BNI® Sri Lanka Archives

June 20, 2023

BNI Sri Lanka – the local branch of the world’s largest referral networking organisation, BNI (Business Network International) – is celebrating the success of its first ever large-scale event in the country. The National Conference titled “Building a global Sri Lanka. Networking the way forward,” was headlined by Founder & Chief Visionary Officer of BNI, Dr. Ivan Misner, and BNI Global Markets President Mr. Mac Srinivasan, with an awards ceremony honouring the outstanding successes and contributions of members representing a broad spectrum of industries from across the island.

Held on Wednesday the 14^th of June at the Shangri-La Ballroom in Colombo, the forum was held with the aim to raise individual professionals, local organisations and entrepreneurs, with an awards ceremony recognising members and chapters that have performed exceptionally well over the past year. As a globally recognised platform for effective networking in the international business sphere, the keynote speakers highlighted the importance of incorporating modern networking techniques for fostering long-term business relationships on an international scale. In keeping with the theme, the event also underscored how these connections can not just fuel organisational business expansion, but also promote Sri Lanka’s economic growth and global presence in a post-crisis economic landscape.

The National Conference follows the BNI CEO Forum held the previous day, where over 200 delegates were privy to an insightful panel discussion featuring an illustrious group of industry heads and moderated by BNI Sri Lanka Area Director, Glenn Lord and Daily FT Editor, Nisthar Cassim. Panellists included BNI Global Markets President Mac Srinivasan, BNI Senior Vice President of Operations Dave Collins, Sunshine Holdings PLC Group Managing Director and Ceylon Chamber of Commerce Secretary General and CEO Buwanekabahu Perera, and Brandix Chief Operating Officer of Digital Transformation, Oshada Senanayake – each of whom brought to the table their own unique perspectives and valuable expertise on how a globally connected professional network is a key driver for international business success.

For the highly successful BNI National Conference, Nippon Paint Lanka was the Platinum Sponsor, with Sri Lanka Telecom and G Trip Vietnam as Gold Sponsors, Orel IT as Silver Sponsor, and DB Automation (Pvt) Ltd. and Ecom Services Lanka (Pvt) Ltd. as Bronze Sponsor.

BNI Sri Lanka marked its return after a three-year hiatus, by two successful events during the visit of esteemed business leader and author, Dr. Ivan Misner.

Nearly four decades in operation, BNI has over the years amassed over 303K members worldwide, with a presence in 77 different countries across 10,927 chapters, and from over 300 different types of professions – having now crossed over 13.1 million business referrals and $20.6 billion in business dealings in just one year. In Sri Lanka alone, the BNI network comprises of 13 chapters across the country, with over 400 members and growing. In just the last 12 months, BNI Sri Lanka has locally passed over 26,190 referrals, generating over LKR 4.45 billion in closed business for its members.

November 23, 2018

BNI Gladiators Chapter Sri Lanka

1^st November 2018, Colombo, The BNI® Gladiator, the 5th Sri Lankan chapter of Business Network International (BNI®) was launched on the 1st of November 2018, at The Kingsbury Hotel, with a large representation of eminent business personalities from diverse fields. It turned out to be one of the finest BNI chapter launches, Sri Lanka has seen with over 120 business personalities present. BNI® Head of Operations for Sri Lanka and Executive Director BNI® India – KVT Ramesh, Regional Director for BNI Sri Lanka, Colombo Central Anjana Gunathillake Launch Ambassador Dr.Prabath Karunanayake & Support Ambassador Mohamed Feroz were among those present.

The Leadership Team of the chapter comprised of Archt. Chinthaka Dayaratne (President), Emile Gunesekera (Vice President) & Tariq Saleem (Secretary/Treasurer).

The sole purpose of BNI® is business and business alone, “BNI® is the largest referral marketing network in the world and holds the same status in Sri Lanka as the largest referral marketing network in the island. BNI® is a platform for any business to grow leveraging on its network spanning 73+ countries. It’s a proven platform for 33 years, founded by Dr.Ivan Misener in 1985, The network is already helping Sri Lankan Businesses to grow their business locally and globally using a very structured Referral Marketing processes.” Said the Head of Operations for BNI® Sri Lanka, KVT Ramesh

Anjana Gunatillake KVT Ramesh BNI Sri Lanka Directors

With over 8700 chapters & 244,000+ members worldwide, Business Network International (BNI®) lives up to its position as the largest business networking organization in the world. During the past 12 months, BNI ® worldwide generated 10.4 million referrals resulting in 15.5 billion US dollars, worth of business for its members. The highest valued referral generated within Sri Lanka amounts to $ 5.2 million. BNI® offers members the opportunity to share ideas, contacts and most importantly, business referrals. This is an ideal networking space for those businesses that rely heavily on referral marketing, especially entrepreneurs who want to expand their horizons by tapping into global markets while consolidating themselves in Sri Lanka.

