Business

Workshop on Procurement Planning by Open University’s Faculty of Management Studies

Published

3 years ago

2024/03/3

Thilina Walpola

Prof. Nalin Abeysekara
Dean Faculty of Management Studies

R.H. Asari Tharuka Perera
Programme Coordinator
M.Sc. in Public Procurement and Supply Chain Management

The Open University of Sri Lanka (OUSL) is a pioneering national university in Sri Lanka designed to provide education through open and distance learning methods. The Faculty of Management Studies of the Open University Sri Lanka has over 40 years of experience in offering a variety of programs including master’s programs, degree programs, certificate courses, diplomas and postgraduate degree programs.

Recently, it launched a new postgraduate degree program, MSc in Public Procurement and Supply Chain Management. This program is for individuals seeking a postgraduate qualification in public procurement and supply chain management. A distinctive feature of this program is its status as the first postgraduate qualification offered in public procurement in Sri Lanka.

Beyond its typical academic role, this program contributes to creating a platform for discussing the importance of public procurement and supply chain management in both the public and private sectors in Sri Lanka. Efficient and transparent public procurement is crucial for the effective functioning of governments. It ensures that public funds are used responsibly, promotes fair competition among suppliers, and contributes to economic development. The unique selling proposition (USP) of this program is the combination of public procurement and supply chain management with practical discussions with industry experts.

More importantly in Sri Lanka at the moment there is a debate within society on public procurement aligned with, corruption, lack of competition, and complex regulations. In the context of public procurement, ensuring good governance is crucial to prevent corruption, promote fairness, and achieve value for money. Implementing transparent and accountable procurement practices contributes to overall good governance within a country or organization.

All stakeholders in the country must address these challenges to ensure the effectiveness of public procurement processes. To address this problem the Faculty of Management Studies plans to organize a series of workshops with procurement specialists in Sri Lanka. The first workshop was conducted with industry experts, professionals, and academics in procurement and supply chain under the theme of ‘Procurement Planning’ was held on January 25, 2024, at the Water’s Edge Battaramulla. The learning partners for the MSc in Public Procurement and Supply Chain Management also actively participated in the event.

Mrs. P. Sujeewani Muthunayaka, Assistant General Manager (Procurement Planning and Monitoring) at the National Water Supply and Drainage Board, was invited as the chief guest for this event. During her speech, she discussed the simplification of procurement and supply chain processes, sharing her valuable experiences with the audience. She explained the procurement planning process of the Water Board and emphasized the importance of research and development, as well as effective collaboration between local and foreign contractors for the success of projects.

Mrs. Muthunayaka brought numerous examples to the table while illustrating the role of technology in the simplification process of procurement planning. Significantly, she shared the success story of the NRW (Non-Revenue Water) project, highlighting the reduction of unauthorized water connections and administrative losses. Furthermore, she elaborated on the adaptation of E-procurement and the simplification of the procurement planning process at the National Water Supply and Drainage Board in Sri Lanka.

During this event, OUSL, positioning itself as a responsible academic institution committed to societal improvement, proudly announced the initiation of the Procurement and Supply Chain Consultative Committee. This marks a crucial step in fostering collaboration between academia and industry to shape the future of learning partnerships and make a meaningful impact on the industry landscape.

Professor Nalin Abeysekera, Dean of the Faculty of Management at OUSL, declared that Mr. Ivan Tissera, a member of the National Procurement Commission, and Mr. I.G. Perera, a Supply Chain and Lean Management Specialist, would serve as co-chairs of The Procurement and Supply Chain Consultative Committee.

The “Procurement Planning” discussion forum was conducted with the participation of specialist panel members: Mr. Christy Perera, Advisor for National and International Procurement; Mr. Emmanuel Susitha, General Manager of Support Services at Star Garments Group; and Mr. Sameera Landekumbura, Senior Manager of Procurement at Siam City Cement Lanka Ltd. The forum was moderated by Mr. I.G. Perera, a Supply Chain and Lean Management Specialist.

In the discussion forum, participants primarily engaged in discussing timely topics related to procurement planning. The panel discussion provided insightful ideas into the procurement planning processes across various business activities. They emphasized the significance of market research in the procurement planning process and delved into the risks associated with the process, along with strategies for risk mitigation.

