The event, which took place at the Sri Lanka Foundation Auditorium (SLF) on January 30, 2024, also served as a platform to reflect on past achievements, discuss future endeavours, and recognise outstanding contributions to the marketing industry in Sri Lanka.
The highlight of the evening was the presentation of Life-time Marketing Excellence Awards to industry veterans for their exceptional service to the marketing community in Sri Lanka, honouring them for their invaluable contributions, and underscoring the importance of recognising excellence and expertise in the field.
Those honoured were: Mr Hemaka Amarasuriya - former Chairman of NDB Bank & Sri Lanka Insurance, renowned marketeer, and cricket administrator, honoured by ICC & Asia Retail Congress, currently at C.W. Mackie Group; Mr Tharaka Ranwala - Senior Deputy GM at Sampath Bank PLC, with 23+ years in banking, excelling in retail, marketing, and brand management, he has been recognised internationally, and holds prestigious marketing certifications and awards; Mr Roshan C. Tissaaratchy - Executive Director at Dilmah Ceylon Tea Company PLC, with 26 years of global management and marketing expertise; and Mrs Chitrangani Herat Gunaratne - who has 35+ years of diverse experience in retail, media, banking, and manufacturing.
Holds prestigious marketing qualifications and served in key roles, including CIM Sri Lanka Region Chairperson.
Led by Kanchana Karunagama, Chairman of AIMG, the AGM commenced with a warm welcome extended to all attendees, followed by the confirmation of the minutes of the previous AGM.
Reflecting on the challenges faced over the past year, the Chairman highlighted the resilience and determination of the AIMG community in navigating through turbulent times and emerging stronger than ever.
The Chairman stated,
"Despite the challenges encountered, our confident team, guided by the dedicated Board of Directors and our esteemed members, has been instrumental in our success.
We have made strategic decisions to ensure financial stability, paving the way for a new beginning."
During the AGM, various initiatives and upcoming events were discussed, including collaborative sessions with esteemed organisations as well as plans for educational programs and conferences aimed at promoting marketing excellence.
Roshan Kaluarachchi, Secretary of AIMG, facilitated the adoption of audited financial statements and the appointment of Ernst & Young, Chartered Accountants, as auditors, emphasising transparency and accountability in financial matters.
In his closing remarks, the Chairman expressed gratitude to the AIMG staff, partners, sponsors, and well-wishers for their unwavering support, emphasising the collective effort required to propel AIMG to new heights of success.
The Association of International Marketing Graduates Sri Lanka (AIMGSL) was established in July 2020 by veterans of the marketing industry, with over 3 decades of cumulative expertise and experience, with its main focus on creating a dynamic and professional association with international marketing qualifications, connecting young and senior members to create a platform for knowledge sharing via workshops, programmes and various other activities.
Its objective remains to aid Sri Lanka-based marketers to stay at the forefront of their professions and the market.