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Senior Lecturer Ms. Madhuri Fernando & Senior Lecturer Ms. Shanika Wijenayake, Department of Marketing Management received Senate Awards which is offered to appreciate the researchers in the University of Kelaniya whose papers were published in internationally recognized journals. They received the Senate awards on the 03rd of May 2019 at the Senate Room of the University for their publication: “Blinded by the sand of its burrowing? Examining fans’ intentions to follow one-day cricket on TV with a moderating effect of social influence” which is published in International Journal of Sports Marketing and Sponsorship with an impact factor of 0.622. 

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The Department of Marketing Management of the University of Kelaniya commenced the 4th cycle of its Higher Diploma in Marketing programme on 7th April, 2019. The inauguration ceremony was held at the Board room of Faculty of Management Studies (FCMS), University of Kelaniya with the distinguished presence of Dr. Naradha Fernando, the Dean of FCMS as the Chief Guest. The Guest of Honour was Mr. Roshan Rassool, Executive Director at Softlogic Plc, CEO at Softlogic Information systems (Pvt.) ltd.  The inauguration of the programme was presided over by Dr. Bandara Wanninayake former head of the Department of Marketing Management,The event was also graced by members of the academic staff including Coordinator of the Higher Diploma in Marketing Programme Mr. Thilina DK, 

The Higher Diploma in Marketing is a new qualification that emerged as a result of fulfilling the industry and academics needs of department of Marketing Management. DMM has figured out the potential of emerging trends in the marketing profession and advancing needs of the stakeholders. For the same, DMM conducts periodic curriculum revisions and needful developments to reach for the progressive levels for its fee levying programs. It has considered the prevailing policy framework and the relevant templates to do the programme restructuring aiming at providing opportunities for the learning partners to steer ahead. 

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Inauguration Ceremony of Diploma in People Skills for the second year undergraduates of the Department of Marketing Management, Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies was successfully held on the 21st of March, 2019 at the Faculty premises.

Gathering was welcomed by the Acting Head of Department, Senior Lecturer Dr. Renuka Herath, who reinvigorated the purpose and aim of the program to the undergraduates. The key note speech was delivered by the Chief Guest of the Ceremony, Ms. Jency Paul, who is the Global Graduate Recruitment Specialist for Unilever, Sri Lanka. She outlined the importance of the Diploma in People Skills program in building the right candidate expected by talent acquisition managers. She shared her experiences and highlighted the significance of this program for the development of the undergraduates.

Former coordinator of Diploma in People Skills program, Senior Lecturer Mrs. Madhuri Fernando enlightened the students on the rationale of the program and the process by which the program and modules were developed stressing that it was targeted at developing the best sought skills and strengths by the corporate world. She also advised Undergraduates on the key considerations which they should place to yield the maximum benefit from Diploma in People Skills.

The Inauguration Ceremony came to an end upon the address by the current Coordinator of Diploma in People Skills program Senior Lecturer, Mr. S. Uditha Bandara, while thanking and recognizing the commitment of staff members and key Strategic Partners of the program for their contribution to bring the program to this level and also he highlighted the future plans laid out for the success

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The Annual General Meeting of the Future Marketers Association (FMA) was successfully concluded on 8th of March, 2019 in a splendid manner at the Management faculty auditorium with the presence of Department lecturers, past board members and Department undergraduates. 

The meeting was commenced with the arrival of Head of the Department Dr. Ajith Medis and the other distinguish lecturers to the event. Following lighting the traditional oil lamp the gathering was welcomed to the ceremony and meeting was incepted by after the past board taking seats at the head table. Former secretary Sheruni De silva read the last meeting minutes by sharing tremendous work and massive inceptions they have carried out throughout the year and also extended their gratitude to the lecturers for the guidance shown and assistance gave throughout the year.  

Next the senior advisor and mentor of FMA addressed the gathering and shared valuable insights regarding the Future Marketers Association and its performance throughout the past years of the department history. Furthermore he urged the uniqueness of this association and its dynamics for the upcoming years as well. Afterwards the outgoing president Mr. Prameda Mendis addressed the gathering and thanked each and everyone who stood with him throughout the year and then the new executive board was appointed. Thereafter proceedings were handed over to the newly appointed president Mr. Udara Hendeniya and then the new board was appointed representing all three batches of the department to set their sails for the upcoming year with new initiations. 

After all appointments the former board of directors were awarded with certificates for their excellent service by former Head of the Department Dr. Wasantha Kumara and Chief Advisor of the Association Dr. Ravi Dissanayake. 

Following the Head of the Department, addressed the gathering and shared his insights of Association and the long journey we have come so far in the University of Kelaniya. Furthermore he set the goals for the newly appointed office bearers with new beginnings. This glorious ceremony was concluded by setting goals and objectives for the upcoming year.