The conversation then shifted to current issues in the apparel industry, exploring procurement and supply chain strategies to address the challenges faced. Additionally, the panel paid particular attention to a crucial topic E-Procurement and highlighted the need for Sri Lanka to transition towards e-procurement in the future. The discussion forum subsequently focused on the sustainability of procurement planning. This discourse was enriched with expert insights, shedding light on how Sri Lanka, as a country, can develop a robust procurement system for good governance.

Furthermore, Dr. S. Sridharan, the Deputy Director General of Health Services Planning at the Ministry of Health, shared valuable practical experience in public procurement and planning. His insights not only clarified the complexities of the field but also provided a unique healthcare-oriented perspective. The exchange of ideas during the session undoubtedly broadened the audience’s knowledge, fostering a more comprehensive appreciation for effective procurement strategies in the public sector.

The workshop was honored by the presence of distinguished guests with the blessings of senior Professor P.M.C Thilakarathne, Vice Chancellor of The Open University of Sri Lanka., Professor Nalin Abeysekara, the Dean of the Faculty of Management Studies and Dr. S. Sapukotanage, Head of the Department of Marketing Management. More importantly, the entire M.Sc. program in Public Procurement and Supply Chain Management is conducted by specialists in procurement and supply chain management with international experience.

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Business

Sri Lanka pitches Saudi investors for new investment partnerships

Published

11 hours ago

2026/09/29

Sahan Weerasooriya

Saudi and Sri Lankan dignitaries at the National Day reception.

By Ifham Nizam

Sri Lanka is pitching Saudi Arabia for greater investment and deeper trade ties, seeking to attract Saudi capital into new development opportunities while aligning bilateral economic cooperation with the Kingdom’s ambitious Vision 2030 agenda, Ports and Civil Aviation Minister Anura Karunathilaka, chief guest at Saudi Arabia’s 96th National Day celebrations in Colombo, said.

Addressing the National Day reception at ITC Ratnadipa, Karunathilaka said Sri Lanka was keen to identify new areas of economic cooperation with the Kingdom and create fresh opportunities for Saudi investors and businesses.

‘We look forward to creating new opportunities for the people of both countries by working in cooperation with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and its broader development initiatives, he said.

The minister said Sri Lanka wanted to move beyond its existing development cooperation with Saudi Arabia and build a broader economic partnership encompassing investment, trade and new development projects.

He noted that Saudi Arabia had already made a substantial contribution to Sri Lanka’s development. Since 1981, the Kingdom has provided concessional financing amounting to around Saudi Riyals 1.5 billion for 13 projects in Sri Lanka, supporting key sectors including energy, healthcare, education, drinking water and infrastructure.

Karunathilaka said Sri Lanka appreciated this support and was keen to build on the foundation created by those projects by opening further avenues for Saudi investment.

The minister’s investment pitch comes as Saudi Arabia advances its Vision 2030 programme, with the Kingdom seeking to diversify its economy and develop new international partnerships. Sri Lanka, meanwhile, is seeking to attract investment and expand economic opportunities through closer engagement with international partners.

Karunathilaka also highlighted the strong people-to-people links between the two countries, noting that nearly 250,000 Sri Lankans currently work and reside in Saudi Arabia.

‘They serve as an important bridge between our two countries and contribute significantly to strengthening the people-to-people ties between Sri Lanka and Saudi Arabia, he said.

He expressed appreciation for Saudi Arabia’s continued assistance to Sri Lanka and thanked the Saudi government for the facilities extended to Sri Lankan Muslims undertaking Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages.

Karunathilaka said Sri Lanka looked forward to working more closely with Saudi Arabia to strengthen political relations, broaden investment opportunities and enhance development cooperation.

Yaser Abdulrahman Al-Hazme, Chargé d’Affaires of the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia to Sri Lanka, said the embassy remained committed to strengthening bilateral relations by promoting political, economic and cultural communication between the two countries.

‘The embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Colombo has been keen during the past period to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries by playing its role in supporting political, economic, and cultural communication, Al-Hazme said.

Al-Hazme also highlighted the embassy’s role in strengthening communication between Saudi and Sri Lankan institutions and following up on the interests of Saudi citizens in Sri Lanka.