Launch Ambassador Dr.Prabath Karunanayake also spoke about the difference between a lead and a referral, the value of getting a referral which BNI is network is famed for, anyone can pass a lead to someone and the rate of conversion of a lead similar to a cold call but when it comes to a referral the there is a big difference and the possible conversion of the business is very high. Word of mouth marketing (referral) happens through recommendations, based on the trust and relationship among two decision makers. According to Dr. Prabath, BNI® is a structured and the most successful platform to do referral marketing in the world.

Today, for most businesses, recommendations are what drive their business. According to research findings, 92% Consumers are more likely to trust their peers over advertising, when it comes to purchasing decisions. When you look for a referral, who do you turn to? When you need a good service or a good deal, who do you ask? You ask your peers, your friends, your acquaintances – because they are the ones who can tell you about the experiences they have had, their experience gives you comfort to purchase a product or consume a service.

Regional Director Anjana Gunatillake said, “Businesses in the world largely rely on referrals, but most of the organizations do not have a proper strategy in place for referral marketing. This is why BNI is important for a business as it provides the required structured processes and platforms to work locally, and opens up global markets through the BNI Global Network. In a country like Sri Lanka, where the market space is very small and the economy is slow, BNI helps entrepreneurs to think globally so that they can expand their business while inspiring many along the way”

BNI® helps you to promote your business through a wider audience. By joining BNI®, you increase your exposure to like-minded professionals, gain referrals from a global network and sharpen your networking skills with exclusive member resources. With thousands of chapters worldwide, BNI® provides a global business network that remains unmatched. In addition to unparalleled business growth, BNI® members develop lasting relationships that allow them to grow personally and professionally.

The Gladiator Chapter launch was a perfect example and it confirmed the entire process of BNI® not only with the energy that was brought into the room, but by setting a new launch day record for business concluded. The previous record was Rs.8 Million, while they concluded business worth Rs.42.96 Million which was nearly 435% over the previous record. The chapter was launched with hall of fame status and apart from the membership, it saw over 75 visitors present at a very lively business meeting.

BNI has its plans well defined, by BNI Sri Lanka National Director and President Global Markets Mahesh Mac Srinivasan with 1010 members by 2020.

Gladiator Members meet on Fridays at 7.30 a.m. for a weekly business meeting. With the launch of the chapter, members gain access to BNIConnect® – an online portal where all members worldwide are connected to find suppliers and business partners globally and showcase their business offerings to members from across the world.

If referrals are an important part of your business, then BNI® is definitely the place for you. Would you like to expand your professional network, grow your business, develop your networking skills, and create lasting personal relationships? In BNI®, you can do all that, and more!

Join us at the next meeting of the Gladiator Chapter on Friday to gain an understanding on how BNI® can help you take your business to the next level. For details, call Emile on 0773018888 or Tariq on 0773161630.

Visit the BNI® Global website www.bni.com for more information.

February 2, 2018

The BNI® Dynamics, the 2^nd Sri Lankan chapter of Business Network International (BNI®) was re-launched on the 30^th of January 2018, with a representation of leading personalities from diverse fields. BNI® Launching Director Ragulan Tharmakulasingam, Director Consultant Anjana Gunatillake , Director Consultant Sanjeev Pushparajah and Launching Director Amithe Gamage were among those present at the event.

BNI-Dynamics-Sri-Lanka

Members of the BNI® Dynamic Chapter, Colombo Sri Lanka : Dinesh Rodrigo (President), Azeem Saheer (Vice President), Harendra Hewakuruppu (Secretary/Treasurer), Anjana Gunatillake, Mathushangar Yogendran, Sunimal Opatha, Shameena Pallie, Ajit De Soyza, Eksith Hapangama, Marsha Subasinghe, Suranjith Abeysekara, Azad Mansoor, Kanchana Abeysinghe, Sashindra F Weerasinghe, Michelle Ratnasothy, Nirash Dilshan, Anuradha Saparamadhu, Nadika Perera, Milhan Laffir, Azkiya Safrulla, Aurin Martinesz, Afzal Farook, Aslam Yazeen, Manoshani Perera, Baerty Fernando, Praveen Bandara, Dilshan Perera, Anne Perera, Miller Alexander Rajendran, Santhush Fernando.

