“Women Who Move The World” – WISTA Sri Lanka 5th Year Anniversary and AGM
July 9, 2019
The Sri Lankan arm of the Women’s International Shipping & Trading Association (WISTA) celebrated 5 years of presence in Sri Lanka. To commemorate this significant milestone WISTA held their AGM on 2nd July at the Kingsbury Hotel, followed by cocktails.
This event was graced by the WISTA International President, CEO of TOTOTHEO Maritime Ms. Despina Panayiotou and WISTA India President Ms. Sanjam Gupta. The Hon. Minister of Ports, Shipping & Southern Development Mr.Sagala Ratnayaka attended the event as the Chief Guest. Ms. Catriona Jayasundara General Manager Commercial & Marketing of CICT was appointed as the President of WISTA. Catriona brings in a wealth of knowledge and experience in the Shipping and Transportation Industry to lead and achieve the objectives of WISTA. Ms. Nilu Wickremasinghe, Director Salota International was appointed as the Deputy President. Ms.Debbie Jones, Correspondent Manager at GAC Shipping Ltd was appointed as the Secretary, Ms. Amali Mudunkotuwa Mendis, General Manager at Regency Teas as Assistant Secretary. Ms. Dharshi Gunasekara, Director/ CFO of EMG Spedition (Pvt) Ltd was appointed as Treasurer and Ms. Sujani Kumarasinghe, Head of Finance at Maersk Sri Lanka was elected as the Deputy Treasurer.
The newly elected Executive Committee for the year 2019/20 consists of Shehara Jayawardana, Diruni Chanmugam, Hannelore Baldsing, Swabha Wickramasinghe, Ishani Caldera, Anoma V. Ranasinghe, Shalinie De Silva, Felicita Alwis, Chamila Bandara, Keshani Jayasekera, Surangi Gunasekara, Omalika Jayathilaka, Kalani Dassaneka & Hiranthi Karunatilake. The Executive Committee will work towards implementing many initiatives in accordance with the WISTA mandate on improving gender parity and women empowerment in the Industry.
Addressing the gathering the newly elected President Ms. Catriona Jayasundara stressed on the importance of creating a platform for women to network and assist in professional development to create new business opportunities. She also mentioned that inspiring the younger generation in the Maritime Industry is vital to improve gender parity in a male dominant Industry.
During the event felicitations were offered to Ms. P.S.M Charles, Director General of Sri Lanka Customs for her yeomen service to the Industry and selected her as the “WISTA personality of the year.
