COLOMBO, Sri Lanka, May 2021: A significant number of over 40 of Sadaharitha Plantations’ staff were recently accredited with professional marketing qualifications at the Sri Lanka Institute of Marketing (SLIM) graduation ceremony held at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH). The ceremony witnessed the honourable participation of the Minister of Education Hon. (Prof.) G. L. Peiris as Chief Guest and several officials from SLIM participating in this glamorous event. Executive Director and CEO of Sadaharitha Group of Companies Dr Pradeep Edward was also recognised as a Fellow Life Member of SLIM at the event.
Sadaharitha Plantations – the pioneering commercial forestry company in Sri Lanka that is recognised for being among the largest foreign income earners, offers diversified green investment opportunities while also offering the best returns. The company recognises its staff as principal factors of success, owing to their exceptional service and support. In this regard, Sadaharitha has been highly committed to supporting and nurturing its human resources through constant training and development to enhance their skills and improve their efficiency and productivity. As of today, the company has over 100 employees who have been facilitated through this programme. The Training and Development department of the company identifies such programmes as necessary professional skills for the team to develop their career and themselves.
Several staff members of Sadaharitha Plantations have further enhanced their professional qualifications with the National Diploma in Marketing Management and Professional Marketing courses, developing their forte while strengthening the company’s reputation and value. Sadaharitha was recognised as the company with the highest number of qualified personnel at this year’s graduation ceremony. This has been a true testament to the values that Sadaharitha upholds. Dr Pradeep Edward, the Executive Director and the CEO of the Sadaharitha Group of companies was also honoured with the accreditation as a ‘Fellow Life Member’ of SLIM. The highest Status an Individual is awarded by the National Institute for the services he has rendered to the Nation and the Institute in the field of Marketing; as a Past President of SLIM and the Secretary-General of the Asia Marketing Federation. as President of Sri Lanka Institute of Marketing, during his leadership the institute achieved the highest financial performance for SLIM, by marking its ever highest profit before tax growth rate of 117%, and revenue growth of 20%. And winning Several National and International Awards such as the Gold at CA Annual Report Awards / Business Excellence Awards / SAFA Merit Award for Annual Report in India. Furthermore SLIM won the Great Managers Awards for the very first time and the significant Award of Great Place to Work
Sathis Nawarathna – Chairman of Sadaharitha Group commented on the training and development programmes for the staff saying: “Sadaharitha has been able to establish a career ladder which allows the employees to move up the corporate structure rapidly. Our structure provides our staff with the opportunity to grow from Junior Executive positions to Senior Management levels. I am extremely elated that the company has been able to assist the staff in obtaining professional qualifications and thereby help them achieve their professional goals.”
Commenting on the same, Dr Pradeep Edward stated: “As a company, we have been committed to providing necessary training and development for our teams to progress in their careers and their life. Our memorandum of understanding with SLIM, in particular, has enabled us to offer our staff the most recognised and esteemed Sales and Marketing qualifications from SLIM over the past few years. I am proud to say that the entire cost for the professional courses undertaken by our employees is borne by the company.”
The Director of Sales and Marketing at Sadaharitha Group Jayampathy Mirando commented: “I believe that this support extended to the staff will help them build successful careers while also being a great source of strength and success to the company. We have always been committed to upskilling our teams with professional qualifications in this regard.”
Additionally, Niroshan Manawadu – General Manager for Training and Development at Sadaharitha Group elucidated: “Thus far, we have supported and guided over 200 staff members to pursue the Professional Certificate in Marketing course offered by SLIM to light up their careers. The growth of our staff is the growth of the company. It is great to see our teams progress in their careers through professional qualifications. This wouldn’t have been possible without the support rendered by all the stakeholders. As a company, this is indeed a proud moment for all of us.”