The function began with the lighting of the traditional oil lamp by the Additional Secretary Ministry of Defence & Urban Development and Competent Authority, Mrs.Damayanthi Jayaratne and the rendering of the National Anthem.
Delivering the opening address, Major Tissa Aluwihare, President of SLASSPA said that the presence of the governing authority for Civil Security was a great boost and inspiration for the entire industry and was a motivating thought for all stakeholders in the quest to uplift the industry.
Speaking further, he said “tonight - for the first time ever - we hold the SLASSPA AGM not only in the presence of the governing authority, but also with the participation of key members of ISF and the security trade at large”. He noted that this augured well for the future to achieve the aim of “One Vision, One Industry, One Culture” for the security industry.
Major Aluwihare said that “ looking around we can start experiencing this positive energy in this room right now - all stakeholders of the private security grid united: the governing Authority, SLASSPA and ISF and the CEOs of the leading Security Companies in Sri Lanka.”
He stressed that synergy and unity are important components needed to embark on the tough journey to achieve greater good for all stakeholders beyond organizations, lobbies, companies or for that matter, color of uniforms.
He said that the industry as a whole highly valued the assistance and the clear leadership given by the Competent Authority who has already brought about a lot of helpful initiatives to improve professional standards and compliance with new regulations to protect employees and companies alike.
He said “in the end we cannot forget the security officer on ground, who we need to care for by uplifting him through proper training, a decent salary and a meaningful welfare package.”
Major Aluwihare concluded by saying that the ultimate aim was to achieve dignity through a professional outlook and thereby create a Win-Win situation for all stakeholders concerned and that all stakeholders should join hands together to reach this target.