‘On this precious national occasion, I extend my sincere thanks and appreciation to the government and people of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka for the attention and care given to relations between our two countries, and for the constructive cooperation that has contributed to strengthening the bonds of friendship and partnership between the Kingdom and Sri Lanka, he said.

Business

Sonali Rodrigo earns national recognition from Australia’s finance industry

Published

11 hours ago

2026/09/29

Sahan Weerasooriya

Sonali Rodrigo receiving the prestigious AFG Women on the Move Scholarship at the awarding ceremony held in Melbourne.

Australian finance professional Sonali Rodrigo has been recognised with the prestigious AFG Women on the Move Scholarship, presented by Australian Finance Group (AFG), in recognition of her leadership, industry contribution and impact spanning more than two decades in Australia’s finance industry.

The AFG Women on the Move program is dedicated to supporting and advancing women in the finance and mortgage broking industry, recognising individuals who demonstrate leadership, professional contribution, growth, impact and a commitment to empowering other women. The scholarship is supported by leading industry partners, including HSBC and Thinktank.

Sonali’s career spans more than 20 years in Australia’s finance industry, encompassing senior leadership, financial advisory and governance roles. Alongside her professional responsibilities, she has actively mentored and supported women in their career development, contributed to financial literacy, and helped individuals make more informed financial decisions. Her recognition reflects both her professional achievements and the broader impact of her leadership, particularly in creating opportunities and empowering the next generation of women in finance.

Business

Beyond the crisis: Sectoral paths to durable growth

Published

11 hours ago

2026/09/29

Sahan Weerasooriya

Institute of Policy Studies of Sri Lanka (IPS)

Continued From last Friday

Regional infrastructure improvements beyond the Western Province are essential to close market-access gaps and improve efficiency. The Western Province alone generates 42% of Sri Lanka’s GDP, but the dynamics of such agglomeration may also be highly underestimated. Officially, barely a fifth is deemed ‘urban’ in the province, but IPS re-estimates from the 2024 census using population density and infrastructure access, place the true figure at nearly 61%. The absence of strong secondary cities and industrial clusters outside the province reduces the potential gains from this agglomeration, thereby weakening incentives for firms to locate elsewhere or decentralise operations.

Fiscal incentives can promote decentralised corporate operations by offering tax rebates, lower property taxes, and land access in secondary cities like Kalutara and Gampaha, leveraging the connectivity of Southern and Colombo-Katunayake Expressways. The Hambantota seaport and airport, along with Koggala and Mirijjawela Export Processing Zones, can help develop the Southern Province through geography-based tax concessions.

Immediate measures, such as pricing vehicle entry into Colombo city will support regional agglomeration while tackling the acute problem of city congestion. Adopting a low-cost, technology-anchored free-flow method, similar to the Automated Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) currently used in commercial parking facilities for vehicles entering the city, is one such means. Installing high-mounted overhead ANPR gantries at key arterial entry points can operationalise congestion pricing without disrupting traffic speed. Fee collection can use a system like E-Tags electronic toll collection on expressways, integrated with digital payment gateways like GovPay and LankaQR for dynamic, time-of-day variable pricing.

The renewable energy transition is vital to drive competitiveness, external shock resilience, and green growth. Sri Lanka’s transition to renewable energy (RE) has advanced from a mere aspiration to tangible progress. Yet, the evidence suggests the transition is advancing faster on the generation side than the system built to absorb it. Transmission capacity, market design, financing channels, and digital infrastructure have not kept pace with capacity additions, and this gap is what will determine the pace of the transition through 2030.

Capital spending on transmission must be ring-fenced by legally, operationally, and financially separating the electricity grid (the transmission network) from the rest of the energy sector or by the broader government budget as a protected public investment within the medium-term budget framework. Funding should shift from general budget support to dedicated multilateral facilities, reinforced by sovereign guarantees for eligible borrowing. To safeguard public funds, this must be paired with a clear tariff pass-through mechanism that effectively limits open-ended Treasury exposure.

To build market trust, domestic budget funding should be earmarked for market-design technical assistance, signalling strong policy ownership rather than relying on external donors. Transparency too should be strengthened by publishing a firm implementation timeline in the Budget statement and fully disclosing long-term fiscal commitments from Power Purchase Agreements, capacity arrangements, and ancillary services.

(Concluded)