Women in Management (WIM) and IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, the organizers of the 6th Professional and Career Women Awards, 2016, have extended the last date to receive nominations for the awards. This is being done to attract additional nominations, particularly from the regional districts of Sri Lanka.
The launch events for the awards program were held recently in the north and east to attract a larger and more inclusive pool of nominees that can represent Sri Lanka as a whole. Government Agents Mr. M.Y.S. Desapriya from Mannar and Ms. P. S. M. Charles from Batticaloa participated in these events. Interestingly, Ms. Charles is also a past Professional and Career Women Awards winner.
Sulochana Segera, Founder/Chairperson, Women in Management, said, “WIM’s objective in conducting these awards is to bring all women, regardless of race, religion, or region, on one platform to celebrate their achievements as women. It’s time we women stand tall, highlight our success stories, and take the lead in driving Sri Lankan economy. The women who live outside Colombo have fewer opportunities to showcase their successes and achievements. The awards present a good opportunity for women of all regions to put their best feet forward and celebrate their achievements.”
Following the nominations phase of this awards program, the final award winners will be selected by a high-powered judging panel. This year, the panel comprises representatives from WIM and IFC along with Dawn Austin, former Chairman of the Exporters’ Association of Sri Lanka and Managing Director, Nidro Supply; Rohantha Athukorala, Chairman of Lanka Sathosa; Ayumi Aluwihare Gunawardene, Partner – Corporate and Commercial Law, FJ&G De Saram; Kumar Samarasinghe, Director of Sales, Singer Sri Lanka; and Shiromal Cooray, Managing Director, Jetwing Travels and 2015 award winner.
Apart from Ms. Charles and Ms. Cooray, previous Professional and Career Women Awards winners include many of Sri Lanka’s top leaders, including Hemas Transportation Sector CEO Kasturi Chellaraja Wilson, Prime Lands Managing Director Sandamini Perera, Sanasa Uthamavi Director Samadanie Kiriwandeniya, and Academy of Design Founder and Managing Director Linda Speldewinde.
Graeme Harris, Senior Operations Officer for Sri Lanka, IFC, said, “IFC’s partnership with WIM is creating new opportunities that will help Sri Lankan women professionals boost their skills and access new markets both locally and globally. We are proud to partner on these awards for the second year and are keen to encourage nominations from across the country.”
The Professional and Career Women Awards celebrates remarkable women who inspire others through achievements in careers, businesses, and everyday lives. The awards ceremony is planned for June 24, 2016. Nominations can be submitted online at www.womeninmanagementawards.org.