By Thasmina Sookoor

The Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) Sri Lanka Professional Member Support Committee (SLPMSC) has announced its upcoming Members’ Fellowship Night 2026, scheduled to take place on June 20th at the Cinnamon Lakeside, Kings Court, Colombo. Commencing at 6.00pm, the event is expected to bring together a wide cross-section of marketing professionals, corporate leaders, entrepreneurs, academics, media personalities, and emerging talent from across Sri Lanka’s business and communications sectors for an evening centred on networking, fellowship, professional engagement, and meaningful conversation.

Designed as a refreshing departure from traditional corporate gatherings, the Members’ Fellowship Night promises an engaging blend of fun, light-hearted humour, authentic storytelling, and insightful conversation in a relaxed yet premium setting. Organisers say the event has been carefully curated to encourage professionals to move beyond formal business interactions and build genuine personal and professional connections in a more open and energetic atmosphere.

As the marketing and communications industry continues to evolve rapidly through digital transformation, changing consumer behaviour, and increased competition, events that foster collaboration and knowledge-sharing have become increasingly valuable. The Fellowship Night aims to provide a platform where professionals from different sectors and levels of experience can exchange perspectives, discuss industry trends, and build lasting relationships that extend beyond the workplace. The programme for the evening will feature a distinguished and diverse lineup of personalities recognised for their achievements, communication skills, and engaging perspectives across business, leadership, education, advocacy, and media.

Featured speakers and personalities include:

• Dayan Fernando: Chief Executive Officer of ANC Campus and Coordinating Principal of Wycherley International Schools
• Shanuki De Alwis: Advocacy and Communications Consultant, Trainer and Speaker
• Niranjan De Silva: Business Communications Specialist and former CEO of Metropolitan Computers
 

The evening will be compered by Dominic Kellar; renowned Radio Presenter, Actor, and Entertainer.

Each personality is expected to contribute a unique perspective drawn from years of experience in their respective fields, offering attendees an engaging mix of insight, humour, inspiration, and practical reflections on leadership, communication, and professional growth.

The event reflects the CIM Sri Lanka Professional Member Support Committee’s continued commitment to strengthening professional relationships, supporting industry engagement, and creating meaningful opportunities for marketers and business professionals to connect in line with CIM’s globally recognised standards and values. Organisers noted that while professional networking often takes place within highly structured environments, the Fellowship Night has been intentionally developed to create a more relaxed and interactive experience that encourages authentic conversations and stronger interpersonal engagement.

Beyond networking, the event also seeks to foster a stronger sense of community among CIM members and the wider marketing fraternity. The evening is expected to serve as a platform for collaboration, mentorship, and peer-to-peer learning, particularly benefiting young professionals and emerging marketers looking to build industry connections and gain exposure to experienced practitioners. Speaking ahead of the event, Prashan Costa, CIM SLPMSC Vice Chair of Networking Events, emphasised the importance of creating spaces that encourage professional collaboration while maintaining a strong sense of fellowship and community. “We are delighted to host another memorable night for our CIM members - an exciting event that will provide attendees with valuable networking opportunities,” he said. “Strengthening marketing capability at both individual and organisational levels, fostering high-impact networking opportunities and building fellowship sits at the heart of the CIM SLPMSC's mission - and these events help us to achieve these objectives. We look forward to seeing marketing professionals from a range of sectors and hearing their fascinating insights.” He further stated that the Fellowship Night is intended to create an environment where professionals can openly exchange ideas, share experiences, and build meaningful relationships that contribute positively to both personal and professional growth.

According to organisers, attendees can expect a fully immersive networking experience that combines professional interaction with entertainment, hospitality, and engaging conversation. Every aspect of the evening has been designed to encourage participation and ensure a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere throughout the programme.

Highlights of the event include:

• Refreshments carefully selected to complement the evening’s social atmosphere.
• Live entertainment specially curated to create a lively and engaging experience.
• Structured networking opportunities enabling members to interact with peers, senior professionals, and industry leaders in a relaxed environment.
• Interactive conversations and informal discussions focused on leadership, communication, professional development, and industry experiences.
• Opportunities for young professionals and aspiring marketers to engage directly with experienced industry figures.

The event also reflects the growing importance of relationship-building within today’s business environment, where collaboration, adaptability, and strong professional networks continue to play a critical role in career advancement and organisational success. As one of the world’s leading professional marketing bodies, CIM has long played a significant role in advancing marketing excellence, professional education, and ethical business practices globally. Through its Sri Lankan chapter and initiatives led by the Professional Member Support Committee, CIM Sri Lanka continues to create platforms that support learning, networking, and industry engagement among professionals across multiple sectors.

Over the years, CIM Sri Lanka has organized a range of professional forums, educational programmes, networking events, leadership discussions, and knowledge-sharing initiatives aimed at empowering marketers and strengthening professional standards within the industry. The Members’ Fellowship Night has become one of the organization’s most anticipated networking events, recognized for its ability to bring together professionals from diverse backgrounds in an engaging and informal setting. Organizers believe the 2026 edition of the Fellowship Night will continue this tradition by offering attendees an evening that combines professional value with entertainment and meaningful social interaction.

The event is also expected to provide participants with an opportunity to reconnect with colleagues, establish new industry relationships, broaden their professional circles, and gain fresh perspectives from some of the country’s respected professionals and communicators. Members and interested parties are encouraged to secure their participation early, as capacity is limited. For further information and ticketing details, attendees may contact Prashan Costa on 077 733 0891. The Members’ Fellowship Night 2026 stands as a key highlight in CIM Sri Lanka’s annual calendar, further reinforcing the organization’s continued commitment to nurturing a resilient, forward-thinking, collaborative, and well-connected marketing community capable of driving innovation and professional excellence within Sri Lanka’s evolving business landscape.