WOMEN IN MANAGEMENT: WOMEN TOP50 CALENDAR 2023

“Women like you, pave the way for women like me,” Unknown.

On the 4th of January 2023, Women in Management, Sri Lanka launched the second edition of their much-awaited Women Top50 Calendar featuring twelve inspirational and iconic Sri Lankan power women. The first calendar was unveiled at the Galadari Hotel, Colombo by Guest of Honor, Sarah Twigg, Program Manager, Women in Work, International Finance Corporation (IFC), Sri Lanka. Speaking to Daily Mirror after the event, Dr. Sulochana Segera, Founder and Chairperson, Women in

Management, stated “there are many events today that recognize and applaud women, yet the topics we all continue to discuss at these forums haven’t changed in the last decade. We are still searching for solutions to the many issues faced by women. We need to address and resolve pending issues that are acting as barriers and slowing women down. I often see that most events are now mere competition grounds to see who can feature more women, draw in a bigger audience, or sell more tickets, taking all the attention away from the real highlight of the event; the women and their success stories and their journey. These are the stories we need to scream from rooftops so that they in turn inspire and motivate countless of other women and girls. We at WIM have always been creative and innovative in our thinking, and our goal has always been to inspire and empower women. The launch of this calendar is no different. This is our way of creating yet another platform for women to be recognized, applauded, and honored.” 

Addressing the audience at the event, Sarah Twigg, Program Manager, Women in Work, IFC-Sri Lanka stated, “IFC has been operating in Sri Lanka for over fifty years and Women in Management (WIM) has been a steadfast partner in making our vision of promoting women’s business leadership for inclusive growth a reality. We first joined hands with WIM to partner for the Top50 Professional and Career Women Awards in 2014, and now have been co-hosting the event for seven consecutive years, four in collaboration with the IFC-DFAT Women in Work program. The partnership continues to demonstrate the vital role women play in bringing about transformational change as employees, entrepreneurs, and business leaders, while also creating a legacy that galvanizes and motivates others. Over the years, IFC and WIM have helped Sri Lankan women build stronger careers through mentoring and training, enabling their progression from junior roles to senior management and now onto boards. I am happy to see this year’s Women Top50 calendar showcases yet another group of inspiring women who have contributed towards shaping the Sri Lankan economy and society.”

The 2023 Calendar features twelve iconic women from various industries including Banking, Insurance and Legal. Featured guests include;

1.January: Gillian Edwards, Independent Non-Executive Director, Commercial Credit and Finance PLC. 
2.February: Devika Ellepola, Head of Passenger Sales, Emirates Airline, Sri Lanka.
3.March: Prof. Dr. Thushari Koralage, Principal and Managing Director, Asian Grammar School (Colombo and Matara).
4.April: Julian Devika Anthony, Barrister and Solicitor and President, WIM Canada. 
5.May: Nilushi Kumaradas, Head of Procurement, Coca Cola Beverages Sri Lanka Limited.
6.June: Nirosha Jagodaarachchi, Chief Executive Officer, British Cosmetics (PVT) Ltd 
7.July: Dawn Austin, Managing Director, NIDRO Supply (PVT) Ltd.
8.August: Shehara de Silva, Non-Executive Director, Keells Food PLC.
9.September: Shashi Kandambi Jassim, Professional Banker.
10.October: Keasila Jayawardana, Chairperson, National Savings Bank PLC. 
11.November: The WIM Sri Lanka Team - Waruni Algama, Vijitha Samarakkodige, Summaiya Macan Markar, Dr. Himalee De Silva, Niroshini Rathnasinghe, Fazeela Dharmarathne and Dr. Nadini Wickarmasinghe. 
12.December: Manindri Dias Bandaranayake, Group Chief Brand Marketing Officer, Janashakthi Group. 

The Women Top50 Digital Calendar is available online at: www.womeninmanagent.org. Printed calendars can be obtained by contacting Women in Management via e-mail at:  [email protected]