ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2024
37th ANNUAL CONFERENCE OPA
The 37th Annual Conference of the Organisation of Professional Associations of Sri Lanka took place on the 26th and 27th of August at the Shangri-La Hotel, Colombo, on the theme of “Towards Sri Lanka’s Sustained Economic Growth”. The Chief Guest was Hon. Ranil Wickremasinghe, President of Sri Lanka, while the keynote address was delivered by Guest of Honour, Dr. P. Nandalal Weerasinghe, Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka.
The Technical Sessions focused on five topics, specifically International Trade, Tourism and Economic Engagement, Enhancing Infrastructure for Economic Growth, Law Reforms & Enhancing Regulatory Frameworks, Role of Financial Sector in Economic Growth, and Ensuring Economic Transformation through Advanced Digital Technology.
Media Conference on 37th Annual Conference
The press conference for the 37th Annual Conference of the OPA, which will be held on the 26th and 27th of August at the Shangri-La Hotel, Colombo, took place on the 17th of July at the OPA auditorium. President Sarath Gamage, President-Elect and Chairman of the Annual Conference Organising Committee, Mr. Sujeewa Lal Dahanayake, General Secretary Mr. Tisara de Silva, Vice President and Convener Mr. Jayantha Gallehewa and other key office bearers were present on the occasion to provide detailed information about the upcoming Conference, including an introduction to the theme: “Towards Sri Lanka’s Sustained Economic Growth”.
Media personnel from all leading print and electronic media organizations attended the media briefing to learn more about the Inauguration of the 37th OPA Annual Conference as well as the five Technical Sessions which are scheduled to be held the following day. The logo of the Annual Conference, which embodies the spirit of optimism for a better tomorrow for Sri Lanka, was also unveiled at this event.
Recognition of sponsorship
The valuable contribution made by the sponsors to the 37th Annual Conference of the OPA was formally recognized at the press conference conducted at the OPA Auditorium on the 17th of July. The symbolic handing over of cheques by the Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze sponsors to the office bearers of the OPA took place at the press conference. The Chairpersons, Chief Executive Officers and senior managers from the sponsor companies were present on this occasion.
Platinum sponsor
Silver sponsors
Bronze sponsors
Towards Sri Lanka’s Sustained Economic Growth
Each year, the Annual Conference of the Organisation of Professional Associations of Sri Lanka focuses on a theme of vital importance to the nation. The theme of the 37th Annual Conference – “Towards Sri Lanka’s Sustained Economic Growth” – has been identified as being of overriding importance to the nation at this point in time. The Annual Conference is a vibrant and dynamic platform where eminent professionals and leading experts from the public sector, academia and industry gather to formulate innovative, multidisciplinary solutions to foster economic advancement. The theme of the Annual Conference will guide the deliberations of the Technical Sessions, ensuring that this event will play an important role in forging a pathway to Sri Lanka’s recovery and progress.
The logo of the 37th Annual Conference of the OPA symbolizes the unity and empowerment of the Sri Lankan people, representing the collective strength that drives success and triumph. It embodies the power of collaboration and shared efforts, ensuring the nation’s rise towards economic growth, stability, and prosperity. The logo reflects a deep optimism for the future, signaling a brighter tomorrow for Sri Lanka.
The Inauguration of the 37th Annual Conference
The Inauguration of the 37th Annual Conference took place at the Shangri-La Hotel on the 26th of August 2024. It was an elegant and star-studded evening, graced by Hon Ranil Wickremasinghe, President of Sri Lanka as Chief Guest and Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe, Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka. Also in attendance were leaders from the public and private sectors, renowned academics, and eminent professionals. The audience were able to listen to speeches by the Chief Guest and Guest of Honour before enjoying an evening of networking and fellowship. The Inaugurations also featured music by famous artiste Umara Sinhawansa
TECHNICAL SESSIONS
held on 27th August 2024 - Lotus Ballroom, Shangri-La Colombo
The second day of the 37th Annual Conference consisted of five Technical Sessions where eminent guest speakers, consisting of leading figures drawn from industry and academia, made informative and educational presentations. The insightful deliberations of these sessions act as a springboard for the OPA to make important policy recommendations and proposals to the authorities and relevant stakeholders. The subjects of the sessions were carefully selected as having the greatest potential in achieving the country’s sustained economic growth. The topics of the Technical Sessions were: International Trade and Economic Engagement, Enhancing Infrastructure for Economic Growth, Law Reforms & Enhancing Regulatory Frameworks, Role of Financial Sector in Economic Growth, Ensuring Economic Transformation through Advanced Digital Technology.
