Dhammika Fernando re-elected FTZMA Chairman at 45th AGM

• Calls for reforms to boost exporters

Dhammika Fernando has been re-elected Chairman of the Free Trade Zone Manufacturers Association (FTZMA) for the 2026/2027 term at the 45th Annual General Meeting (AGM), with a strong call for policy reforms and improved ease of doing business to support Sri Lanka’s export sector.

Fernando, who is also Director of Tropical Findings Ltd, was reappointed at the association’s AGM held at the Hilton Colombo Residences. M. H. Z. M. Marzook (Filotex Lanka Ltd.) was re-elected as General Secretary, while Fazal Abdeen (ATG Ceylon Ltd.) and Nishantha Bakmeege (Screenline Holdings Ltd.) were appointed Vice Chairmen. Manjula Mahadanaarchchi (Lalan Rubbers Ltd.) continues as Honorary Treasurer.

The event was attended by senior Government and diplomatic representatives, including Labour Minister and Finance and Planning Deputy Minister Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando and Labour Deputy Minister Mahinda Jayasinghe, alongside Export Development Board  (EDB) Chairman Mangala Wijesinghe, US Embassy in Sri Lanka Economic Officer Emily Tedesco, Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka Commercial Representative and Counselor Devika Lal, Board of Investment (BOI) Director General Renuka Weerakoon and Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO) Sri Lanka Representative Hiroki Oi.

FTZMA is a leading association representing the foreign direct investors operating under the purview of BOI. Since it commenced its operation from Katunayake Free Trade Zone over 41 years ago, the association has been representing the foreign direct investments, expanding their presence to all Free Trade Zones as well as the outside locations of the BOI zones in the country.

In his address, Fernando emphasised that FTZMA is one of Sri Lanka’s oldest and most established trade chambers, representing a wide range of export-oriented industries under the BOI framework. Unlike sector-specific bodies, it brings together diverse industries such as apparel, rubber, electronics, and engineering, and plays a key role in national labour dialogue. “This broad representation gives FTZMA a responsibility to advocate not just for industry, but for national production, employment, exports, and investor confidence,” he added.

He highlighted growing external pressures, including geopolitical tensions in West Asia disrupting trade routes and increasing costs, as well as US tariff measures affecting competitiveness.

“Domestically, exporters continue to grapple with bureaucratic delays, inefficiencies within the BOI system and broader regulatory bottlenecks, which he said are constraining investment and operational efficiency,” he ppointed out.

Despite these challenges, Fernando said FTZMA members have shown resilience by adapting, innovating, and maintaining their role in global value chains. The chamber continues to actively engage with the government to push for reforms and practical solutions.

He urged stronger collaboration between the Government and industry, stressing the need for policy consistency, faster approvals and improved ease of doing business to sustain export growth and investor confidence.  The message was crystal clear - supporting exporters and manufacturers is essential for national growth, investment, and economic stability. 

“Supporting exporters and manufacturers is essential for national growth, employment and economic stability,” he said, reaffirming the association’s commitment to advocacy and reform.

Fernando concluded by thanking stakeholders and emphasising the importance of unity and collaboration in navigating current challenges and shaping Sri Lanka’s economic future.

Nations Trust bank who continued its strong association with the event making its 2nd consecutive year of partnership as a platinum sponsor and Hayleys Mobility Ltd., together with Hayleys Solar partnered as the 2nd platinum sponsor of the event. The Gold sponsor was Ceylinco Life Insurance and Ceylinco General Insurance, which has come forward to partnering with FTZMA as the sole insurance sponsor of the AGMs of FTZMA for the three consecutive year period from 2026.