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We are proud to announce our latest agreement signed, between the Department of Marketing Management (DMM), University of Kelaniya, and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) - through the Industrial Development Board (IDB). The agreement was signed on the 8th of March, 2019 at the Faculty premises of University of Kelaniya, with the presence of the Head of the Department Dr. Ajith Medis, Mr. Thilina Dk, Officials of IDB, Entrepreneurs and third year Undergraduates of the Department.

IDB is one of the apex bodies to develop industries all over Sri Lanka provided with 25 regional offices and 18 Industrial Estates. With the intention of providing excellence Digital Marketing practices for entrepreneurs IT unit of IDB organized a workshop facilitated by lecturers of Department of Marketing Management (DMM). As an extension of the workshop DMM is ready to offer modern Digital Marketing solutions for SMEs through Undergraduates to develop and enhance presence of their businesses on online platforms. 

Ceremony gathering was welcomed by Dr. Ajith Medis, Head of the Department of Marketing Management, who signified the importance of the agreement. He also discussed the role of state organizations, such as the Industrial Development Board, in development of University Undergraduates and the Country. The Enterprise Promotion Officer of IDB Mr. Iresh Piyatilleke extracted how this could be helpful for entrepreneurs in uplifting their organizations to the next level through digitalization. 

Under the agreement, the Department of Marketing Management will support the upliftment of SMEs through Digital Marketing. This activity will also support the course module of Integrated Digital Marketing in third year of the undergraduates, while provide hands-on experience in Digital Marketing. Six entrepreneurs entered in to agreements and Mr. Thilina Dk who initiated the project affirmed their readiness to assist SMEs in Sri Lanka in utilizing the digital scope towards development.

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Considering the request made by SMEs who have participated for the two day practical workshop on Digital Marketing (DM) held on 19th & 20th January 2019 at the Industrial Development Board, the Department of Marketing Management (DMM), University of Kaleniya is willing to offer an opportunity to enhance Digital Marketing competency of SMEs. Joining hands with IDB, DMM is looking forward to give hands on experience to the undergraduates while creating the collaboration with SMEs. 

After a strenuous screening process fourteen SMEs got selected among the participants of the DM workshop held on 19th & 20th January 2019 and call for interviews. The interview was held on 06th February 2019.  Interview was conducted by Mr. Thilina DK, Lecturer, Department of Marketing Management, University of Kaleniya and Ms. Swarna Wijekoon, Deputy Director/ ITU at the Board Room, IDB 

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The biggest fashion adventure of the year, Signature Stylish Marketer 2018 was successfully staged on the 15th of November 2018 at Sri Dharmaloka Hall in the University of Kelaniya. Stylish Marketer is the annual fashion extravaganza organized by Future Marketers Association, the official student body of the Department of Marketing Management of the University of Kelaniya. Stylish Marketer is one of the most glamorous events organized by a State University in Sri Lanka and the main purpose of the event is to improve the skills of the undergraduates of the Marketing Department. 

The event was graced by Professor D.M. Semasinghe, Vice Chancellor of the University of Kelaniya as the chief guest and Mr. Fauzul Hameed, the Managing Director of Hameedia group as the guest of honour, along with many more respected dignitaries from other state universities, the corporate sector and the fashion industry. 

The event attracted the spotlight of an enormous crowd, where the audience was enthralled by the stunning performance of the contestants in this finale. The sensation was elevated even more by Anthony Surendra with a blend of western and traditional Sri Lankan music along with the elegant performance of Vocalists Randhir and Jaya Sri, which added further glamour to the fashionable eve. 

This glamorous evening was further mesmerized by the eminent panel of judges consisting of Arunika Ranawana (Senior Designer of Hela Clothing Pvt Ltd), Prasad Hewagamage (Managing Director of Asian Academy of Commercial Studies), Shyama Dahanayaka (Miss Sri Lanka For Miss Earth 2017), Duminda De Silva (Mr Sri Lanka 1998) and Chethana Liyanage (Director-Talent Management of the Capital Maharaja Organization) 

Stylish Marketer 2018 runway was illuminated by the dazzling performance of beauty queens and emperors adorned with delicate outfits, conceived by the prolific ten designers of the designer category. 

After a fascinating competition, the titles of "Best female Model" and " Best Male Model" of Signature Stylish Marketer 2018, were clinched by Prathibha Liyanaarachchi and Dinuk Bentharage from the University of Moratuwa, Frist runner-up and second runner-up positions in Best Male Model category were clicnhed by Anuradha Isuru and Dilhan Wickramanayake from University of Sri Jayewardenepura and University of Kelaniya respectively. First runner-up and second runner-up positions in Best Female Model category were clinched by Pujanee Paranayapa and Wathsla Daniel from University of Kelaniya. Ms.Sanju Uralagamage from the University of Moratuwa clinched the title of ‘Best Designer’, while Ms.Dilushani Wijewardena and Ms.Wageesha Kulatunge from University of Moratuwa were able to clinch the titles of first  runner up and second runner-up respectively in the designer category of Stylish Marketer 2018 creating a remarkable milestone in the history of Signature Stylish Marketer.

