Saturday Aug 23, 2025
Saturday Aug 23, 2025
Tuesday, 19 August 2025 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Newly appointed Committee of Sri Lanka-Australia-New Zealand Business Council of The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce 2025/26
The 30th Annual General Meeting of the Sri Lanka-Australia-New Zealand Business Council (SLANZBC) of The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce was held on 7 July, with High Commissioner of Australia to Sri Lanka Paul Stephens and High Commissioner of New Zealand to Sri Lanka and Maldives David Pine in attendance as Chief Guests.
High Commissioner Paul Stephens acknowledged Sri Lanka’s resilience during the recent economic challenges and emphasised the need for accelerated reforms, including export diversification, investment, climate improvements, tourism, vocational education, and digitalisation, to prepare for debt repayments from 2028.
High Commissioner David Pine congratulated the newly appointed SLANZBC President Chandana Amaradasa and the new Committee, and thanked the outgoing President Udara Cumaratunga for her outstanding service. He highlighted the strong collaboration between Sri Lanka, Australia, and New Zealand. Reflecting on past engagements, he praised the organisation’s activities and underscored shared partnership goals, especially in tourism, agriculture, education, and sports.
Newly appointed President Chandana Amaradasa delivering his speech
Island Leisure Lanka Ltd. Managing Director Chandana Amaradasa was elected as President of the Council for 2025/26. Spillburg Holdings Ltd. Managing Director M.H.K.M. Hameez and Hayleys Agriculture Holdings Ltd. Managing Director Jayanthi Dharmasena were elected as Senior Vice President and Vice President respectively. Hayleys Advantis Ltd General Manager Shiyamalee Karunanayake was elected as Treasurer. Commercial and Marketing at South Asia Gateway Terminals Ltd. Deputy General Manager Udara Cumaratunga will serve as Immediate Past President after two years of dedicated service.
The newly appointed committee for the year 2025/26 consists of CMA CGM Lanka Ltd. – Abdul Azeez, Abans PLC – Dr. Saroshi Dubash, Thames International Ltd. – Priyantha Chandrasekera, BOV Capital Ltd. – Prajeeth Balasubramaniam, Lidechsi Group of Companies – Lionel D.C. Silva, Air Global Ltd. – Gerard Victoria, Infomate Ltd. – Wazim Ahamed, Aitken Spence Travels Ltd. Anil Hapugoda, Jiffy Products S.L. Ltd. – Ruwan Rajapakse, Maliban Biscuit Manufactories Ltd. – Ravi Jayawickreme, and Fonterra Brands Lanka Ltd. – Ruwan Kumara.
The newly appointed President Amaradasa pledged to strengthen ties between Sri Lanka, Australia, and New Zealand—focusing on SME access to markets and capital, and tourism investment. Noting that SMEs contribute nearly 50% of national revenue yet face financial hurdles, he urged partners to open markets. With 50,000 hotel rooms and growing tourism, he sees strong investment opportunities. He closed by inviting active member participation to drive the Council’s mission forward.
