PIMA, conducted the first Continuous Development Program (CPD) for the year, on the 18th of July 2019 at the PIM auditorium. The objective of the event was to build awareness on challenges faced by the Sri Lankan economy at present, and to share the learnings of the Vietnam with the PIMA members, who represent Sri Lanka’s elite business fraternity in both public and private sectors.

The event commenced with an insightful keynote speech by Dr. Howard Nicholas, Associate Professor, Institute of Social Studies, Erasmus University of Rotterdam, Netherlands. He spoke on “Fast Tracking the Sri Lankan Economy and Sri Lanka’s Development Challenges, Making Reference to Lessons Learnt from Vietnam”. The Keynote speech was followed by a panel discussion with three other eminent personalities in the Corporate/Academic sector. Dr. W.A. Wijewardena, former Deputy Governor Central Bank of Sri Lanka, Dr. Lloyd Fernando, former State Secretary, Ministry of Policy Planning and Implementation, and Dr. Nishan de Mel, Executive Director/Head of Research, Verite Research. The Panel discussion was moderated by Prof. Ajantha Dharmasiri, Director PIM & Patron PIMA, and followed by a thought provoking ‘Q & A’ session.

The symposium was well-received by over two hundred and twenty-five participants who made it to a full-house. Event was chaired by Dr Viruli de Silva – Member PIMA Executive Committee.