The Sri Lanka Institute of Marketing (SLIM), the apex body representing the marketing fraternity, has taken the initiative to provide promising Sri Lanka Women’s National Cricket Team player Vishmi Gunaratne with a valuable dual scholarship. This will grant Ms Gunaratne the opportunity to pursue a Professional Certificate in Marketing and a Postgraduate Diploma in Marketing Management at SLIM – two of SLIM’s most coveted courses of study. The scholarship will thus empower this budding sportswoman to chase after her professional aspirations alongside her sporting ambitions. This gesture of goodwill aligns with SLIM’s broader mission of empowering Sri Lankans and inspiring the next generation of marketing leaders.
The scholarship was formally presented to Vishmi Gunaratne at a special ceremony held on the 7th of December 2024 at the Sri Lanka Olympic House, located at Independence Avenue in Colombo. The event celebrated Ms Gunaratne’s exceptional contributions to cricket and her aspirations to make an equally significant impact in the marketing field. Known for her dedication, skill, and determination in the field, Ms Gunaratne’s commitment to academic and professional growth makes her an exemplary candidate for this initiative by SLIM. Furthermore, the scholarship represents SLIM’s enduring dedication to nurturing talent, promoting diversity, and contributing to Sri Lanka’s progress by supporting outstanding individuals from all walks of life.
Gayan Perera – President of SLIM, expressed a sense of pride and optimism, saying, “As the national body for marketing in Sri Lanka, SLIM is proud to award this scholarship. We aim to support and nurture exceptional Sri Lankans, helping them develop their skills and achieve their career aspirations. We see Vishmi Gunaratne as a national asset, and this investment in her future is an investment in the future of Sri Lankan marketing.”
Ms Gunaratne’s passion for marketing reflects her drive to excel beyond the boundaries of her cricketing career. As someone who represents the dreams and hopes of a nation on the international stage, her determination to succeed in marketing clearly demonstrates the close relationship between sportsmanship and professional ambition. Accordingly, the scholarship will provide her with a robust academic foundation to transition into a marketing career while leveraging her experiences as a national cricketer to further contribute to Sri Lanka’s global identity.
Highlighting the strategic importance of this initiative, Vice President of Education and Research at SLIM, Prof Dewasiri N Jayantha, said, “SLIM is steadfast in its commitment to nurturing talent and empowering individuals who exemplify excellence, resilience, and leadership. By awarding this full scholarship to Ms Vishmi Gunaratne, we aim to equip her with the tools and knowledge to complement her outstanding sporting achievements with marketing expertise. This will enable her to make an even more significant impact on society and represent Sri Lanka as a global brand ambassador who proudly carries the brand, Sri Lanka. This initiative underscores SLIM’s vision of cultivating the next generation of versatile leaders poised to drive progress in their chosen fields while contributing significantly to the nation’s growth.”
Meanwhile, Dr Dilhan S Jayatilleke – Vice President of Events and Sustainability at SLIM, added, “As the national body for marketing, it is with pleasure that we award this scholarship to someone who is shouldering the dreams and hopes of an entire nation by representing the country at the highest level in the game of cricket. SLIM is happy to see her contribution as a cricketer and feels proud. We sincerely hope this scholarship will assist her in her educational endeavours in the future.”
Having brought pride to the nation, Ms Gunaratne’s achievements on the cricket pitch have also made her a national symbol of perseverance and excellence – a role model and an aspirational figure for youth in Sri Lanka, particularly girls and women. Therefore, by presenting Vishmi Gunaratne with this scholarship, SLIM aims to support her journey to build a multifaceted career that will allow her athletic prowess and marketing expertise to converge and create new synergies. This initiative thus embodies SLIM’s dedication to supporting the holistic development of individuals, encouraging them to reach their full potential.
In the future too, SLIM has pledged to continue identifying and supporting exceptionally talented youth across Sri Lanka. The organisation is committed to nurturing future leaders who will drive progress across marketing and other industries in Sri Lanka. Initiatives such as the dual scholarship for Vishmi Gunaratne represent SLIM’s unwavering belief in investing in Sri Lanka’s human capital and fulfilling its national responsibility to uplift and empower the next generation.
Founded in 1970 and officially incorporated by an act of Parliament in 1980, SLIM has consistently championed the advancement of the marketing profession in Sri Lanka. As a not-for-profit organisation, it has tirelessly worked to elevate marketing as a critical business discipline and support professional development. Over its 50-plus-year history, SLIM has launched several transformative initiatives, such as the SLIM Brand Excellence Awards, SLIM-Kantar People’s Awards, SLIM National Sales Awards, SLIM Digis, and many other national-level events to recognise and inspire excellence in marketing. This scholarship award thus further demonstrates SLIM’s commitment to identifying exceptional talent and expanding opportunities for career development.
