Institute of Supply and Materials Management’s National Supply Chain Day Celebrations tomorrow

The Institute of Supply and Materials Management (ISMM), in collaboration with the Industries Ministry and Industries Development Board (IDB), will celebrate the National Supply Chain Day, under the auspices of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, on Thursday, October 24, at Shangri-la, Colombo, followed by the National Supply Chain Excellence Awards.  

The ISMM, being the only professional organisation enacted by Act of Parliament No. 3 of 1981 for fostering and conducting training on supply chain management in Sri Lanka, was established on October 24, 1972. 

Considering the global and national importance of supply chain management (SCM) and also to facilitate wider prosperity and growth of the country’s economic affairs through training and developing supply chain professionals, the government has declared October 24 as the National Supply Chain Day. 

Addressing a special media briefing held last week, ISMM President and OPA Vice President Jayantha Gallehewa said over 50 international participants are expected from a range of countries and a large number of local attendees as well. 

“We are expecting approximately 500 participants for the international seminar and about 800 participants for the National Supply Chain Excellence Awards Ceremony. In addition, about 50 international participants are expected from various countries, including the Netherlands, Kenya, other African countries, India and other nations in the Asian region. This will be a fully in-person conference, as we are now promoting physical seminars,” Gallehewa said. 

He said the day’s celebrations would be divided into two special events: National Supply Chain Day – International Seminar from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and National Supply Chain Excellence Awards from 7:00 p.m. onwards. 

The theme for the seminar is ‘Supply Chain Innovations in Crisis: Exploring New Avenues and Adapting to Global Shifts’, which will be graced by International Federation of Purchasing and Supply Management (IFPSM) President Chris Oanda as the guest of honour and IFPSM Chief Executive Officer Markku Henttinen as a special guest. Central Bank of Sri Lanka Deputy Governor A.A.M. Thassim will be the keynote speaker, whilst Gallehewa and many other distinguished guests will grace the occasion.  

The evening session at the same venue will be presided over by Prime Minister Dr. Harani Amarasuriya as the chief guest, with the participation of eminent supply chain professionals, ISMM members and many other distinguished guests. The evening session of the National Supply Chain Excellence Awards will be comprised of award for the best Supply Chain Practicing Organisation of the Year, award for the best Supply Chain Professional of the Year and 52nd Anniversary Banquet on National Supply Chain Day. 

ISMM General Secretary and National Supply Chain Excellence Awards Committee Chairman Dr. (Eng) Sanath Divakara addressing the media said that the declaration of the National Supply Chain Day would be a great achievement and a milestone for the ISMM in particular and supply chain management industry in Sri Lanka in general.