-Daily FT: 04.03.2022
CIPM Sri Lanka – the nation’s leader in human resource management, hosted the inaugural thought-provoking webinar series ‘CEO’s Voice, recently to gain viewpoints from respected corporate leaders on perspectives for accelerated development towards nation-building and the way forward.
The webinar focused on two essential topics: the index of economic freedom and interesting outlooks for speedier country development and competitiveness and the mental readiness of citizens towards this objective. Moreover, the session was vital for professionals, students, and the public to understand and be aware of the current economic development outlook.
Mr. Jayantha Amarasinghe, President CIPM SL, who moderated the event, welcomed the eminent speakers, Mr. Priyantha Talwatte, Director/CEO, Nations Trust Bank and Dr. Samitha Perera, Director/CEO, CBL Foods International.
Commencing the discussion, Mr. Jayasinghe stated, “We are all hungry for development, in all aspects to claim a better life. In recent years, countries’ economic freedom has been fairly consistent. Contributing to the national GDP is important where everyone in the country should have the freedom to be engaged in business and perform.”
In response to the question on the economic freedom index and how Sri Lanka can adjust, Mr. Talwatte replied, “The economic freedom index was actually designed by an organization called the Heritage Foundation. They have been doing this analysis for the last 27 years. For 2021, Sri Lanka is ranked at the 131st position. We need to ask ourselves as private citizens of this country, if are we happy staying there or do we need to create a more enabling environment to move it forward, to improve, and what and how should we be doing as private citizens in enabling this.”
Elaborating how Sri Lanka can develop competitiveness in the economy to create a robust platform for innovation and entrepreneurship, Dr. Samitha Perera said, “There need to be sustainable economic policies, social infrastructure, technology, the mindset of the people in addition to micro factors such as converting an idea into a product which is sustainable in the global market, a combination of all these will create a competitive country.”
In concluding the interesting session, Mr. Amarasinghe noted, “We invite all Chief Executive Officers and Managing Directors in the country to come together to discuss and educate our people on areas that need to be changed and our responsibilities to find solutions.” He cordially invited all participants to join future webinars with the following planned programme for March 2022.
Currently, CIPM SL comprises over 1200 Professional Members who serve both public and private organizations. It is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) UK, and affiliated with the Asia Pacific Foundation of Human Resource Management and the World Federation of People Management Associations.
Mr. Priyantha Talwatte (On left) and Dr. Samitha Perera (On right) conducting the webinar
Mr. Priyantha Talwatte receiving the token of appreciation from Mr. Ken Vijayakumar, Vice President of CIPM SL with Dr. Samitha Perera standing beside and Mr. Jayantha Amarasinghe on the screen
