Jayantha Gallehewa assumes Presidency of Organisation of Professional Associations

Monday, 3 November 2025 05:15 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Jayantha Gallehewa

Jayantha Gallehewa has been ceremonially sworn in as the 45th President of the Organisation of Professional Associations of Sri Lanka (OPA) for the 2025/2026 term at its Annual General Meeting held on 31 October.

Prior to his election as President, Gallehewa held several key positions within the OPA, including Vice President and Assistant Secretary. His association with the organisation spans over a decade, during which he has chaired numerous strategic committees, contributing significantly to initiatives on membership development, supply chain, logistics, and transport. He also successfully chaired the 38th Annual Conference and the 4th Apex Awards Committees, both held in August 2025, which highlighted professional excellence and innovation across Sri Lanka’s diverse professional landscape. Beyond the OPA, Gallehewa has earned distinction on the global stage. At the World Summit of the International Federation of Purchasing and Supply Management (IFPSM) held in Cancún, Mexico, he was honoured with the IFPSM President’s Award for 2024 — a historic recognition that made him the first Sri Lankan to receive this prestigious international accolade. The award celebrates his leadership, professional integrity, and outstanding contribution to advancing the supply chain profession worldwide.

As the President of the Institute of Supply and Materials Management (ISMM) Gallehewa has been a driving force in shaping the future of Sri Lanka’s supply chain sector. ISMM successfully declared its anniversary as National Supply Chain Day, marking a national milestone that recognises the critical role of supply chain management in the nation’s economic progress which was instrumental by him. He also spearheaded the National Supply Chain Excellence Awards, along with the Ministry of Industries, honouring innovation, resilience, and best practices within Sri Lanka’s industrial and business sectors.

With his forward-thinking leadership and commitment to professional excellence, Jayantha Gallehewa continues to inspire collaboration, innovation, and unity across Sri Lanka’s professional community — strengthening the OPA’s mission to promote excellence, foster synergy, and contribute to national development.

The OPA serves as the apex body for 52 professional associations in Sri Lanka, including the Institute of Supply and Materials Management (ISMM), Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA), Sri Lanka Medical Association (SLMA), The Institution of Engineers, Sri Lanka (IESL), Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), Sri Lanka Economic Association (SLEA), Sri Lanka Institute of Marketing (SLIM), and the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL), among others. Collectively, it represents a vibrant community of over 60,000 professionals across 34 disciplines, making it one of the most influential and respected professional networks in the country.