“Beyond Traditional
Boundaries”, the fourth annual Management Conference of the MBA Alumni Association, University of Colombo was a time
for sharing rare insights in to the minds of local entrepreneurs who braved the much lamented set backs and limitations of
the Sri Lankan business environment and achieved unprecedented success - without indulging in the pastime of passing of blame. “Sri Lankan Success Stories of Our Times” is the apt sub title that
hinted at what was to be expected of
the event held on 2nd
April at Ceylon Continental Hotel, Colombo.
The event brought together
on one platform, five noteworthy achievers who were able to swim against the current. They gave a glimpse of what goes on
in their successful business empires, with candid exposures and sometimes brutally honest frankness with regards to the issues
they faced in engaging the establishment, and how they overcame the challenges rather than being swept away with the current.
The
presenters were Mr. W.K.H. Wegapitiya, Chairman, LAUGFS Holdings Limited “Overcoming challenges faced by Sri Lankan
entrepreneurs”, Dr. Rohan Fernando, Managing Director, Aitken Spence Plantations “Diversification in the Plantations
Industry - A New Approach”, Dr. Romesh Dias Bandaranayake, Chief Executive Officer ECO Power (Pvt) Limited, “Building
a Successful Hydro Power Company: The Eco Power Experience”, Mr. Hiran Cooray, Deputy Chairman Jetwing Hotels "Niche
marketing of exclusive, unique, tourism products" and Mr. Dilith Jayaweera / Ms. Varuni Fernando Jt. Managing Directors, Traid
Advertising “Turning Right @ Thummulla Junction”
The five presenters recollected
their particular experiences in the different fields in which they were involved. They were often unanimous about the sources
of frustration which all but stifled their exuberance to reach beyond limits. Many who manage large businesses today, started
with little capital often provided by themselves in the face of the failure of banks to appreciate the potential of the upcoming
entrepreneur and an overwhelming aura of risk averseness. In the face of a lack of basic
finance, many recounted how they resorted to plough their own profits back into the expansion of the business, sacrificing
any enjoyment of dividends from their investment for many years until they were seen as viable successes by the financial
institutions who would then be eager to take partnership of the venture.
The Vice Chancellor of
University of Colombo was the chief guest and the key note speaker at the conference was the High Commissioner of India to
Sri Lanka, H.E.Shri Alok Prasad who shared some facts behind the economic
success story that India has become today,
taking centre stage on what is now referred to as the Asian Century. He explained how India set their corporate strategy and direction for economic liberalization and
growth, and maintained the same direction with successive changes of government. A lesson for our country, no doubt! The country also moved ahead at a pace suited to it against pressure from donor agencies
and international powers to speed up the process and achieved the successful mega economy status today that is even buying
up international brands and filling the ranking list of the top ten richest business people in the world.
The MBA Alumni Association,
University of Colombo attempts to enhance
the professionalism and quality of management practices in the business community in Sri Lanka. In addition, the Association works closely with the University to add
value and further enhance the quality of the MBA program of the University
of Colombo.
Undoubtedly, this annual
management conference will be an event to look forward to next year. Those who would appreciate the conference are business
people, professionals and entrepreneurs looking for inspiration and wanting to listen to those who have already been on the
road they are about to take.
