The 3rd International Research Symposium on Management (IRSM) 2024, hosted by the Faculty of Management Studies, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, was successfully held on 28th November 2024 under the theme “Strengthening Management Ecosystems for Sustainable Futures,”. The symposium provided an enriching platform for scholars, researchers, and practitioners to share knowledge, foster innovation, and address pressing global challenges.
This diversity highlighted the breadth and depth of research in management, underscoring the interconnectedness of various fields in shaping sustainable futures. The event commenced with an inaugural ceremony graced by the Chief Guest, Prof. (Mrs.) G.A.S. Ginigaddara, Vice Chancellor, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, two eminent keynote speakers: Prof. Chatura Ranaweera, Lazaridis School of Business & Economics, Wilfrid Laurier University, Canada and Prof. Rangika Halwatura, Department of Civil Engineering, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka.
Their insights on global trends in management and sustainability captivated the audience, setting the tone for the subsequent presentations and discussions. The symposium was not limited only theoretical explorations, on the contrary it bridged academia and industry through a Business Forum held in the afternoon. Esteemed panelists, including Prof. Rangika Halwatura, Mr. Niroshan Manawadu (Sadaharitha Plantations Ltd), and Ms. Chamila Cooray (WNS-Sri Lanka), shared their expertise on resilience, digital transformation, and innovative management practices and the forum was moderated by Dr. Prageeth Weerathunga, Senior Lecturer, Faculty of Management Studies. This forum attracted corporate representatives and small and medium entrepreneurs from the Anuradhapura region. Adding value to the symposium was a pre-symposium webinar on Energy Security, conducted by Dr. Nikolai Mouraviev of Abertay University, UK, on 26th November 2024. This session underscored the need for sustainable energy practices in building resilient management ecosystems. In 2024, IRSM was led by symposium chair, Dr. HMBP Ranaweera and Co-chairs, Dr. ALM Jameel and Dr. UWMRS Kappagoda. The success of IRSM 2024 was bolstered by the support of its sponsors and partners: Abertay University, UK, Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM), Institute of Bankers of Sri Lanka (IBSL), Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka (CA), Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE), Institute of Certified Management Accountants (CMA), Bank of Ceylon, Project Management Institute (PMI), Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation.
