Women’s International Shipping & Trading Association (WISTA) Sri Lanka is planning to celebrate International Women’s day 2022 with the theme “COLLECTIVELY WE CAN #BREAKTHEBIAS’. Event is planned to be held on 24th March 2022 from 5pm onwards at Cinnamon Grand Hotel with a panel discussion followed by networking and cocktails.

The highlight of the event will be a discussion focusing on the theme “COLLECTIVELY WE CAN #BREAKTHEBIAS” with an eminent panel moderated by Head of Wijaya Integrated Media Solutions, Ms.Gayani Punchihewa. Chairman of Sri Lanka Ports Authority - Dr. Prasantha Jayamanne; President / Head of Legal Secretarial, CSR, John Keells Holdings PLC – Ms. Nadija Tambiah; Chairperson of Hatton National Bank PLC – Ms. Aruni Goonetilleke; Psychology Counsellor, founder of program “Serenity” – Ms. Dilmi Weerasinghe and Regional Head of People Partners, West Central Asia,  Maersk – Ms. Katyayani Krishna will be part of the eminent panel who will share a thought provoking, insightful session sharing their ideas and experiences.

A key highlight of the event will be a key note address by Ms. Shehara De Silva, Managing Director of McLaren’s Group of Companies, founder President- WISTA Sri Lanka. Shehara will share insights on breaking the bias at all levels and her success story being an inspirational  leader in the Shipping and Logistics Industry.

The event is powered by SAGT as the Corporate Partner of WISTA, MSC Lanka as the platinum sponsor, SALOTA International as the Gold Sponsor, Maersk Lanka, CMA CGM Lanka & Ceylon Logistics as the Silver Sponsors & Wijaya News Paper as the exclusive media sponsor.

WISTA Sri Lanka has been able to carry out many such successful events in the past in keeping with its objectives of raising the profile of women in the maritime sector and working for gender balance in an industry still male dominated.   WISTA as an association has worked tirelessly over the years to encourage women to take up careers in Shipping & Logistics whilst sharing knowledge, building skills and competencies as early as School entry level, creating forums for aspiring women to network, and be inspired.