Old Sylvestrian Gerry Hidelaratchi honoured by IFPSM

The International Federation of Purchasing & Supply Management (IFPSM) recently recognized and honoured the contribution and services rendered by the veteran management consultant Gerald A Hidelaratchi in the field of Supply Chain Management in Sri Lanka recently. IFPSM presented Hidelaratchi with this award of recognition at a felicitation ceremony held at the auditorium of the Organization of Professional Associations (OPA) on the 21st of January 2011. The award was presented by Charles Holden – Director General of IFPSM.

Gerry Hidelaratchi covers 38 years with the Institute of Supply & Materials Management (ISMM) in Sri Lanka of which he was a founding member. He has served the ISMM in different capacities over the years, as its President from 1990 – 1995 and was also the Vice President of IFPSM – the world body - from 1994 – 1996. His contribution, both locally and internationally was well recognized by the IFPSM and other management institutions. His involvement with IFPSM in Supply Chain Management spans well over 25 years and to date he serves as the Senior Delegate of ISMM. Mr. Hidelaratchi is a fellow of ISMM, FCIMA, CCM and HFSUNFO. He has been conferred the highest management qualification of "Companion" by the Chartered Institute of Management – UK.

Hidelaratchi counts widespread experience in the management filed and has served many local and international organizations, spearheading change with foresight. He is a past President of the Organization of Professional Associations (OPA) – a professional body that serves as an umbrella organization for the professional associations in Sri Lanka, with approximately 50 professional associations and 50,000 members under their backing. He has held senior positions in several public sector organizations, state corporations as well as public quoted companies in Sri Lanka as MD and CEO. His international exposure includes serving the UNCTAD/ ITC and as a Marketing Consultant of CFTC of the Commonwealth Secretariat UK, working for the government of Antigua – West Indies. Mr. Hidelaratchi has travelled extensively and has served in trade delegations to UK, India, Pakistan and the Middle-East while heading ISMM teams at many world summits. He also lead the Sri Lanka – China Society delegation to China in 2009.

He is a Vice President of the Sri Lanka-China Society and a Committee Member of the Sri Lanka–Australia–New Zealand Association (SLANZA) as well as a member of numerous other associations and bodies. He has served the Disciplinary Committee of the Sri Lanka Cricket Board and is a versatile sportsman who has represented his college in several sports and represented the University of Ceylon in Athletics, Cricket, Soccer, and Basket Ball. He was the Vice President of the Sports Council of the University in 1961 to 1962.

As a pupil of St. Sylvester’s College in Kandy, he excelled in his studies as well as sports alike. He was appointed the Head Prefect of the School and was also the Captain of the school Cricket and Soccer 1st Eleven teams. He was also a rare recipient of the coveted "Cingolani Gold Medal" – for The Best All Round Student" in 1958.

Article by| The Island