CIM appoints new committee to elevate marketing capability in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka Professional Member Support Committee (SLPMSC)

• CIM has announced the establishment of the Sri Lanka Professional Member Support Committee 
• Committee will organise high-level networking events and promote professional development initiatives across Sri Lanka
• SLPMSC will be led by Dr. Lewie Diasz, who serves as Chairman

CIM Chief Executive Chris Daly

The Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) has announced the appointment of the CIM Sri Lanka Professional Member Support Committee (SLPMSC).

This newly established committee will enhance the professional journey of CIM members in Sri Lanka by strengthening marketing capability at both individual and organisational levels. Its work will focus on building fellowship, fostering highimpact networking opportunities, and supporting continuous professional development aligned to global marketing standards.

The SLPMSC will be led by Dr Lewie Diasz, who serves as the Chairman. Dr Diasz brings extensive academic and professional rigour to the role, currently serving as the Chairman of the Cambridge College of Business and Management (CCBM) and Adjunct Professor at Asia e University, Malaysia. 

CIM Chief Executive Chris Daly said: “We are pleased to introduce the new SLPMSC, which will play a vital role in strengthening our support for members in Sri Lanka and deepening connections between marketers, industry leaders, and organisations across the region. At a time when marketing capability is central to organisational performance, we remain committed to supporting our members with the professional development, insights, and resources needed to excel in an increasingly competitive landscape.”

SLPMSC Dr Lewie Diasz said: “It is an honour to lead the newly formed SLPMSC as we work to enhance CIM’s capacity to support and elevate the marketing profession in Sri Lanka. This initiative comes at a pivotal moment in Sri Lanka, as organisations increasingly look to skilled marketers to drive revenue, shape strategy, and influence business decisions. Our team is committed to championing professional excellence, strengthening fellowship among CIM members, and ensuring that Sri Lankan marketers continue to develop the capabilities required to succeed in a rapidly evolving business environment.”

Dr Diasz will be joined by Senior Vice President (Marketing) at Lion Brewery (Ceylon) PLC, Prashan Costa, who has been appointed Vice Chair of Networking Events. 

Hayleys Advantis Ltd’s General Manager Dhamitha Pathirana joins as Vice Chair for Membership Development and Communications, whilst Sameera Senarath (Assistant Vice President at National Development Bank PLC) and Kanchana Karunagama (Head of Retail Banking and Senior Vice President at HNB PLC) arrive as Secretary and Treasurer.

Other members of the committee include: Thiyangie De Mel, Head of Customer Relationship Management and Aggregator Partnerships at Domino’s Pizza; Sharmila Hamid, Head of Public Relations and Guest Experience at The Kingsbury; Dr Dhammika Vidanage, Chairman and Managing Director of United Machinery Ltd; Chathura Ganegoda, General Manager (Group Sales and Commercial Strategy) at Rockland Distilleries Ltd., Chalaka Bogoda, Deputy General Manager (Marketing - Passenger Vehicles - Mercedes-Benz, Chrysler,  Jeep, Tata Motors) at DIMO.

By bringing together senior leaders from some of Sri Lanka’s most respected brands, CIM is strengthening its commitment to helping professional members build the skills, confidence, and connections needed to thrive – both locally and in the global marketplace.

For over 100 years, CIM has been the universal voice of marketing, championing our industry and its positive impact on organisations, economies, and the wider society. Today, CIM plays a more significant role than ever in supporting, developing, and representing our members and the profession around the world. Always on top of the latest developments, CIM offers inspiring insights and thought leadership to generate transformative discussion and ideas. 

On an individual level, marketers at every stage of their career find us a trusted and people-centred provider of clear guidance, training, and professional qualifications – especially on their path to being accredited as a Chartered Marketer. If it carries a CIM stamp, it’s taken seriously: proof of the essential skills that boost long-term success for any business. 

CIM is at the forefront of all that’s exciting about marketing. CIM’s services build careers and boost businesses. CIM continues to speak out for the industry, working alongside like-minded organisations to bring on the latest generations of talent and set professional standards for the entire marketing ecosystem.