Thursday Feb 19, 2026
Thursday Feb 19, 2026
Wednesday, 18 February 2026 16:52 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Colombo, Sri Lanka — The Colombo Institute of Sales and Distribution (CISD) has achieved a significant international milestone, becoming one of the few institutions in the region to be awarded the prestigious Investor in Sales – Bronze Accreditation by the UK-based Institute of Sales Professionals (ISP).
The globally recognised accreditation confirms that CISD has met rigorous international standards in building structured, high-performance sales capability through robust systems, professional development frameworks, and organisational leadership. The award was formally conferred on 9 January 2026 and remains valid until 8 January 2028.
The Investor in Sales certification is a recognised benchmark used worldwide to evaluate organisations that demonstrate a strong commitment to developing their sales function, ensuring repeatable, sustainable, and professional sales performance. It assesses an organisation’s leadership, people development, processes, and overall capability to build high-performing sales professionals.
CISD, Sri Lanka’s first dedicated higher education institution focused exclusively on sales and distribution, was established with the mission of professionalising sales as a structured career pathway. The accreditation places CISD among a growing number of internationally recognised organisations committed to elevating sales from an informal occupation into a globally respected profession.
Commenting on the achievement, CISD Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Chathura Kotagama, described the recognition as a defining moment for the institution and the broader industry.
“This accreditation from the Institute of Sales Professionals, UK, is a proud milestone for CISD and for Sri Lanka. It affirms that we are building an institution aligned with global standards, focused on developing structured sales capability and professional excellence,” he said.
“Sales is one of the most critical drivers of economic growth, yet historically it has not always been recognised as a formal profession. At CISD, our mission is to change that. This recognition validates our approach and strengthens our commitment to shaping globally recognised sales professionals from Sri Lanka.”
The accreditation also strengthens CISD’s positioning as a regional hub for sales education and professional development, as it continues to expand its academic programmes, industry partnerships, and international collaborations.
Industry observers note that such global recognition not only enhances CISD’s credibility but also contributes to the broader professionalisation of sales in Sri Lanka, helping align local talent with international standards.
Founded to bridge the gap between academic learning and industry practice, CISD delivers globally benchmarked programmes designed to prepare the next generation of commercial leaders. With this latest recognition, the institute takes another step forward in its vision of positioning Sri Lanka as a centre for professional sales excellence.