Technical Session 1
Session Theme: “International Trade, Tourism and Economic Engagement”
Session Chairman: Prof. Lakshman R. Watawala, Former Chairman – BOI
Speaker 1 : Mr. Anushka Wijesinha– Co-Founder/ Director, Center for a Smart Future
Topic: “Road to Export-Oriented Economy”
Speaker 2 : Mr.Murtaza Jafferjee
Topic: “In Search of Capital”
Speaker 3 : Mr. Dinesh Weerakkody – Chairman BOI
Topic: “Investment Human Capital to Attract FDI”
Panelists: Mr. Chalaka Gajabahu– Chairman, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau.
Mr. Thisum Jayasuriya, Chairman, Sri Lanka Convention Bureau.
Youtube Link: https://youtu.be/2Bu70qY9j7M?si=RqrIzfyKQBI2trwQ
Technical Session 2
Session Theme: Enhancing Infrastructure for Economic Growth.
Session Chairman: Mr. Duminda Hulangamuwa – The Chairman, Ceylon Chamber of Commerce.
Speaker 1 : Eng (Dr.) Narendra De Silva – General Manager, Ceylon Electricity Board.
Topic: Renewable Energy
Speaker 2 : Miss. Shehara De Silva – Managing Director, Mclarens Group of Companies.
Topic: Supply Chain: Transport & Logistics
Speaker 3 : Prof. Sirimal Abeyratne – Emeritus Professor in Economics, University of Colombo.
Topic: Public-Private Partnership for Infrastructure Development
Youtube Link: https://youtu.be/KmJl3XM8itU?si=GsuZXaGiX15E1oQL
Technical Session 3
Session Theme: Law Reforms & Enhancing Regulatory Frameworks
Session Chairman: Mr. Kuvera De Zoysa, President’s Counsel.
Speaker 1 : Ms. Lihini De Silva, Head of Dept. of Public Law, Faculty of Law, KDU.
Topic: Strengthening Intellectual Property Rights Protection.
Speaker 2 : Mr. Harsha Fernando, President’s Counsel.
Topic: Reforming Commercial Laws to Promote Business Growth.
Speaker 3 : Dr. Arittha Wickramanayake, Precedent Partner, Heritage Partners Pvt. Ltd.
Topic: Improving Regulatory Framework to attract FDI.
Youtube Link: https://youtu.be/tj2Iy-gUfhY?si=5IJlDiDbA-WoN-2v
Technical Session 4
Session Theme: Role of Financial Sector in Economic Growth
Session Chairman: Mr. Damith Pallewatta – Acting Chief Executive Officer, Hatton National Bank.
Speaker 1 : Dr. Anil Perera – Director of Domestic Operations and Deputy Secretary to Governing Board, Central Bank of Sri Lanka.
Topic: Role of Financial Markets Towards a Sustainable Economy.
Speaker 2 : Mr. Indika Ranaweera – Vice President – SME, Middle Market & Business Banking,National Development Bank.
Topic: Access to Finance for Small & Medium Enterprises (SMEs).
Speaker 3 : Rear Admiral (Rtd.) Y.N. Jayarathna – Former Chief Hydrographer, Sri Lanka Navy.
Topic: Making Maritime Connectivity for Finance & Economic Growth.
Youtube Link: https://youtu.be/NQT6aUmX7aU?si=nQEmiIjwENDUaOZs
Technical Session 5
Session Theme: Ensuring Economic Transformation through Advanced Digital Technology
Session Chairman: Dr. Ajantha Athukorale – President, Computer Society of Sri Lanka.
Speaker 1 : Mr. Shanaka De Silva – Principal / Partner, Ernst & Young.
Topic: Cyber Security Challenges & Solutions for Sri Lankan Businesses.
Speaker 2 : Mr. Dhanika Perera – Founder, Bhasha Lanka (Pvt) Ltd.
Topic: Promoting E-Commerce and Digital Payment Solutions to Drive Growth.
Speaker 3 : Mr. Sudattha Silva – Additional Director General, Sri Lanka Customs.
Topic: Use of Technology for Efficient Revenue Collection.
Youtube Link: https://youtu.be/k4fi3O3e9UY?si=MtOJxxpwOgLLEdY-
