World’s marketing guru Kotler opens a new chapter with inaugural visit to Sri Lanka

The world renowned marketing guru Professor Philip Kotler arrived in the country yesterday heralding a new chapter for him as well as Sri Lanka.

For the 80 year old guru it was the first visit to Sri Lanka which is described as truly a pearl in the Indian Ocean. Kotler is in the country on a four-day visit on an invitation by the Sri Lanka institute of Marketing (SLIM). 

On arrival at the airport Kotler was welcomed by the SLIM delegation comprising the President SLIM Thushara Perera, Adviser to the project Rohan Somawansa and Project Chairman Ruwan Liyanagama. Also there to welcome him was Sri Lanka Tourist Board Chairman Dr. Nalaka Godahewa.

Kotler was accorded the warm traditional welcome at BIA as well as at Cinnamon Grand his host hotel during the stay. Kotler told the Daily FT last night that both receptions and the welcome were “outstanding.” A select group of marketing leaders including past Presidents of SLIM had a networking get together with Kotler at Cinnamon Grand’s iconic Nugagama last night.

On Monday Kotler will address an estimated 1,000 junior to mid-level career marketers and students at an event titled Knowledge Forum Marketing 3.0 – Values Driven Marketing” from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Waters Edge and on the same day at 6.30 p.m. enthrall a fully booked CEO’s forum on how to increase shareholder value through marketing. Over 200 CEOs have already confirmed participation, according to SLIM. On a special invitation Kotler will today address the Public Sector Marketing Forum at Waters Edge, Eagle Room. This programme includes a learning session followed by a dinner. Over 200 including Ministers and senior state sector officials are scheduled to participate. Kotler is also scheduled to pay a courtesy call on President Mahinda Rajapaksa today whilst on Sunday he will fly to personally enjoy a visit to Sigiriya.

Daily FT is an official print media partner for Kotler’s landmark visit and from Monday, 6 June issue readers can enjoy a value added full coverage.  - Pix by Kithsiri de Mel