With over 227,000 members worldwide, Business Network International (BNI) is the largest business networking organisation in the world. Last 12 months alone, BNI worldwide generated 9.8 million referrals resulting in 13.6 billion dollars worth of business for its members. BNI offers members the opportunity to share ideas, contacts and most importantly, business referrals. This is an ideal networking space for those businesses that rely heavily on referral marketing, especially entrepreneurs who want to expand their horizons. 30 member chapter has already set up a target of Rs.200 million for next six months as a tentative figure to achieve.

While attending the BNI Dynamic Chapter Launch, the Chairman of the Kent Group of Companies Mr.Gamini Saparamadu, was mentioning that he had some expectations when he walks through the Hotel doors to BNI® Meeting, and the reality has superseded the expectations. According to his own words, “It was Great, so many youthful people, exchanging their views, exchanging their ideas and also sharing the business opportunities among each other early in the morning. It is a wonderful platform for entrepreneurs who are motivated and geared up to meet the opportunity. “said Mr.Saparamadu.

In addition to unparalleled business growth, BNI members develop lasting relationships that allow them to grow personally and professionally. According to the BNI® founder Dr.Ivan Misner, BNI® is a platform for Farming, but not for hunting. By joining BNI, you’ll increase your exposure to like-minded professionals, gain referrals from a global network and sharpen your business networking skills with exclusive resources. It is a platform to earn while learning too. There are training programs lined up for BNI® members to sharpen up their networking skills, which is quite helpful to mould you in to a Leader in your respective industry.

By joining the conversation, Chief Executive Officer of First City Trades and Agencies Mr.Raja Nagalingam was mentioning, that it’s a well structured platform and he never had such platforms when he was building his business in early 1980s and it’s a wonderful methodology to all the grooming industries and businesses in Sri Lanka to connect locally and globally.

Head of Marketing and Sales at Seylan Bank PLC, Mr.Gamika De Silva was among the guests as well, and was keen on getting in to the platform with great interest.

Speaking to Lanka Business News, the president of the chapter, Mr.Dinesh Rodrigo the Managing Director of the Metro International Asia Pvt Ltd, expressed his views. “I’ve been in the Logistics and Shipping industry for almost 3 decades, and i ve been part of many international forums related to shipping and logistics, but i feel BNI is completely a different platform which gives you more business avenues to work across the globe. We meet weekly, and we network with decision makers of different industries, so it creates the opportunity for me to get closer to my end client more and understand their needs by their own language. Also it gives me an opportunity to collaborate with complementary industries for value added solutions.”

“BNI is all about sharing business each other and on the First day of the launch the business amounted for 10 million++ therefore I find it as a very successful launch. I wish all the very best for BNI Dynamic Chapter. I find BNI is the new way of improving business to the next level” said Rushdi Navavi, a Member of BNI Pioneer Chapter and the Director of Navavi Custom Tailoring.

At BNI Dynamic, Members meet every Tuesday at 7.30 a.m. at the Hilton Residencies, Colombo 02. With the launch of the chapter, members need to go through the Member Success Program (MSP 2.0), which will give members an in-depth knowledge about how the BNI® system and processes will work for them. They will get to know the dos’ and don’ts along with the best practices. Once a member becomes a MSP 2.0 Graduate, he/she will gain access to BNI Connect – an online portal where all BNI members worldwide are connected to find suppliers and business partners globally and showcase your business offerings available to members from across the world.

If referrals are an integral part of your business, then BNI® is definitely the place for you. Join us at the next meeting to gain an understanding on how BNI can help your business flourish.

Call Dinesh on +94777723066 or Azeem on 0769689918 for further details.

November 13, 2017

The BNI® Abundance, the 4th Sri Lankan chapter of Business Network International (BNI®) was launched on the 1st of November 2017, with a representation of leading personalities from diverse fields. BNI® District Director for Sri Lanka and Executive Director BNI® India – KVT Ramesh, Launching Director Ragulan Tharmakulasingam, Director Consultant Anjana Gunatillake and Chapter Director Sanjeev Pushparajah were among those present at the event.

