Colombo, Sri Lanka – 26th February 2025 – The Institute of Supply and Materials Management (ISMM), the national professional body for Supply Chain Management education in Sri Lanka, has entered into a strategic partnership with EFL 3PL Global, John Keells Logistics (JKLL), and Siam City Cement (Insee) to strengthen the country’s Supply Chain ecosystem. This landmark collaboration aims to bridge the gap between academia and industry, fostering sustainable growth, professional development, and cutting-edge Supply Chain solutions.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was formally signed by Mr. Jayantha Gallehewa, President of ISMM, Mr. Nishan Hewagamage, Chief Executive Officer of EFL 3PL Global, Mr. Lasitha Manchanayake, Chief Executive Officer of John Keells Logistics, and Mr. Thusith Gunawarnasuriya, Chief Operating Officer of Siam City Cement (Lanka) Limited & Chairman of the Business Development Committee of ISMM.
The signing ceremony was attended by distinguished officials, including Mr. Dilshan Silva, Secretary of the Business Development Committee of ISMM, Imd. Past President of ISMM & OPA Mr. Sarath Gamage, Vice Presidents of ISMM, Mr. Lilantha Subasinghe, Maj. Gen. Renaka Udawatta (Rtd), Mr. Dimuka Hemantha, General Secretary Dr. Sanath Divakara, From EFL Mr. Pandula Silva, General Manager – Marketing and Business Development, Mr. Tusitha Gamage, General Manager – Data Science and Solutions, Ms. Vahiny Sivakumaran, Manager - Strategy & Planning. from JKLL Mr. Hasitha Hewage, Head of Strategy & Growth, Mr. Maliyadewa Ranasinghe, Head of HR Operations, Ms. Naadira Jumat, Manager Business Development, from Insee Mr. Hiyan Perera, General Manager Out-Bound Logistics, Mr. Krishantha Prasad, Manager Procurement-Imports, Mr. Dileepa Fernando, Manager Procurement.
Scope of Collaboration
This structured partnership is designed to provide long-term benefits to ISMM members and employees of partner organizations through:
- Sustainable Industry-Academic Partnerships – Establishing a formal, structured collaboration that aligns with mutual industry and academic goals.
- Priority Access for ISMM Students – Facilitating internships and job placements within the partner organizations, providing students with practical, hands-on industry experience.
- Customized Training Programs – Delivering specialized professional development programs at exclusive rates to enhance the skills and capabilities of Supply Chain professionals.
- Industry Exposure for ISMM Students – Organizing field visits to partner facilities, offering first hand insights into real-world Logistics and Supply Chain operations.
Speaking at the MoU signing ceremony, Mr. Jayantha Gallehewa, President of ISMM, highlighted the importance of industry-academia collaboration in shaping the future of Supply Chain management. He stated,
"This partnership marks a significant milestone in our mission to develop world-class Supply Chain professionals who will drive Sri Lanka’s logistics sector toward global competitiveness. By joining forces with leading logistics and manufacturing organizations, we are ensuring that our students and professionals are prepared for the evolving demands of the industry."
Mr. Nishan Hewagamage, CEO of EFL 3PL, emphasized the transformative potential of this collaboration, stating,
"At EFL 3PL, we are committed to fostering a culture of innovation and excellence in logistics. Partnering with ISMM enables us to bridge the skills gap in Supply Chain management, ensuring that the next generation of professionals is equipped with both theoretical knowledge and practical expertise to drive industry growth."
Mr. Lasitha Manchanayake, CEO of John Keells Logistics, expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative, saying,
"Supply Chain excellence is a key driver of business success, and through this partnership with ISMM, we are investing in the future of Sri Lanka’s logistics industry. By offering students exposure to real-world challenges and providing professionals with continuous learning opportunities, we are strengthening the entire Supply Chain ecosystem."
Mr. Thusith Gunawarnasuriya, COO of Siam City Cement Lanka Limited (INSEE Cement) and Chairman of ISMM's Business Development Committee, added,
"As an industry leader, INSEE Cement recognizes the crucial role that Supply Chain professionals play in driving operational efficiency. This collaboration with ISMM will help us cultivate a skilled workforce that is well-prepared to tackle the complexities of modern Supply Chain & Logistics management."
This initiative underscores ISMM’s commitment to strengthening Sri Lanka’s Supply Chain industry by equipping professionals with the latest skills, knowledge, and industry exposure. The collaboration is set to establish a new benchmark in Supply Chain education and corporate partnerships, paving the way for a more resilient, competitive, and future-ready logistics sector in Sri Lanka.
