Top Sri Lankan talent owns the stage at Fonterra Infinity Awards Night 2017

More than 600 Fonterra Brands Sri Lanka employees came together this month to celebrate the dairy co-operative’s diversity and depth of talent at the inaugural Fonterra Infinity Awards Night 2017, which recognised the company’s inspiring leaders and top performers. Fonterra, the dairy co-operative behind Anchor, has been operating in Sri Lanka for 40 years. Its team is united by a purpose to make Sri Lanka a healthier and happier nation, and works right across the dairy supply chain – from sales professionals to local farmer extension teams to lab technologists. Human Resources Director of Fonterra Brands Sri Lanka, Dinusha Jayamanne, said the first-ever Fonterra Infinity Awards Night was truly an event for the people, by the people. “We have top talent right across our business, and this was a great opportunity for us all to come together to acknowledge their hard work and achievements. “For instance, Shafraz Saleem was awarded this year’s Emerging Leader for his next-generation leadership potential. Previously a Brand Manager, this month he joins the Strategy team where he will have the opportunity to steer the organisation’s strategy,” said Ms. Jayamanne. As a company that employs 22,000 around the world, Fonterra is fortunate to be able to offer major career development opportunities for these great performers, Ms. Jayamanne said. “Sapumal Thibbotuwawa, who was presented with the Inspiring Leader award for his exemplary leadership capabilities, was recently appointed a Human Resources Director to Fonterra Thailand – our latest export to the global Fonterra world.” In total, 22 awards were presented to top performers and business partners with every part of the business being recognised. The Sales team walked away with the most prestigious award of the night, the Champion Function Award. “Our team of passionate, results-oriented sales experts are some of the best in the country. They have done fantastic work to completely transform the function and make sales a science,” said Ms. Jayamanne. On the night, a group of over 100 employees across company levels and functions also had the chance to showcase their hidden talents on stage. Through an entertaining five-part segment titled “Infinite Talents”, keen team members owned the stage with their professional performances that kept the audience on their feet. “Our culture is focussed on building an environment that not only fosters their career development, but their personal growth and passions as well,” said Ms. Jayamanne. The Infinite Talents segment included a live band, group singing, group dancing, drama and an organisation-wide fashion show. Following a company-wide talent search and auditions in September, teams went on to be mentored by experts in the entertainment industry, emerging after a rigorous schedule of rehearsals as professional performers that stole the show.