Dr. Ekanayake to speak on CIM Talking Point

The Chartered Institute of Marketing Sri Lanka Region has organised a programme titled "The Role of a Marketer in a Knowledge Economy" under the CIM Talking Point series and is scheduled to be held on today at Salon Orchid, Galadari Hotel from 6.00 pm to 8.30 pm. The Keynote Speaker at the programme is Dr. Anura Ekanayake. The programme is sponsored by HSBC.

The objective of the programme is to stimulate discussion on the implications of knowledge economy, and its current and potential influences on the Sri Lankan economic and business landscape.

The keynote Speaker, Dr Anura Ekanayake is the Deputy Vice Chairman of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce as well as the Chairman of the Steering Committee on Economic and Fiscal Policy of the Chamber.

He is also the Chairman of the Industrial Association of Sri Lanka and serves on a number of Boards of Directors. Prior to joining the private sector he has held numerous senior Sri Lankan Government and international positions, including the Chairmanship of International Natural Rubber Organisation based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Dr. Anura Ekanayake holds a PhD in Economics from the Australian National University where he conducted research on "Economics of Human Capital".

He has widely published in Sri Lanka and abroad on Economics, Human Capital, Agriculture and Environment related areas.

Giving an insight to the topic, Dr. Ekanayake says "The newest phase of the global economy, positions knowledge at the very heart of economic activity and creation of wealth.

The information technology revolution has provided a superb platform for such economic activities to thrive. This does not mean, however, that all traditional businesses will eventually disappear.

The pace of growth of knowledge businesses is much faster in advanced economies compared to the emerging economies. Marketers as the nexus between consumers / customers and businesses, even in the emerging economies, have to clearly understand the implications of this shift both on the supply as well as demand forces and must take a lead role in business development."

The Chartered Institute of Marketing Sri Lanka Region organises the CIM Talking Point series as a part of its Continuous Professional Development (CPD) programmes, assisting its members to progress in their professional careers.

By organising such programmes, The Institute also intends to educate marketers and the business community on contemporary topics of interest, empowering them to successfully overcome the challenges ahead of them.