The Sri Lanka Institute of Marketing (SLIM), recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Faculty of Management Studies of the Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka to offer a gold medal and a scholarship for the best student from the BSc in Marketing Management degree. The MoU was signed by SLIM President Roshan Fernando and the Dean of the Faculty of Management Studies, Professor Athula Gnanapala.

The MoU is valid for a period of five years from the date of execution. SLIM will offer a gold medal and a 100% scholarship for the Postgraduate Diploma in Marketing Management for an outstanding performance of the best student of BSc. in Marketing specialization at the Faculty of Management Studies, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka.

In addition, SLIM will enable students of FMS, SUSL, who have successfully graduated with “Bachelor of Science (Honours) in the Marketing” degree programme and who satisfy the prevalent entry criteria, to enroll directly in level 3 of the Postgraduate Diploma in the Marketing Management Programme with special concessionary rates where applicable at the discretion of SLIM.  Further, SLIM will facilitate staff members and students of FMS, SUSL to participate in workshops, seminars and trainings organized by SLIM, so as to benefit from eminent personalities in Business and Marketing at a concessionary rate. Also, the Faculty of Management Studies of the Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka will permit SLIM to be engaged in activities like presentations at events, career guidance programmes and guest sessions organized by the institution.

Sharing his thoughts on the partnership formed, SLIM’s President Roshan Fernando said, “As the National Body for Marketing in Sri Lanka, SLIM has the credentials and capacity to conduct pioneering educational programmes for the marketing fraternity of Sri Lanka. SLIM is providing this exceptional opportunity to expand and elevate the knowledge of the graduates of the faculty of Management Studies at the University of Sabaragamuwa and contribute to develop and promote future marketers in the country. SLIM hopes to continue its commitment towards working with the marketing fraternity in the country and provide them with the highest levels of support in enhancing their skills and performance.”

Commenting about the collaboration, SLIM Vice President Nuwan Gamage stated, “The Marketing fraternity in Sri Lanka has maintained its confidence in SLIM’s educational programmes since these programmes effectively contribute towards enhancing the performance of marketers in the industry. The education pathway created by SLIM’s professional programmes would aid in steering the careers of the graduates of the University of Sabaragamuwa and gear them to step into international platforms and stand as equals with their global counterparts’’.

SLIM Chairman of Research and Education Dr. Jayantha N Dewasiri stated, “SLIM has always campaigned for high professional standards, greater recognition for the profession and marketing excellence in Sri Lanka through education, training and development. SLIM has been recognized as one of the finest professional educational institutes, which has produced many highly competent marketers that have been of benefit to the nation. Through this collaboration with one of the best marketing faculties in the country, we aim to continue this service and produce highly trained professionals and excellent marketers.”

The Dean of the Faculty of Management Studies, Professor Athula Gnanapala stated, “We are delighted to join hands with the national body for marketing to enhance the professional competencies of our students who are related to both marketing and non-marketing. I believe that the academic institutions should join hands with professional institutions for the betterment of the future leaders of the country”.

SLIM CEO/Executive Director Sanath Senanayake stated that, as the national body for marketing, SLIM plays a vital role in imparting marketing education to the nation. We are delighted and happy to provide a 100% scholarship and a gold medal for the best student from the BSc in Marketing Management degree programme.

SLIM President Roshan Fernando, SLIM Chairman Research and Education Dr. Jayantha N. Dewasiri, the Dean of the Faculty of Management Studies of the Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka, Professor Athula Gnanapala and Head of the Department of Marketing (SUSL) Mr. D. Jasinghe, were also present for the ceremony.

SLIM is the national body for marketing in Sri Lanka and has been promoting marketing excellence and elevating the status of marketing since 1970. It is a member of the National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka (NCCSL), Organization of Professional Associations of Sri Lanka (OPA) and Federation of Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Sri Lanka (FCCISL). SLIM also has received ISO 9001:2015 certification in recognition of its superior quality management system and ISO 29990:2010 for Learning Service Provider (LSP), providing non-formal education and training services.