Sri Lanka–Italy Business Council elects Dushy Jayaweera as President

Thursday, 5 November 2026 06:33 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

SLITBC Committee for 2026/2027

The Sri Lanka–Italy Business Council (SLITBC) of The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce held its 27th Annual General Meeting recently, electing a new leadership team for the year ahead and reflecting on the Council’s longstanding role in strengthening business ties between Sri Lanka and Italy.

Dushy Jayaweera of the Acorn Group was elected President, while Shamil Mendis of Spear International was appointed Senior Vice President and Anika Williamson of JAT Holdings was elected Vice President, while Daminda Mulgama, outgoing President of the Council, will continue to serve as the Immediate Past President.

The AGM saw the participation of five of the Council’s 13 Past Presidents, a notable presence that reflected its 27-year history and the contributions of successive leaders in promoting trade, investment and commercial cooperation between Sri Lanka and Italy.

The Council’s Patron, Ambassador of Italy Damiano Francovigh and Deputy Head of Mission Dr. Alberto Arcidiacono also attended the AGM. Their presence reflected the continued support of the Italian Embassy for the Council’s work and the importance of maintaining close engagement between the two countries’ business communities.

The keynote address was delivered by Taprobane Seafoods Managing Director Timothy O’Reilly who shared his company’s journey and experiences in business development in Sri Lanka and Italy, while drawing on lessons in entrepreneurship and the opportunities available to Sri Lankan businesses in Italy.

Members also reviewed the Council’s activities over the past year and discussed future priorities for expanding bilateral trade, investment and business partnerships.