(Commonwealth_ The Annual General Meeting of Women in Logistics and Transport (WiLAT) Sri Lanka convened on May 14th at BMICH Lavender Hall, heralding the commencement of a new term. The focal point of the gathering was the appointment of the new Chairperson and Executive Committee members for the tenure of 2024/25.
Professor Renuka Herath, a distinguished academic from the Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology Department of Information Management, was unanimously selected for her second consecutive term to lead the WiLAT team for the forthcoming year. Assisting her in steering WiLAT’s initiatives forward, Prashani Liyanage, Assistant General Manager at Aitken Spence Logistics, assumed the role of Secretary, while Vijitha Weerasinghe, former Director General of the National Transport Commission, was appointed as the incoming Treasurer.
In addition to the core leadership positions, three Vice-Chairpersons (VCs) were appointed to spearhead crucial aspects of WiLAT’s agenda. Kumari Sumanasekara, General Manager of Supply Chain and Logistics at Schneider Electric Lanka Ltd., assumed the role of VC for Membership Development, Aranthi Fernando, Head of Manufacturing at Fonterra Brands Sri Lanka, was appointed as VC for Branding and Sponsorships, and Rumal Fernando, Head of Customer Service and Logistics at Unilever Sri Lanka Ltd., took on the role of VC for Membership Services. This diverse team, drawn from various sectors of the logistics and supply chain industry, embodies WiLAT’s commitment to advancing its annual agenda.
The AGM, attended by esteemed guests including Chandima Hulangamuwa, President of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) Sri Lanka, and Gayani De Alwis, WiLAT Founding Chairperson and Global Immediate Past Chairperson, underscored the significance of WiLAT’s mission in fostering gender equality and empowerment within the logistics sector.
Professor Renuka Herath’s appointment reflects her extensive experience and dedication to advancing the field of logistics and supply chain management. As a Chartered member of CILT and a seasoned academic, she brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her leadership role. Her tenure as the outgoing Chairperson of WiLAT 2023/24 was marked by notable achievements, including the expansion of WiLAT’s membership base and the successful implementation of key initiatives.
During her tenure, Professor Renuka Herath lauded the efforts of her team in driving WiLAT’s agenda forward across three key pillars: Membership Development, Membership Services, and Branding and Sponsorship. Under her leadership, WiLAT witnessed a flourishing membership base, facilitated by engaging initiatives such as factory visits, workshops, webinars, and seminars aimed at professional development and networking opportunities.
The Membership Development team’s strategic membership drives contributed to a remarkable expansion of CILT’s membership base, fostering greater inclusivity and diversity within the organization. Additionally, WiLAT’s signature initiative, the Ignite mentoring program, played a pivotal role in nurturing emerging talent within the logistics industry.
Acknowledging the pivotal role played by the Branding and Sponsorship team, Professor Renuka Herath highlighted their efforts in elevating WiLAT’s visibility and impact both locally and globally. Special mention was made of their role in organizing milestone events such as the 10th-year anniversary celebration and International Women’s Day celebration, which underscored WiLAT’s commitment to empowering women in the logistics sector.
In assuming her role for the new term, Professor Renuka Herath expressed gratitude to the membership and CILT for their trust and reaffirmed her commitment to advancing WiLAT Sri Lanka’s agenda. She emphasized WiLAT’s continued focus on leadership, entrepreneurship, mentorship, and empowerment, aiming to overcome the challenges facing the logistics industry while creating a conducive environment for women’s professional growth and development. WiLAT Sri Lanka, as the Women’s Forum of CILT Sri Lanka, remains steadfast in its vision to advocate for gender equality and empowerment within the logistics and transport sector.
