The Public Relations Association of Sri Lanka (PRASL) elected a new Executive Board at its Annual General Meeting on Monday, October 12, to continue the strategic transformation initiated at the previous AGM. The Association aims to move beyond its traditional focus on publicity and events and strengthen its position as “the vital strategic communications discipline that drives initiatives and protects reputation.”
Nimal Gunewardena was re-elected President, leading a Board comprising both experienced members and new representatives. Addressing members and partners, he outlined the changes needed to reshape perceptions of the profession and strengthen industry capabilities in response to a rapidly evolving global environment.
Responding to Challenges in a Changing World
Gunewardena highlighted how technological advances have transformed the media landscape, with online platforms increasingly replacing traditional media as audiences consume information through their mobile devices. He also pointed to growing threats to corporate reputation arising from fake news, misinformation and disinformation spreading rapidly across social media, alongside the rise of citizen journalism and the expanding influence of artificial intelligence (AI).
“Technology has changed media, and mainstream media is being replaced by online media with people absorbing what appears on their hand-held screens. New risks have surfaced affecting companies and their reputations. Fake news, misinformation and disinformation has increased spreading virally on social media, with the emergence of a plethora of citizen-reporters. AI has emerged as a potential helper and a threat to both jobs and perceptions in the industry,” he said.
Against this backdrop, he called on public relations professionals to upgrade their skills and evolve into strategic risk and reputation advisers. He stressed that the profession must help organisations build trust, contribute to decision-making at the highest levels and demonstrate greater value to both the private and public sectors, where initiatives must be advanced and reputations safeguarded.
Financial Turnaround
Gunewardena also reported a significant improvement in the Association’s financial position over a six-month period, stating that PRASL had moved from recording losses over the previous two years to generating a surplus sufficient to establish an interest-bearing account for the first time.
He attributed the turnaround to sustained efforts to reconnect with former members, attract new members and collect outstanding membership subscriptions, alongside the success of an educational project.
Dearo Venture Capital Appoints Norwegian Entrepreneur Andreas Wiik to Its Board of Directors
Dearo Venture Capital Ltd has announced the appointment of Norwegian entrepreneur Andreas Wiik to its Board of Directors as an Independent Non-Executive Director, marking a new milestone in the company’s efforts to strengthen its governance framework and strategic direction.
With international business experience and entrepreneurial expertise, Wiik is expected to contribute valuable insights to the company’s decision-making, governance practices and long-term growth plans. His appointment reflects Dearo Venture Capital’s commitment to building a strong leadership team capable of identifying emerging opportunities, encouraging innovation and supporting business development in a changing economic environment.
Dearo Venture Capital Ltd focuses on connecting investors with promising small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), helping create opportunities for business expansion, entrepreneurship and economic development. Through its investment-led approach, the company aims to support the growth of Sri Lankan businesses while generating sustainable long-term value for stakeholders.
Wiik’s addition to the Board is expected to bring an international perspective to the company’s strategic planning and investment decisions, supporting its ambition to develop a transparent, professionally managed and resilient investment organisation.
As Dearo Venture Capital continues to explore new growth opportunities and expand its presence, it remains focused on responsible business practices, effective risk management and sound corporate governance. The appointment of experienced professionals to its leadership structure reinforces this commitment and aims to strengthen confidence among investors and other stakeholders.
The company believes that combining local market opportunities with international business expertise will help identify promising investments, encourage enterprise development and contribute to sustainable economic progress in Sri Lanka.
PR Association Sets Course for Continued Progress with Newly Appointed Board
