PR Association of Sri Lanka gears for August launch

Founding members of the Public Relations Association of Sri Lanka. Seated front row: Nimal Gunewardena, Rezani Aziz. Standing from left: Kendall Hopman, Devni Nevindee, Hansima Witharanage, Dominic Perera, Ashan Kumar, Mushthak Ahamed, Druvinka Moraes. Absent: Fiona Nanayakkara and Rukshica Perera 

The Public Relations industry in Sri Lanka celebrates a significant milestone with the Public Relations Association of Sri Lanka (PRASL) being incorporated and duly recognised by the Registrar of Companies on 22 June with the approval of the Ministry of Trade. 

This achievement is the result of one and a half years of dedicated effort by a group of industry veterans and agency professionals, who have come together as the Founder Members of PRASL.

PRASL is now preparing for its inaugural event and meeting, scheduled to take place in August. Issuing a statement, the Association is inviting PR and corporate communications professionals, press officers from the public sector, academics teaching the subject, and graduates of PR, marketing, and communications, who are currently engaged in PR practice or teaching, to become members of the Association in an appropriate category of membership. 

Interested practitioners can apply as individual members through the Association’s social media pages (LinkedIn and Facebook) and soon-to-be-launched website, or by contacting the official numbers provided or any of the Founder Members. Early members who attend the inaugural meeting will be recognised as Inaugural Members of PRASL.

Marking a history of over 30 years, the practice of public relations as a profession in Sri Lanka was established in the early ‘90s by a few agencies and practitioners. These pioneers embraced the discipline of reputation management and initially focused on media relations and consulting services for corporate communications. Over time, the industry expanded its offerings, welcoming international expertise and venturing into areas such as advocacy, issues and crisis management, change management, investor and community relations, event management, marketing, and digital PR.

The establishment of PRASL addresses a long-felt need to give voice to the industry, infuse high standards, and develop the skills of professional practitioners. The Association’s objectives include gaining recognition for PR practice and enhancing its influence, fostering high professional standards and ethical practices as a valued PR industry, and bringing together and representing public relations practitioners. PRASL also aims to provide networking opportunities for members to exchange ideas and professional experiences, all while keeping the interests of its members and the wider society in mind.

The Public Relations Association of Sri Lanka (PRASL) is an officially recognised and incorporated body that aims to advance the PR industry in Sri Lanka. Formed by industry veterans and agency professionals, PRASL is dedicated to promoting high professional standards, fostering ethical practices, and providing networking opportunities for public relations practitioners. By joining PRASL, members gain access to a dynamic community of industry experts and thought leaders, enabling them to excel in their careers and make a significant impact on the PR landscape in Sri Lanka. For more information, please follow us on - https://www.linkedin.com/company/public-relations-association-of-sri-lanka/ and https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094130570646&mibextid=LQQJ4d