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The third session of the executive series avenue under Future Marketers Association of University of Kelaniya,was successfully concluded on the 13th of November at the Management Faculty auditorium.The forum was organized with the purpose of inculcating and nurturing proper attitudes, values and skills within the marketing undergraduates.The key note speech was delivered by the veteran artiste Mr.Jackson Anthony under the topic of "The impact of creative thinking in Marketing".

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Stylish Marketer 2018, the biggest fashion extravaganza of the year saw the successful completion of its two model and designer auditions lately.The first model audition was held on the 26th August at Havelockcity Clubhouse while the first designer audition was held on 31st of August at University of Kelaniya. The second model and designer audition was successfully held on the 22nd of September at the Havelock city clubhouse.

Stylish Marketer is a proud undertaking of the Department of Marketing Management of University of Kelaniya.  The Department of Marketing Management, known as one of the premier Departments affiliated to the Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies of University of Kelaniya, has always strived towards contributing to the society at large by assisting in developing and nurturing right talent for the fashion industry.

The two auditions were graced by two panels of judges consisting of  experienced pioneers in the fashion industry.Among over 450 contestants representing various Universities and fashion schools in the island, 90 contestants were selected to move forward in the path of Stylish Marketer 2018 both in the categories of "model" and "designer". Stylish Marketer provides a great platform for these contestants to unleash their fashion souls and to unveil their talents in modelling and designing.

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The Second Model and Designer Audition of Signature Stylish Marketer 2018, the Inter University Fashion Show organized by Future Marketers Association under the guidance of Department of Marketing Management was successfully held on the 22nd of September at the Havelock city clubhouse. The event showcased the talent and creativity of aspiring fashion models and designers shortlisted from the first round of auditions.The top 20 from the model category and the top 10 from the designer category were selected to the Grand Finale of the event

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The second batch of the Diploma in Peoples Skills facilitated by Nestlé Lanka was privileged to be invited for a field visit to their manufacturing plant located at Pannala in Kurunegala District, Sri Lanka.  The batch consisting thirty undergraduates of the Department of Marketing Management of University of Kelaniya participated for this field visit on the 5th of October 2018, as a part of the diploma learning module.

The field visit program consisted two major parts:  an introductory session as well as a walk around the plant with technical support. After reaching the factory premises the students were warmly welcomed by the staff of the factory, and were directed to a conference room. An introductory session was conducted by the senior staff of the plant with the aid of a PowerPoint presentation. A glimpse about the company history and its growth as a global   brand, a discussion regarding the current product portfolios were included in the session. The session was complemented by a refreshment and was completed with a presentation of the basic safety rules of the plant, as a prerequisite to the plant visit.

The second session was conducted as a practical session, in which students were invited to witness the production processes. They were provided the safety gears including safety shoes, jackets and specific guidelines by a technical staff member. The visit started with the dairy production section. Students witnessed the dairy sourcing process and the quality criterion that the plant follows when they source dairy harvest. Participants’ inquiries regarding the manufacturing process were comprehensively addressed by the staff which really helped to structure the observations and accelerate learning.  The staff extended a commendable service in passing the necessary knowledge for the participants. After finishing the tour in dairy production plant, participants were directed to observe the packaging process of malted drinks, following which, the complete production process of Maggi noodles category was elaborated. The plant visit was concluded with an observation of the packaging department, that handles the final product packaging and dispatching the units for the distribution points. The students were offered lunch and  refreshments by the staff at the plant.

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‘Wichchurna ’ the Annual Talent Show organized by second year undergraduates of the Department of Marketing Management, University  of Kelaniya was held on 26th of September at the university premises in a glamorous way. The event comprised of singing, dancing, drama and many other astonishing performances by the undergraduates and that was a great opportunity for them to showcase their vibrant talents. Undergraduates from all four years, lecture panel of the Department of Marketing and other dignitaries were there to witness the glamour of this event on that night. It was a truly remarkable evening filled with fun and entertainment.

The success of the event took months of preparations .Students were highly dedicated and committed towards the event and their hard work and togetherness finally paid off. The Dancing, Music and Drama team had been practicing for more than one month so that they were confident and ready for the final day.  The theme of the event was something unique. It was based on the concept of ‘Veddas’ .There was a separate team who looked into decorations and other preparations of the event because for an event to be successful, everything must be taken into consideration properly.

The participants, especially the Lecturers including the Head of the Department Dr. Ajith Medis appreciated the skills of the undergraduates and they were amazed by the performance of the Undergraduates. Further, the Head of the Department stated that he enjoyed evening and he was delighted to see the students performing in such an exceptionally good manner. ‘Wichchurna’ became a huge success with the unity of the second year undergraduates and the contribution of many personalities who were behind this successful event from the day one.