Humility is Not Thinking Less of Yourself, But Thinking of Yourself Less.
I am Chamila D. Dissanayake.
An apparel merchandiser with an
unwavering passion for creative pursuits.
Throughout my life, I've always found myself in pursuit of opportunities to harness my creative and artistic skills while letting my resourcefulness and pragmatic nature shine. I spent over a decade honing my skills by working as a Multimedia Specialist at a leading software company, after which I expanded further into other telecommunication organizations such as Dialog, Mobitel, Vodafone, Airtel and Telstra
Almost a decade ago, my creative aspirations made me undergo a career change to further expand my horizons and expose me to greater challenges. Having held an interest in the textile trade in the past, I joined JK Garments where I was able to garner a good foundation of skills and knowledge in this field. A year later, I took my first step in my merchandising career with Hirdaramani, where I realized my passion for the world of merchandising and remain to date, moving up the ranks as a merchandiser.
Feeling the drive to push myself further ahead, I took the next step in my journey and move to New Zealand and began reading for a Master of Business Informatics (MBI) at ICL graduate business school. I strongly believe this will open so many new pathways for me where I can grow and strengthen myself further to become an icon in the business community.
My story truly began in HIRDARAMANI, a company centred around traits such as fit, style, process, and quality. when I joined the firm as a Merchandiser in 2016. My tenure began as a merchandiser, and within 4 years of time span I was promoted to Senior Merchandiser and then to Account Manager position for the ability and commitment I showed my senior management on a daily basis.
Working with HIRDAMANI has been highly educational, with continuous innovation and maintenance of stringent quality standards being core aspects of their company culture. I handled Garment Costing, Raw Material Procurement and Negotiations, as well as Follow Up and On-Time Delivery of Samples, Approvals, etc.
During my tenure at HIRDARAMANI, I had the opportunity to work with renowned clientele such as Levi's, Denizen, JCrew, Madewell and Quetico.
I worked as a Junior Apparel Merchandiser at JK Garment, where I produced outerwear and performance oriented garments of premium quality, catering to leading buyers in the global market.
During my stay at JK, I got the opportunity to work in the capacity of a Merchandiser, and had the luxury of working with Columbia, Mountain Hardwear and Solid and Stripes buyers.
I started off my journey at Wavenet as a trainee graphic designer and gradually worked myself upto the position of Multimedia designer. In this role I was essentially responsible for the design direction of all the company's corporate communications. From corporate print collateral such as brochures, to digital assets such as presentations and websites, I oversaw the design and art direction of all of them. In this period I was directly reporting to the head of marketing and the CEO. One of my milestone initiatives during my time there was the conceptualization of the new Wavenet logo and brand identity, which the company still utilizes to this day.
Working part-time as a Delicatessen Assistant during the course of my Masters in Business Informatics has broadened my horizons and exposed me to a wide variety of personalities. Developing my people skills and improving my cultural intelligence through my time at this position has given me applicable real-world experience to take my career to new heights.
ICL Graduate School
University of Wales Trinity Saint David, UK (2018-2019)
Sri Lanka Institute of Textile and Apparel, Sri Lanka (2015-2016)
Arena Multimedia (2002-2003)
Arena Multimedia (2001/2002)
Advanced Level
A study bringing light to ethical fitness of firms, and how it stratifies their interest towards the operation of the firm. The study emphasizes the importance of adhering to legal and professional standards within organizations.
Project Report
As a consultant for Sri Lankan Airline's board of directors, I prepared a detailed study identifying the strategic position of the company, and preparing a 5 year plan with SMART objectives, a prototype revenue plan and profit expectations.
Project Report
A detailed look at how ITIL facilitates the best practice framework for IS, focusing on sustainable value creation, and continuous improvement over the long term.
Project Report
Organizations must adapt to shocks in the environment to reamin competitive. A digitized, cloud-based approach is key in shaping the future of ITSM and firms should adjust based on current capabilities for long-run sustainable growth.
Project Report
This study focuses on incremental and radical innovation concepts, with focus on changes to the product lifecycle based on the stage in which it is operating, in order to effectively become successful.
Project Report
This study identifies innovative models such as the Tuckman's and Hackman's method for team building and startup incubation. The study also investigates the Allan & Hamilton Corporate Incubator models.
Project ReportICL taught me the value of good cross-cultural communication during my stay there. It is an essential component of a successful business since it helps companies and employees realize their maximum potential. I gained a better understanding of the fundamentals of efficient corporate communication when I was a student at ICAL, which has led to advantages including streamlined internal and external communication with coworkers, clients, suppliers, and partners.
I studied the foundations of business ethics at ICL, looking at theories, concepts, and tools. I recognized the value of honesty and integrity and how these values are advantageous to the whole organization. Employees are inspired to give their best work when a company upholds high standards of business ethics throughout all aspects of its operations. I gained understanding of ethical conduct from both the employee and employer perspectives, which helped me develop a well-rounded understanding that helps me succeed in all facets of my life.
Significant career benefits can be gained from studying abroad. My chances of eventually leading in business are increased by immersing myself in a multicultural environment. I am currently studying abroad, which gives me a deeper understanding of various cultures and the dynamics of international trade. Additionally, I have the chance to interact with people working at various levels in the international business world, creating priceless networking opportunities.
I actively participated in career development webinars and workshops while I was working at ICL. These sessions gave me insightful information about the elements that influence our careers and gave me the knowledge I needed to proactively pursue lifelong learning. I acquired critical knowledge and abilities required for upcoming demands. In addition, I picked up important skills like developing presentation abilities, business language, and effective communication.