First ‘ignite’ webinar gives Sri Lanka brilliant insights into the way forward
The first in the series of ‘Ignite’ webinars ‘The Way Forward – Challenges and Opportunities of the New Era’ was successfully carried out on Saturday, 16th May 2020. The Ignite series is organized by the Cardiff Metropolitan University-ICBT Postgraduate Alumni Association.
The webinar, which was designed to focus on the three pillars – Technology sector; Psychology and decision-making; and the Financial sector – drew more than 200 participants both through a Microsoft Teams link and Facebook live streaming. Participants displayed a high level of interest with an enormous number of questions being posed to the panel, who attempted to answer as many as possible given the limited time frame.
Within a matter of 48 hours, more than 2,500 others had viewed the video recording of the webinar that was made available on Facebook.
Mr. Kumar Lopez, CEO of the Sri Lanka Press Institute, skillfully moderated the event which took place from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. the distinguished panel was comprised of Ms. Pavani Boralessa, Head of the Psychology Dept. of ICBT; Mr. Udana Wickramasinghe, Director of the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority; and Mr. D.N.L. Fernando, Deputy General Manager / Chief Risk Officer of the Bank of Ceylon.
An extraordinary range of challenges brought about by the pandemic was discussed, with the panelists providing excellent expert solutions and giving the country some remarkable insights into the way forward. There was a special focus on the SME sector which forms the backbone of Sri Lanka’s economy. This included immediate financial requirements such as maintaining liquidity of enterprises through state support and debt moratoriums. There was also a significant discussion on the technological transformations required for companies to adopt new business models.
However, in addition to dealing with the challenges, the panelists also focused on the opportunities that the new order will bring for businesses in countries such as Sri Lanka.
A very special aspect of the program was the range of psychological issues that the pandemic lockdown and loss of business and financial stability brings upon individual employees, families, working women, and children. Specific details were discussed on how to maintain a positive attitude and the ways in which people can cope and get help during this time of crisis.
Mr. Harry Morcha, President of the Association, gave a short welcome address and also thanked the participants and panelists at the end.
The organizing of the second ‘ignite’ webinar has already commenced.