In a significant stride towards fostering resilience and sustainability in the nation’s Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), the Strategic Management Committee of the Institute of Supply and Materials Management (ISMM), under the guidance of President ISMM Mr. Jayantha Gallehewa, recently orchestrated a highly successful meeting with Mrs. Thilaka Jayasundara, the Secretary of the Ministry of Industries, and other key officials. This pivotal meeting held on the 5th of February 2024 at the Ministry of Industries, laid the groundwork for a collaborative effort between the ISMM, the only professional national institute established by Act of Parliament No 03 of 1981, and the Ministry of Industries. Considering the global and national importance of Supply Chain Management (SCM) and also to facilitate wider prosperity and growth of economic affairs of Sri Lanka through training and developing Supply Chain professionals, on the recommendations submitted by ISMM and as per the Cabinet approval, the government of Sri Lanka has declared 24th October (Anniversary Day of ISMM) as the ‘National Supply Chain Day’ whilst acknowledging tributes to ISMM for being the pioneer institution in training and developing Supply Chain professionals in the country for last 50 years.
The collaboration aims at developing robust and sustainable Supply Chain Management (SCM) practices tailored for SMEs in Sri Lanka. Recognizing the critical role SMEs play in the economic landscape, the ISMM, in conjunction with the Ministry of Industries, has outlined a strategic roadmap comprising two key initiatives.
A) Developing Resilience and Sustainable SCM Among SMEs:
The ISMM is set to conduct targeted programs designed to fortify and enhance Supply Chain management capabilities among 30 SMEs in Sri Lanka. These programs will focus on equipping SMEs with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate the complexities of supply chain dynamics, ensuring resilience and sustainability in their operations.
B) Quarterly Awareness Programs for SMEs:
In a bid to disseminate essential knowledge and best practices, the collaboration will organize three one-day awareness programs every quarter. These workshops, with an estimated participation of 100 individuals per session, will cover fundamental concepts of SCM, Process Improvement, Operational Excellence in Manufacturing, and other pertinent topics for SMEs. The inaugural program is scheduled to take place in Gampaha, laying the foundation for subsequent sessions across the nation.
This groundbreaking partnership between the ISMM and the Ministry of Industries underscores the commitment to uplift the SME sector by nurturing a culture of excellence in supply chain management. By empowering SMEs with the skills and insights necessary for resilience and sustainability, this initiative aims to contribute significantly to the overall economic growth of Sri Lanka. As the first steps are taken towards these transformative endeavors, the collaborative efforts are poised to make a lasting impact on the SME landscape, fostering a future of prosperity and stability for businesses across the nation.