The National Supply Chain Day International Seminar & CEO Forum 2024 featured insightful technical sessions designed to explore innovative strategies, global trends, and the evolving role of technology in supply chain management. Esteemed academics and industry leaders chaired and spoke at these sessions, driving in-depth discussions on key topics related to supply chain sustainability, digitalization, visibility, and entrepreneurship.
Session 1: Integration of Technological Innovations for Sustainable Supply Chains
Session Chairman:
- Prof. Chandana Gamage – Professor, Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University of Moratuwa
This session explored the intersection of technology and sustainability in supply chain operations. The speakers emphasized how digital transformation can create resilient supply chains capable of withstanding global disruptions.
-
Mr. Oshada Senanayake – Group Chief Operating Officer, Digital Transformation, Brandix Lanka (Pvt) Ltd.
Topic: “Digitalization in Supply Chain: Benefits and Challenges”
He discussed the transformative power of digital tools in optimizing processes, along with the challenges organizations face in the digitalization journey. -
Mr. Subodha Perera – CEO, E-Consulate
Topic: “Dynamic Digital Capabilities and Supply Chain Resilience”
His presentation focused on how digital agility enhances resilience, enabling businesses to adapt rapidly to unforeseen challenges.
Session 2: Exploring the Evolving Global Landscape of Supply Chain
Session Chairman:
- Prof. Nalin Abeysekara – Dean, Faculty of Management Studies, Open University of Sri Lanka
This session addressed how businesses can adapt to the complexities of the global supply chain landscape by adopting cutting-edge strategies and innovative approaches.
-
Mr. Kanchana Fernando – Director, Supply Chain, Nestle Sri Lanka
Topic: “Cutting Edge Strategies to Increase Supply Chain Visibility”
He shared insights on the importance of end-to-end supply chain visibility and strategies to enhance transparency for better decision-making. -
Mr. Uditha Palliyaguru – General Manager & Head of Supply Chain, Hayleys Agriculture Holdings
Topic: “Transition towards Circular Supply Chains through an Integrated Approach”
His presentation focused on how businesses can implement circular supply chains to promote sustainability and resource efficiency.
Session 3: Tapping into Sri Lanka's Entrepreneurial Ecosystem to Explore Global Opportunities
Session Chairman:
- Prof. H. M. A. Herath – Professor (Chair) in Management, Wayamba University of Sri Lanka
The third session highlighted how entrepreneurship and innovation can drive supply chain growth and enable businesses to leverage global market opportunities.
-
Dr. Nayana Dehigama – Chairman/Managing Director, Epic Technologies
Topic: “Exploring the Integration between Entrepreneurship and Supply Chain Innovation”
He discussed how entrepreneurial ventures can adopt supply chain innovations to scale operations and meet market demands. -
Mr. Shiran Peiris – Group CEO, Asriel Holdings
Topic: “Success Stories in Sri Lanka: Exploring Market Trends and the Entrepreneurial Ecosystem”
His presentation showcased Sri Lankan success stories, emphasizing the synergy between entrepreneurship, market trends, and innovative supply chain practices.
These technical sessions offered participants valuable insights into how technology, sustainability, visibility, and entrepreneurship can reshape supply chains in a dynamic global environment. The discussions underscored the importance of collaboration across industries and academia to address emerging challenges and seize new opportunities in the supply chain ecosystem.
