National Supply Chain Day 2025 celebrations highlight excellence and innovation

The Institute of Supply and Materials Management (ISMM) successfully held the National Supply Chain Day 2025 Celebrations on 24 October 2025 at the Monarch Imperial, Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte, in collaboration with the Ministry of Industries and the Industrial Development Board (IDB).

The event marked a significant milestone for Sri Lanka’s supply chain community, recognising over five decades of ISMM’s contribution to developing professional standards in Supply Chain Management (SCM). 

Established on 24th October 1972 and incorporated by an Act of Parliament (Act No. 3 of 1981), ISMM continues to be the nation’s leading institution in advancing supply chain education and practice.

The day-long celebrations were held under the theme “Empowering Sri Lanka’s Supply Chain: Innovation and Resilience in a Global Landscape.” 

The morning seminar featured technical sessions, a CEO Forum, and an Industry Forum, bringing together prominent local and international experts, corporate leaders, and practitioners. The Chief Guest of the event was Ports and Civil Aviation Deputy Minister Eng. Janitha Ruwan Kodithuwakku, while the Guest of Honour was Siam City Cement (Lanka) Ltd., Chairman and CEO Nandana Ekanayake. The Keynote Address was delivered by New Zealand High Commissioner to Sri Lanka and Maldives David Pine.

The first technical session, themed “Innovative Practices for Supply Chain Resilience,” was chaired by 

Fairway Holdings Former Group CEO Imal Fonseka with presentations by The Pathfinder Foundation Executive Director Dr. Dayaratne Silva and Fairway Holdings Group CEO Ashean Karthelis.

The CEO Forum, chaired by Ceylon Biscuits Ltd, CEO Nalin Karunaratne, focused on “Navigating Global Disruption: Executive Strategies for Supply Chain Continuity.” Industry leaders Nestlé Lanka Chairman and Managing Director Bernhard Stefan, Singer Sri Lanka Group CEO/Managing Director Mahesh Wijewardane, Lanka Corrugated Industries Chairman Benet Gamlath, PrintEcel Packaging Director/CEO Duminda Perera and DIMO PLC Executive Director Chaminda Ranawana shared insights on resilience and leadership during volatile times.

The third technical session, chaired by ISMM Past President I. G. Perera, centered on “Digital Transformation in Supply Chain Management.” Presentations were delivered by Ascent Business Solutions Senior General Manager Shiran Hettiarachchi and Dwara One CEO Nipuna Jayathilake, who explored the integration of AI and digital tools in modern supply chains.

An engaging Industry Forum, moderated by ISMM Vice President Prof. Sanath Divakara, discussed “Supply Chain Excellence through Strategic Integration.” Speakers included INSEE Cement Chief Operating Officer Thusith Gunawarnasuriya, Ceylon Agro Industries Prima Group General Manager Sajith Gunarathne, EFL 3PL Sri Lanka CEO Nishan Hewagamage, Lanka Sathosa Chairman Samitha Perera, and Lion Brewery Ceylon PLC Senior Vice President Procurement Gihan Vidanapathirana.

The evening segment featured the National Supply Chain Excellence Awards and the 53rd Anniversary Banquet Dinner of ISMM. The prestigious awards recognised exceptional achievements in supply chain management across multiple categories and sectors. 

The Chief Guest of the event was Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Deputy Minister Chathuranga Abeysinghe while the Guest of Honour was the International Federation of Procurement and Supply Management (IFPSM) President Eng. Chris Oanda.