ISMM celebrates National Supply Chain Day 2025

The Institute of Supply and Materials Management (ISMM) celebrated their National Supply Chain Day 2025 held on October 24, 2025, at the Monarch Imperial, Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte.

Organised in collaboration with the Ministry of Industries and the Industrial Development Board (IDB), the event commemorated over five decades of ISMM’s pioneering role in professionalising Supply Chain Management (SCM) in the country. Established in 1972 and incorporated by an Act of Parliament in 1981, ISMM continues to be the nation’s foremost institution dedicated to advancing education and standards in the supply chain sector.

Held under the theme “Empowering Sri Lanka’s Supply Chain: Innovation and Resilience in a Global Landscape,” the day-long programme brought together policymakers, industry leaders, academics, and practitioners to explore pathways for strengthening the nation’s supply chain network in a rapidly evolving global context.

The morning seminar featured a series of technical sessions and interactive forums addressing innovation, digital transformation, and resilience in the face of global disruption.

The Chief Guest at the morning session was Hon. Eng. Janitha Ruwan Kodithuwakku, M.P., Deputy Minister of Ports & Civil Aviation, while the Guest of Honour was Mr. Nandana Ekanayake, Chairman and CEO of Siam City Cement (Lanka) Ltd. The Keynote Address was delivered by His Excellency David Pine, New Zealand High Commissioner to Sri Lanka and the Maldives, who highlighted the importance of agile and sustainable supply chains in driving post-pandemic economic recovery.

The first technical session, themed “Innovative Practices for Supply Chain Resilience,” was chaired by Mr. Imal Fonseka, former Group CEO of Fairway Holdings, with presentations by Dr. Dayaratne Silva, Executive Director of The Pathfinder Foundation, and Mr. Ashean Karthelis, Group CEO of Fairway Holdings.

The CEO Forum, chaired by Mr. Nalin Karunaratne, CEO of Ceylon Biscuits Ltd, explored “Navigating Global Disruption: Executive Strategies for Supply Chain Continuity.” Industry leaders including Mr. Bernhard Stefan (Nestlé Lanka), Mr. Mahesh Wijewardane (Singer Sri Lanka), Mr. Benet Gamlath (Lanka Corrugated Industries), Mr. Duminda Perera (PrintEcel Packaging), and Mr. Chaminda Ranawana (DIMO PLC) shared valuable insights on leadership and operational resilience.

A subsequent session on “Digital Transformation in Supply Chain Management,” chaired by Mr. I. G. Perera, Past President of ISMM, featured Mr. Shiran Hettiarachchi (Ascent Business Solutions) and Mr. Nipuna Jayathilake (Dwara One), who discussed the integration of AI and data-driven tools in enhancing efficiency and transparency.

The Industry Forum, moderated by Prof. Sanath Divakara, Vice President of ISMM, centred on “Supply Chain Excellence through Strategic Integration.” Panelists included Mr. Thusith Gunawarnasuriya (INSEE Cement), Mr. Sajith Gunarathne (Ceylon Agro Industries – Prima Group), Mr. Nishan Hewagamage (EFL 3PL), Mr. Samitha Perera (Lanka Sathosa), and Mr. Gihan Vidanapathirana (Lion Brewery Ceylon PLC).

The evening segment featured the National Supply Chain Excellence Awards 2025 and ISMM’s 53rd Anniversary Banquet Dinner, celebrating outstanding performance and innovation across the sector.

Mr Chathuranga Abeysinghe, M.P., Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, graced the occasion as Chief Guest, while Eng. Chris Oanda, President of the International Federation of Procurement and Supply Management (IFPSM), attended as Guest of Honour.