WiLAT Sri Lanka Enters Strategic Partnership with EFL Global to Elevate IGNITE Mentoring Programme

IGNITE, the flagship mentoring initiative of WiLAT Sri Lanka reached a major milestone with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with EFL Global on 9 February 2026 at EFL Global Headquarters.

With an 11-year legacy of mentoring, IGNITE has become a cornerstone programme for developing leadership among young professionals and undergraduates within Sri Lanka’s logistics and supply chain sector. Through the new partnership with EFL Global, top-performing mentees are now guaranteed industry placements as interns under the prestigious Pathway to Logistics Programme. This provides mentees the opportunity to contribute to, manage, and learn from real projects under EFL’s guidance, while also opening potential pathways to permanent roles upon successful completion of their internship. Over the years, WiLAT SL has successfully mentored more than 250 aspiring professionals, contributing meaningfully to the national supply chain talent pipeline. This collaboration marks IGNITE’s first formal expansion beyond mentorship into structured industry placement, representing a significant evolution in the programme’s scope and impact.

The Pathway to Logistics internship is a six-month programme conducted twice annually, offering hands-on exposure across key operational functions. It equips participants with practical experience and strategic insight, preparing them to become future-ready supply chain professionals. IGNITE leadership described this collaboration as a defining moment that strengthens the link between professional development and practical industry experience.

The signing ceremony was attended by EFL Global’s leadership team, including:

• Senthilnathan Shanmugam – Managing Director / CEO

• Niroza Gazzali – Chief Process Officer

• Arsath Hussain – General Manager, Global Operations

• Muditha Maddumabandara – Assistant General Manager, Human Resources

• Sahana Pramodi Vithanagama – Manager, Global Shared Services & Coordinator, Current Internship Batch

• Hasala Ranathunga – Senior Administrative Manager, Global Shared Services & Coordinator, Upcoming Internship Batch

Distinguished representatives from CILT Sri Lanka and WiLAT Sri Lanka were also present:

• Chandima Hulangamuwa – President, CILT Sri Lanka

• Rumal Fernando – Chairperson, WiLAT Sri Lanka

• Prabodhanie Wanigasundara – Secretary, WiLAT Sri Lanka

• Nadika Kongalage – Vice Chair, Membership Development, WiLAT Sri Lanka

• Indeewari Chandrasekara – Project Chair, IGNITE 11

Reflecting on the programme’s impact, Hamdhan Munawwar, Best Mentee of IGNITE 10, said:

“The IGNITE 10 mentoring programme provided me a unique platform to refine my leadership and operational skills through direct engagement with industry experts. It was an honor to emerge as a winner, and I am grateful for the professional network and strategic insights I gained throughout the journey.”

Paramie Wickramage, Second Place Winner of IGNITE 10, shared:

“My experience with the WiLAT IGNITE 10 Mentoring Programme was highly impactful, providing professional guidance and valuable industry exposure that helped shape my career direction. The mentorship strengthened my confidence, enhanced my leadership skills, and equipped me with a strong foundation not only for my present journey but also for my future growth.”

This landmark collaboration positions IGNITE to further elevate its contribution to Sri Lanka’s logistics and supply chain ecosystem. By combining mentorship excellence with structured industry exposure, the programme continues to advance its mission of developing professional capability and nurturing the next generation of industry leaders.