Eran speaks at first CIM CEO’s Breakfast Forum 2016

From left:  Shantha Katipearachchi, Sanjika Perera, Eran Wickramaratne, Hemaka Amarasuriya and Brian Selvanayagam

The Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) Sri Lanka concluded its first CEO’s Breakfast Forum for the year 2016 at JAIC Hilton Colombo Residences recently, with nearly 100 CEOs and marketers attending. Public Enterprise Development Deputy Minister Eran Wickramaratne addressed the gathering. 

The CIM Sri Lanka organises many versatile events such as the ‘CEO’s Breakfast Forum’ catering to the key needs of its senior members and adding value to the CEOs and membership. The sole objective of this forum was to highlight the emerging themes in relation to business and discuss the possible future plans of the government to abet businesses. 

In his opening remarks Wickramaratne focused on two key areas; process of constitution reforms and trade and investments. He emphasized the importance and the opportunities that could be gained by negotiating trade agreements with large markets such as India and how these agreements could contribute towards developing strategies to face new challenges in highly competitive markets. 

He further provided insights into restructuring the state-owned enterprises (SOEs) and stated that the Sri Lankan government would be entering into discussions with two of the world’s largest sovereign funds over the next two weeks to strategize restructuring of the ailing SOEs. Through this initiative, the government of Sri Lanka is planning on looking at what countries like Malaysia and Singapore have done to manage their SOEs in a professional and profitable manner. Wickramaratne also stated that the private sector could contribute heavily to turn around the SOEs if the corporate personalities represented the SOE boards.    

He concluded his speech stating, “As a country grows, it is essential to adopt best practices, out of the box thinking and technological know-how to reach the top of the ladder of success.”

Head of Membership Development Charaka Perera stated, “The membership team at CIM Sri Lanka is constantly looking at ways of adding value to its members and I feel it’s an opportune moment to discuss topics such as this to create awareness on how marketers can add value by driving creativity and spearheading private as well as public sector businesses for the benefit of the whole country.” 

The enthusiastic session concluded with a lively Q & A session. Presentation of tokens and concluding thoughts were given by CIM Sri Lanka Chairman Sanjika Perera followed by a vote of thanks by Head of Membership Development Charaka Perera who appreciated the support received from sponsors.