‘Members Speak’ March session by TMC Colombo

TMC President Emeritus Fayaz Saleem (left) presenting a token of appreciation to Guest Speaker CMI President Kamaya Perera

The Management Club (TMC) Colombo held its fifth Members Speak event under the topic ‘The ROI of Digital: Why Execution Matters More Than Technology’ on 5 March at 6:30 p.m. at the Cinnamon Grand Hotel.

The keynote speaker was KPMG Deputy Head – Advisory Kamaya Perera, who heads the Management Consulting and Technology divisions, Integration and Separation Advisory Services, and KPMG Executive Search Ltd. She also heads the National Development Assistance Sector, a key focus area that supports the country’s socio-economic development. She has over 23 years of experience in conducting advisory engagements and implementing projects for both Government and private sector institutions.

Perera holds a Master of Business Economics from the University of Sri Jayewardenepura and a BSc. (Hons) from the Manchester Metropolitan University, UK.

She is professionally qualified as an Associate Member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka (ACA), a Fellow Member of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants – UK (FCMA), and a Certified Practicing Accountant (CPA – Australia), whilst holding the prestigious Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) designation. In addition, she currently serves as the President of the Sri Lanka branch of the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) and is a Fellow of the CMI of the UK.

TMC Colombo Chairperson Duneeshya Bogoda highlighted that the project provides TMC members with a valuable platform to share knowledge, network, and strengthen professional relationships. Over the past seven months, TMC Colombo has hosted several impactful events. Looking ahead, further initiatives are planned, including a power breakfast, CEO forum, members’ evening, and corporate training session.

Perera highlighted that clear goals and accountability are essential for successful implementation of any digital projects. Change management and user engagement drive sustainable adoption, while disciplined execution, project management, defining relevant Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), and adaptability are complementary factors. She also emphasised that technology must be linked to financial/operational and strategic value.

Further, above all, leadership and transparent communication also matters to achieve the maximum results of the digital investment of an organisation. It’s a common myth that digital investment is only related to or concerned with the IT division of an organisation, but the reality is that it revolves around all aspects and stakeholders of an organisation. 

She also referred to the post-implementation action plan, where maintaining security and quality with strong data/process protocols are also key factors, since the transformation is an ongoing phenomenon, thereby needing continuous learning. 

Most failures stem from unclear goals or poor planning, which in turn are not supported by the leadership and governance. Adaptable organisations foster continuous transformation and learning. At one stage, the management should clearly communicate benefits to earn the support of stakeholders and also be prepared to adapt and revisit based on feedback.

We shall always think that technology is the enabler, but the leadership with clarity and alignment should set top performers apart.

IMS Ltd and Serendib Natural Products Ltd., Director Samitha Senevirathne and TMC Colombo Vice Chairman referring to a famous saying, “everybody is pulling the falling fence” illustrated how organisations often adopt numerous complex systems without understanding the benefit or the purpose. He observed that companies frequently implement systems just to keep up with others, rather than achieve meaningful outcomes or real benefits to the stakeholders.

During the Q&A session, there were clarifications requested as to the role of digital service providers, especially for non-tech entities. Perera stated that it needs a simple architecture driven by the objectives/expectations in the first phase, followed by scaling up of the technology backing.

‘Members Speak’ Project Chairman and TMC Colombo Deputy Treasurer Dr. Saliya Balasooriya expressed appreciation to Perera for sharing substantive insights and also observed that in the Sri Lankan context, development is multifaceted, encompassing technological, mental, and cultural aspects, among others. Balasooriya asked her perspective on addressing cultural and human barriers to digital transformation and maximising return on investment (ROI) from digital initiatives. Perera responded stating that this is where change agents and leadership roles come into play. 

TMC Colombo Assistant Secretary Dr. Ayesh De Silva delivered the vote of thanks and invited everyone to join the fellowship.