WiLAT HOLDS 8th AGM – 2021/22
Women in Logistics & Transport (WiLAT) Sri Lanka appointed its new Chairperson Ms. Niroza Gazzali for year 2021/22 at the 8th Annual General Meeting held on the 30th of April virtually on Zoom amidst a large audience of the industries eminent personalities and our membership.
Niroza takes the helm from the outgoing Chairperson of WiLAT Ms. Gayathri Karunanayake and will be responsible to execute WiLAT’s advocacy initiatives, working closely with its parent body the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) & the Global WiLAT Forum. In her professional career, she has held diverse roles in freight forwarding, logistics services, transport and supply chain and currently she is the Chief Process Officer for EFL Global where she contributes towards the execution of the processes and drives initiatives for business growth and performance. Niroza counts over 28 years of experience in the Logistics and Transport Industry and is a renowned process champion. She brings with her a wealth of experience.
She is a Chartered member of CILT and has been an active executive committee member of WiLAT Sri Lanka since its inception in 2013 and moved on to serve WiLAT as the Vice Chairperson. She has successfully executed effective programs to promote and position Women in Logistics & Transport, as an Integral part of the industry and the economy.
Ms. Amra Zareer, Dr. Renuka Herath and Ms. Maithree Attanayaka were elected as the Vice chairpersons for Branding & Sponsorship, Membership Development and Membership Services respectively. They bring with them a mammon of skills and knowledge of the industry from diverse fields. Dr. Priyangani Jayasundara was appointed as Hon. Secretary and Ms. Vijitha Weerasinghe as Hon. Treasurer. The newly appointed WiLAT Exco, will together stand stronger as a leading female advocacy group in Sri Lanka and the region and will steer all initiatives for WiLAT Sri Lanka under the 4 key Strategic Thrusts of WiLAT Global – Leadership, Entrepreneurship, Mentorship and Empowerment.
The outgoing Chairperson Ms, Gayathri Karunanayaka thanked her Executive Committee for the unstinted support extended to her during a very critical year to carry out the mission of WiLAT and activities entrusted to her. Gayathri had to change gear to function during the Global Pandemic during her tenure and she had made a significant contribution to the industry together with her Exco in the virtual space. She added that at a time when WiLAT Sri Lanka is in a very strong position, she is confident that the new committee under the able leadership of her successor Ms. Niroza Gazzali would be able to translate the vision and strategy in to world class execution and bring together all females in the Logistics & Transport Industry to create value to the economy.
Ms. Gayani de Alwis, the Co-founder made a special mention to the past committees for supporting WiLAT and wished the newly elected Chairperson and her committee and mentioned that she hopes, WiLAT Sri Lanka will continue the efforts with greater initiatives to uplift and support the community and industry.
The new Chairperson Ms. Niroza Gazzali concluded by standing together in one spirit contending as one and she would work closely with the parent body CILT and would partner and collaborate to broaden the horizons of WiLAT and take it to greater heights. She insisted on the commitment and dedication of the newly appointed Exco to support her during her tenure to make WiLAT Sri Lanka an exemplary chapter. She also stressed on WiLATs commitment to society and responsibilities not just to women but to the planet and to future generations and stated that she together with her council will work towards a greener, more equal and more socially responsible logistics and transport industry.
WiLAT is the women’s forum of Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) and is part of an ever expanding global network. WiLAT is considered as a live wire of the institute. The main objective of WiLAT is to promote and encourage the art and science of logistics and transport among women. Currently WiLAT is present in 29 countries with over 3000 members in the global network which is expanding rapidly. WiLAT Sri Lanka is one of the five pioneering fora of the global network and was established on 21st March 2013. WiLAT membership is open to all women working in public and private sector and in academia in the areas of logistics, transport, supply chain and supporting functions in organizations. WiLAT Sri Lanka forum is expected to provide a platform for women engaged in the industry to maximize their true potential both professionally and personally WiLAT Sri Lanka since its formation in 2013, has played an active role in promoting gender diversity in the logistics and transport sector through value enhancing activities.