Saliya Senanayake spoke about the changes taking place in the shipping industry and said that the COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the global economy including on all people and their industries.

IOSL Founder and CEO Gihan Warusavitarne welcoming the audience stated that this diploma was created to produce dynamic marketers who have acquired a knowledge about the logistics industry as well as skills in sales and marketing.

This six-month groundbreaking diploma qualification will help to unleash the potential of practicing marketers as well as beginners who seek to join the shipping and logistics industry. The participants who successfully complete this course will derive the following benefits to enhance their careers:

a) Practicing marketers and sales personnel would acquire adequate marketing skills to up their game and become great marketers in the shipping and logistics industry. The diploma qualification would assist them to successfully achieve their career goals.

b) It would greatly assist beginners who seek a marketing career within the shipping and logistics industry to secure rewarding career opportunities. Consequently the employers i.e. shipping and logistics companies will have a great opportunity to select from among diploma completers who have acquired skills in marketing and sales as well as a more than basic knowledge of shipping and logistics (as the course includes the 16 module Director General of Merchant Shipping/Ministry of Ports and Shipping authorised Certificate in Logistics Services and Freight Forwarding Program).

IOSl was recently elected as a University Partner of CIM, UK. Registrations for the course are now open and further information could be obtained by contacting the IOSL hotline (0777 891 767) or email ([email protected]). The lectures are expected to commence in early April at the Ladies College IPS Colombo 3.

Pix by Ruwan Walpola

 From left: CIM Country Head Onalie Dissanayake, Guest of Honour CASA Chairman Ikram Cuttilan, Guest of Honour FCILT past International VP of CILT Saliya Senanayake and IOSL Managing Director/CEO Gihan Warusavitane