“WISTA Sri Lanka’s 9th Annual General Meeting”
February 12, 2024
Diruni Chanmugam re-elected as WISTA Sri Lanka President
The Sri Lankan branch of the Women’s International Shipping & Trading Association (WISTA Sri Lanka) held their 9th AGM on 30th January at the Courtyard by Marriot followed by Cocktails, amidst a large gathering of members.
This event was graced by Mr. Romesh David, CEO of South Asia Gateway Terminals as the Chief Guest and WISTA Members.
Ms. Diruni Chanmugam – Director/ CEO of Shermans Logistics was elected as the President of WISTA Sri Lanka during the event. Diruni brings in a wealth of knowledge and experience in the Shipping and Freight Forwarding Industries to lead and achieve the objectives of WISTA Sri Lanka for the 2nd consecutive year. Chamila Bandara – Member of the General Management Committee of Hayleys Advantis, Director of Advantis Expres &, IML Delivery Systems, was re-elected as the Vice President.
Amali Mudunkotuwa Mendis – General Manager Operations of Regency Teas was elected as the Secretary, Aparna Tilakaratne – Chief Law Officer of Sri Lanka Ports Authority was elected as the Assistant Secretary, Shiyamalee Karunanayake – General Manager Shared Services of Hayleys Advantis was re-elected as Treasurer, Ruwini Perera – Assistant Manager Customer Service of Hellmann Worldwide Logistics was re-elected as the Assistant Treasurer.
The newly elected Executive Committee for the year 2023/24 consists of Nilu Mediwake Wickremasinghe – Director of SALOTA International, Debbie Jones – General Manager – P & I Division of GAC Shipping, Anoma.V Ranasinghe – Consultant Shipping and HR Services of McLarens Group Management, Kalani Dassanayake – Assistant Manager Commercial & Marketing of South Asia Gateway Terminals, Sharmala Fernando – Manager – Key Accounts Management of MAC Supply Chain Solutions, Surangi Gunasekera – General Manager NVOCC of Prudential Shipping Lines, Enoka Wickremasinghe – Assistant General Manager Marketing of Shipping and Cargo Logistics, Madhu Welikala – Deputy General Manager Business Development of SALOTA International, Aruni Wijepala – Deputy General Manager of Hayleys Energy Services, Udara Cumaratunga – Senior Manager Commercial and Marketing of South Asia Gateway Terminals, Dilky Bartholomeusz – Assistant Manager Corporate & Customer Relations of Ceyline Holdings, Deepika Wijesuriya – Director of Penguine Shipping, Patali Karunarathne – Principal Consultant Corporate Relations of Centrum Marine Consultancy, Niroshini D A D Y – Senior Marine Personnel Officer of Mercmarine Group of Companies, Niroshini De Silva – Senior Manager Business Development of Spectra Logistics, Ishani Caldera – Asst. Manager Equipment Control of Maintenance and Repair of Ocean Network Express Lanka. The Executive Committee will work towards implementing many initiatives in accordance with the WISTA Sri Lanka mandate on improving gender parity and women empowerment in the industry.
Addressing the gathering the re-elected President Diruni Chanmugam expressed her confidence in leading WISTA Sri Lanka for the second consecutive year to be a strong force in the industry and outlined priorities that she intends to focus on during the year. Diruni spoke about the successful projects and new initiatives undertaken by WISTA Sri Lanka under her leadership during the year that ended, empowering and giving support to WISTA members enabling them to grow in the Shipping and Maritime Industry. She also stated that Maritime and Logistics Sector need to embrace innovation, digitization, better cross border mobility, creating neutral platforms to collaborate and share experiences in addressing some of the challenges faced in the Industry. Diruni invited all members to join committees and collaborate by working together in projects to promote diversity and inclusion in the maritime and Logistics Sector.
Annually WISTA recognizes personalities that have significantly supported the industry by recognizing and honoring the contributions made. This years’ WISTA Personality of the year was awarded to Mr. Romesh David, CEO of South Asia Gateway Terminals. This recognition was bestowed on Romesh for the immense contribution made and initiatives taken to promote gender parity and empowering women in the Shipping and Maritime sector over the years.
Hayleys Advantis Limited was the Official Logistics Partner for the event and South Asia Gateway Terminals continue to power WISTA Sri Lanka as the Corporate Partner. SAGT will continue to partner and support WISTA for yet another year. WISTA Team is optimistic of yet another great year ahead of promoting and strengthening gender diversity and women empowerment in Shipping and Logistics industry In Sri Lanka.
