ISMM holds ‘National Supply Chain Day 2025’

By Kurulu Koojana Kariyakarawana 

The Institute of Supply and Materials Management (ISMM) held the National Supply Chain Day 2025 celebrations recently at the Monarch Imperial, Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte in collaboration with the Ministry of Industries and the Industrial Development Board (IDB). 

The day-long celebrations were held under the theme “Empowering Sri Lanka’s Supply Chain: Innovation and Resilience in a Global Landscape.” The morning seminar featured technical sessions, a CEO Forum, and an Industry Forum, bringing together prominent local and international experts, corporate leaders, and practitioners. 

The Chief Guest of the event was Deputy Minister Ports and Civil Aviation Eng. Janitha Ruwan Kodithuwakku, while the Guest of Honour was Chairman /CEO Siam City Cement (Lanka) Ltd Nandana Ekanayake. The Keynote Address was delivered by New Zealand High Commissioner to Sri Lanka and Maldives David Pine. 

The first technical session, themed “Innovative Practices for Supply Chain Resilience,” was chaired by Former Group CEO of Fairway Holdings Imal Fonseka, with presentations by Executive Director of The Pathfinder Foundation Dr. Dayaratne Silva and Group CEO of Fairway Holdings Ashean Karthelis. 

The CEO Forum chaired by CEO of Ceylon Biscuits Ltd Nalin Karunaratne, focused on “Navigating Global Disruption: Executive Strategies for Supply Chain Continuity.” Industry leaders Chairman and Managing Director Nestlé Lanka Ltd Bernhard Stefan, CEO Singer Sri Lanka Mahesh Wijewardane, Chairman Lanka Corrugated Industries Benet Gamlath, Director /CEO PrintEcel Packaging Duminda Perera and Executive Director DIMO PLC Chaminda Ranawana shared insights on resilience and leadership during volatile times. 

The third technical session, chaired by Past President of ISMM  I. G. Perera centered on “Digital Transformation in Supply Chain Management.” Presentations were delivered by Snr. General Manager Ascent Business Solutions Shiran Hettiarachchi and CEO Dwara One Nipuna Jayathilake, who explored the integration of AI and digital tools in modern supply chains. 

An engaging Industry Forum moderated by Vice President of ISMM Prof. Sanath Divakara discussed “Supply Chain Excellence through Strategic Integration.” Esteemed speakers included Chief Operating Officer INSEE Cement Thusith Gunawarnasuriya, General Manager Ceylon Agro Industries Prima Group Sajith Gunarathne, CEO EFL 3PL Sri Lanka Nishan Hewagamage, Chairman Lanka Sathosa Samitha Perera and Snr. Vice President Procurement at Lion Brewery Ceylon PLC Gihan Vidanapathirana. 

The evening segment featured the National Supply Chain Excellence Awards and the 53rd Anniversary Banquet Dinner of ISMM. The prestigious awards recognized exceptional achievements in supply chain management across multiple categories and sectors.