National Supply Chain Excellence Awards to mark 52nd anniversary of ISMM

On October 24, 2024, the Institute of Supply and Materials Management (ISMM) celebrated National Supply Chain Day, marking its 52nd anniversary and highlighting Supply Chain Management's (SCM) role in Sri Lanka’s economic growth partnered with the Ministry of Industries and Industries Development Board (IDB) to host the event at Shangri-La, Colombo.

The National Supply Chain Day International Seminar began with a welcome address by Mr. Jayantha Gallehewa, President of ISMM and OPA Vice President, emphasizing the significance of advancing Supply Chain Management in Sri Lanka. The keynote speaker, Mr. A. A. M. Thassim, Deputy Governor of the Central Bank, discussed the evolving supply chain landscape and the need for innovation. Distinguished guests included Chief Guest Eng. Chris Oanda, IFPSM President, and Special Guest Mr. Markku Henttinen, IFPSM CEO, highlighting international collaboration and recognition of Sri Lanka’s supply chain progress.

Mr. Jayantha Gallehewa, President of ISMM, along with key dignitaries from the Philatelic Bureau, including Postmaster General Mr. Ruwan Sathkumara, presided over the issuance of a commemorative postage stamp for National Supply Chain Day. The event gathered approximately 400 attendees from the private and public sectors and featured three technical sessions and a CEO forum focused on critical supply chain themes.

Prof. Chandana Gamage from the University of Moratuwa chaired the first session, themed Integration of Technological Innovations for Sustainable Supply Chains.  Speakers included Mr. Oshada Senanayake, COO of Digital Transformation at Brandix Lanka, discussing Digitization in Supply Chain: Benefits and Challenges, and Mr. Subodha Perera, CEO of E-Consulate, on Dynamic Digital Capabilities and Supply Chain Resilience.

The CEO Forum, led by Mr. Ravi Jayawardena, CEO of Maliban Group, explored Exploring New Avenues & Adapting to Global Shifts for Sustainable Supply Chains.Forum members included Mr. Sathiyenthra Pandchadcharam of Nestle, Mr. Mahesh Wijewardane of Singer Sri Lanka, Mr. Supun Weerasinghe of Dialog Axiata, and Mr. Nalin Karunaratne of CBL Ltd., who shared valuable insights.

Prof. Nalin Abeysekara, Dean of Management Studies at the Open University of Sri Lanka, chaired the third session on Exploring the Evolving Global Landscape of Supply Chain. Mr. Kanchana Fernando, Supply Chain Director at Nestle Sri Lanka, discussed Cutting Edge Strategies to Increase Supply Chain Visibility, and Mr. Uditha Palliyaguru, GM of Hayleys Agriculture Holdings, presented on Transition towards Circular Supply Chains.

In the fourth session, chaired by Prof. H. M. A. Herath of Wayaba University, themed Tapping into Sri Lanka's Entrepreneurial Ecosystem, Dr. Nayana Dehigama of Epic Technologies spoke on Entrepreneurship and Supply Chain Innovation, while Mr. Shiran Peiris, CEO of Asriel Holdings, shared Success Stories in Sri Lanka.

Each session aimed to provide valuable insights into current trends and challenges in supply chain management.

The evening session featured the National Supply Chain Excellence Awards 2024 and the 52nd Anniversary Celebrations, recognizing outstanding contributions in the industry. The Chief Guest was Eng. Chris Oanda, President of the International Federation of Purchasing and Supply Management (IFPSM). 

In the Small-Scale category for the National Award of Excellence for the Best Supply Chain Practicing Organization of the Year 2024, nominees included Inventive Polymers Lanka (Pvt) Ltd, Oleema Industries (Pvt) Ltd, Sanjeevani Ayurveda (Pvt) Ltd, and Vanila Lanka (Pvt) Ltd. Vanila Lanka (Pvt) Ltd won, with Oleema Industries as First Runner-up and Sanjeevani Ayurveda as Second Runner-up. Inventive Polymers received a Special Commendation Award.

For the Medium Scale category, nominees included Everbolt Engineering (Pvt) Ltd, Micro Electric International (Pvt) Ltd, Logicare (Pvt) Ltd, MAC Supply Chain Solutions (Pvt) Ltd, and Logicentrix (Pvt) Ltd. MAC Supply Chain Solutions won in the Service category, while Everbolt Engineering took the award for Manufacturing. Logicentrix was First Runner-up in Service, and Micro Electric International was First Runner-up in Manufacturing. Logicare received a Special Commendation Award.

In the Large-Scale category, over 40 organizations applied, with 28 qualifying for the Grand Finale. Notable nominees included Nestle Lanka Limited, Fonterra Brands Lanka (Pvt) Ltd, Ceylon Biscuits Limited, and several others from diverse sectors.

In the Large Scale Service category at the National Supply Chain Excellence Awards, JayKay Marketing Services (Pvt) Ltd won, with Logistics Park (Pvt) Ltd as First Runner-up and Spectra Logistics (Pvt) Ltd as Second Runner-up. For Large Scale Manufacturing, Fonterra Brands Lanka (Pvt) Ltd won, followed by North Manufacturing (Pvt) Ltd as First Runner-up and OTR Wheel Engineering Lanka (Pvt) Ltd as Second Runner-up. Special Commendation Awards were presented to multiple organizations, including Hayleys Fentons Limited and Ceylon Agro Industries Limited.

The National Award of Excellence for the Best Supply Chain Professional of the Year 2024 recognized five finalists, with Mr. Sasanka Jayadasa winning the award. Merit Awards were given to Mr. Chamila Yakupitiyage and Mr. Kasun Perera. Awards were presented by Mr. Jayantha Gallehewa, Chief Guest Eng. Chris Oanda, and other dignitaries.

Mr. Jayantha Gallehewa also received the IFPSM President’s Award for his contributions to supply chain management. Additionally, ISMM was accredited with the IFPSM Global Standard for its Graduate Diploma in Purchasing and Supply Chain Management, enhancing its credibility.

The event honored the judges of the National Supply Chain Excellence Awards and presented a Special Award of Excellence to Mr. Chaminda Pathiraja from the Ministry of Industries. The prestigious ISMM Lifetime Apex Award for Dignified Achievements in Supply Chain was awarded to Mr. V. Ganesh for his contributions to the industry.

The evening featured performances by Umaria Sinhawansha and the Mudrika Dance Studio, adding cultural flair to the celebrations. ISMM expressed gratitude to sponsors, including Newadaz Pharmaceuticals (Pvt) Ltd. and BPC Banking & Technologies, for their support.