CIM appoints new committee to elevate marketing capability in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka Professional Member Support Committee 

• CIM announced establishment of Sri Lanka Professional Member Support Committee
• Committee will organise high-level networking events and promote professional development initiatives across Sri Lanka
• It will be led by Dr. Lewie Diasz, who serves as Chairman

CIM Chief Executive Chris Daly

The Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) announced the appointment of the CIM Sri Lanka Professional Member Support Committee (SLPMSC).

This newly established committee will enhance the professional journey of the CIM members in Sri Lanka by strengthening marketing capability at both individual and organisational levels. Its work will focus on building fellowship, fostering high-impact networking opportunities and supporting continuous professional development aligned to global marketing standards.

The SLPMSC will be led by Dr. Lewie Diasz, who serves as Chairman. Dr. Diasz brings extensive academic and professional rigour to the role, currently serving as Chairman of the Cambridge College of Business and Management and Adjunct Professor at Asia e University, Malaysia. 

CIM Chief Executive Chris Daly said, “We are pleased to introduce the new SLPMSC, which will play a vital role in strengthening our support for the members in Sri Lanka and deepening connections between marketers, industry leaders and organisations across the region. At a time when marketing capability is central to organisational performance, we remain committed to supporting our members with the professional development, insights and resources needed to excel in an increasingly competitive landscape.”

Dr. Diasz added, “It is an honour to lead the newly formed SLPMSC as we work to enhance CIM’s capacity to support and elevate the marketing profession in Sri Lanka. This initiative comes at a pivotal moment in Sri Lanka, as organisations increasingly look to skilled marketers to drive revenue, shape strategy and influence business decisions. Our team is committed to championing professional excellence, strengthening fellowship among CIM members and ensuring that Sri Lankan marketers continue to develop the capabilities required to succeed in a rapidly evolving business environment.”

Dr. Diasz will be joined by Lion Brewery (Ceylon) PLC Senior Vice President Marketing Prashan Costa, who has been appointed as Vice Chair of Networking Events. 

Hayleys Advantis Limited General Manager Dhamitha Pathirana joins as Vice Chair for Membership Development and Communications, whilst National Development Bank PLC Assistant Vice President Sameera Senarath and HNB PLC Head of Retail Banking and Senior Vice President Kanchana Karunagama arrive as Secretary and Treasurer.

The other members of the committee include:

*Domino’s Pizza Head of Customer Relationship Management and Aggregator Partnerships Thiyangie De Mel 

*The Kingsbury Head of Public Relations and Guest Experience Sharmila Hamid 

*United Machinery (Pvt.) Ltd Chairman and Managing Director Dr. Dhammika Vidanage 

*Rockland Distilleries (Pvt.) Ltd General Manager Group Sales and Commercial Strategy Chathura Ganegoda 

*DIMO Deputy General Manager Marketing Passenger Vehicles Mercedes-Benz, Chrysler, Jeep and Tata Motors Chalaka Bogoda 

By bringing together senior leaders from some of Sri Lanka’s most respected brands, CIM is strengthening its commitment to helping professional members build the skills, confidence and connections needed to thrive – both locally and in the global marketplace.