Record turnout at SLBC UAE AGM as Chairman continues with overwhelming member support

The Sri Lankan Business Council (SLBC) UAE held its Annual General Meeting on 18 April, at the Pullman Dubai Creek City Centre, recording the largest attendance in its recent history, with over 85 members and guests present.

The AGM proceedings commenced with SLBC UAE Director and Board Secretary Lakna Amarasiri, formally opening the meeting and serving as Master of Ceremonies for the evening, guiding the proceedings with her customary professionalism and poise.

The meeting reflected the continued growth, engagement, and strengthening of the Council as a leading platform for Sri Lankan businesses and professionals in the UAE, as the organisation proudly celebrates its 35th Anniversary year.

In his keynote address, Chairman Suren Swaminathan emphasised the importance of unity, inclusiveness, and purpose, noting that the SLBC has consciously built a platform that rises above communal, religious, and social divisions.

Reflecting on the Council’s journey, he highlighted the transformation from a modest gathering a decade ago to a vibrant and engaged membership today, acknowledging the encouragement of former Consul General Charitha Yattogoda, who was instrumental in persuading him to take over the SLBC. 

He also recalled the SLBC’s leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic, where the Council supported and assisted Sri Lankans across the UAE, placing special appreciation on Senior Advisors Farook Kassim, Gamini Kannangara, and Board Member Rusan Fyroze for their pivotal role. The membership re-elected the leadership team, with Swaminathan continuing as Chairman following overwhelming requests from members. He noted that while he has agreed to continue, he intends to progressively delegate responsibilities and facilitate a structured transition, with the aim of stepping aside once continuity is firmly established.

He emphasised that leadership must evolve and institutions must outgrow individuals.

The Board was strengthened with the induction of three new Directors Ajantha Premarathna, Hari Manikandan, and Shemani Jayasinghe joining an experienced leadership team comprising Chairman Suren Swaminathan, Vice Chairman Shihan Sheriff, Deputy Vice Chairman Roshan Fyroze, Director/Board Secretary Lakna Amarasiri, Director Events Naushad Faiz, and Director Finance Fazlan Nizar.

The Council also extended its appreciation to outgoing Directors Tariq Qureshi, Kapila Karunaratne, Lokitha Karawita, Kiru Kishorekumar, and Vicks Vickneswaran for their valuable contributions.

Vice Chairman Shihan Sheriff and Chairman Suren Swaminathan jointly introduced the new Board members in the absence of Membership Director Lokitha Karawita.

The events presentation followed, delivered by Director – Events Naushad Faiz together with Vice Chairman Shihan Sheriff, in the absence of Director Kiru Kishore Kumar.

The financial report was presented by Director Finance Fazlan Nizar, once again with the support of Vice Chairman Shihan Sheriff, confirming that the Council’s reserves have surpassed any previous year, achieving a key strategic objective set at the beginning of the term.

The Council’s honorary auditors, MCA, were reappointed for the year 2026.

During the interactive Q&A session, members raised questions on opportunities and engagement. Responding to these, Chairman Suren Swaminathan encouraged members to actively participate, noting that all networking and business events are regularly shared within the members’ communication platforms.

He reiterated the Council’s guiding philosophy: members should focus on what they can contribute, rather than asking, “What is in it for me?”

The vote of thanks was delivered by outgoing Director Tariq Qureshi, bringing the formal proceedings to a close.

The Chairman also expressed deep appreciation to the United Arab Emirates for creating an environment where people from all backgrounds are treated with dignity, fairness, and respect.

He noted that the UAE leadership has consistently demonstrated, particularly in times of crisis, that they stand with all communities, providing protection, stability, and reassurance as their own.

He further observed that the UAE stands as a remarkable example of how inclusiveness and security can coexist without compromise, offering a model from which many nations can draw inspiration.

The evening concluded with a lavish dinner and members reaffirming the SLBC’s role as a trusted platform for connection, collaboration, and growth, with special appreciation extended to Pullman Dubai Creek City Centre for hosting another memorable event during this milestone 35th Anniversary year of the Council.