Sri Lanka–Germany Business Council holds 26th AGM

Thursday, 22 January 2026 03:34 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Executive Committee 2025/2026

Seated (from left): Ceylon Chamber of Commerce Secretariat Pasandi Senara, SLGBC Senior Vice President Karim Schadlou, German Ambassador Dr. Felix Neumann, SLGBC President Gerard Victoria, Immediate Past President Asoka Hettigoda, and Vice President Sudath Tennakoon. Standing (from left): SLGBC Committee Members Aflal Khan Ismail, Dhilmini Palipane, German Embassy Trade, Development & Political Affairs Advisor Dharini Daluwatte, SLGBC Treasurer Nalaka Amaratunga, Committee Members Suranga Ratnayake, Mark Francis, Surendra Ediriweera, Ryan Gonawela, and Roy Anthony (Not in the picture)

The 26th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Sri Lanka–Germany Business Council (SLGBC) took place at Hilton Colombo Residences, Colombo 2.

Chief Guest at the event. Federal Republic of Germany Ambassador Dr. Felix Neumann highlighted the long-standing ties between the two countries and praised the Council’s close collaboration with the German Embassy. He congratulated outgoing President Asoka Hettigoda on his new role as President of the Hotels Association of Sri Lanka, and welcomed the newly elected President Gerard Victoria, along with the Executive Committee.

Reflecting on nearly seven decades of diplomatic relations, Dr. Neumann noted that political engagement, cultural exchange, tourism, and business cooperation have strengthened Sri Lanka–Germany ties. He welcomed Sri Lanka’s progress on anti-corruption measures and reaffirmed Germany’s commitment as a reliable partner, emphasising shared values of innovation, quality, and sustainability.

Outgoing President Hettigoda thanked the Executive Committee for their support and highlighted the Council’s achievements over the past two years, including the “Meet the Visa Officer” initiative, amendments to the SLGBC Constitution, new member engagement programs, and successful business dialogues with the German Embassy.

Victoria, elected President for the 2025/2026 term, paid tribute to his predecessor and outlined his priorities: strengthening tourism cooperation, promoting bilateral investment in energy, logistics, manufacturing, digital services, and vocational training, and expanding trade and joint ventures.

Hilton Colombo Residences General Manager Karim Schadlou was elected Senior Vice President and Central Bearings and Machinery Ltd. Chairman Sudath Tennakoon as Vice President. Member companies Aitken Spence Cargo, Aitken Spence Travels, Ceylon Tours, C.G.V Anthony & Sons, Detroves Travels, Malship (Ceylon) Ltd, Rosen Enterprises, and Walkers Tours were elected to the Executive Committee. Outgoing President Hettigoda will continue on the Committee as Immediate Past President.