BNI Sri Lanka Directors

Members of the Abundance Chapter of Business Network International (BNI® ) – Sri Lanka: Amithe Gamage (President), Surajee Ratnayake (Vice President), Chulanga Dias (Secretary/Treasurer), Kapila Dodamgoda, Malaka Elikewela, Dilum Kumarasinghe, Kalikavi Ragulan, A.Jayaseelan, Mufaddal Akber, Dilshan Perera, Lakshman Jayasuriya, Chinthaka Ranathunga, Dimitri Ramaneshwara, Priyan Karunaratne, Chandima Dodamgoda, Gowrie Indraratne, R.Gangatharan, Mohan, Morais, Ramesh Dassanayake, Farzana Khan, Suneth Perera, Ishara Kapuwaththa, Ajith Wanigasekara, Shivanthi Nadarajah, Susana Shanmugarajah, Desmond Erskine, Hameed Fareed, Suthaharan Perampalam, Premajith Kathirgamar, Asir Mohammed, Herman S Gonsal, Shirani Fairbanks, M R Hassan, S, Ravindran, Eresha Kumburulanda

“In any Economy, SMEs play a major role and BNI® is a platform for them to grow themselves using the network within 71+ countries. It’s a proven platform for 32 years, founded by Dr.Ivan Misener in 1985, therefore it will definitely help Sri Lankan Business too to grow their business locally and globally using the structured Referral Marketing processes.” Said the District Director for BNI® Sri Lanka, KVT Ramesh

With over 222,000+ members worldwide, Business Network International (BNI®) is the largest business networking organisation in the world. During the past 12 months, BNI ® worldwide generated 9.5 million referrals resulting in 13.8 billion dollars worth of business for its members. The highest valued referral generated within Sri Lanka amounts to $ 5.2 million. BNI® offers members the opportunity to share ideas, contacts and most importantly, business referrals. This is an ideal networking space for those businesses that rely heavily on referral marketing, especially entrepreneurs who want to expand their horizons.

During the launch, the launching director Ragulan Tharmakulasingam also spoke about the amount of money spent by the local businesses to grow globally and locally through conventional marketing activities, but not spending enough time on the world’s strongest marketing approach, i.e. Word of Mouth Marketing (referral); the marketing which happens through recommendations, based on the trust and relationship among two decision makers. According to Ragulan, BNI® is a structured and the most successful platform to do referral marketing in the world.

Today, for most of the businesses, recommendations are what drive the business. According to research findings, 92% Consumers are more likely to trust their peers over advertising when it comes to purchasing decisions. When you are looking for a referral, who do you turn to? When you need good service or a good deal, who do you ask? You ask your peers, your friends, your acquaintances – because they are the ones who can tell you about the experiences they have personally had.

BNI® helps you to promote your business through a wider audience. By joining BNI®, you’ll increase your exposure to like-minded professionals, gain referrals from a global network and sharpen your networking skills with exclusive member resources. With thousands of chapters worldwide, BNI® provides a global business network that remains unmatched. In addition to unparalleled business growth, BNI® members develop lasting relationships that allow them to grow personally and professionally.

While Speaking to Lanka Business News, the Chapter Director Sanjeev Pusparajah expressed that the BNI® has standard processes, structures being used by it’s members and chapters all around the world are the same, and even the meeting agenda is the same when you go to any of the country. This structured approach towards the referral marketing will definitely help Sri Lankan members to get themselves in to the right BNI® Culture and grow their Business. Adding to that the Chapter President Amithe Gamage, expressed his experience and how he was convinced to start the BNI® Abundance chapter after witnessing the Vietnam and Cambodia BNI® National Conferences during his visits to Vietnam and Cambodia few months back.

Get involved, and experience it;

At BNI® Abundance Members meet every Thursday at 7.30 a.m. at the Hilton Residencies, Colombo 02 for a weekly business meeting. With the launch of the chapter, members gain access to BNIConnect® – an online portal where all BNI® members worldwide are connected to find suppliers and business partners globally and showcase their business offerings available to members from across the world.

Join us at the next meeting of the BNI Abundance Chapter Meeting next Thursday to gain an understanding on how BNI® can help your business flourish. Call Sanjeev on 0777692699 or Amithe on 0777418077 for further details.

Visit the BNI® Global website www.bni.com for more information.

BNI Sri Lanka hosts BNI National Conference in Colombo – members honoured at gala awards ceremony

Records tumble, as The BNI Gladiator Chapter Launches with Hall of Fame Status

BNI® celebrates the re-launch of it’s 2nd Chapter, BNI® Dynamic in Sri Lanka

BNI® Sri Lanka celebrates the launch of it’s 1st Hall of Fame Chapter in Colombo, Sri Lanka