PR Association of Sri Lanka to be inaugurated

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, 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 recognized by the Registrar of Companies on 22nd June 2023 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. The Association cordially invites 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 recognized 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.