CILT Sri Lanka 40th AGM elects new leadership

• New President Chandima Hulangamuwa stresses urgent need for improvement in Sri Lanka’s ranking in Logistics Performance Index (LPI) at #73 out of 139 countries

The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) Sri Lanka convened its 40th Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Thursday, 28 March at the Balmoral, Kingsbury Hotel in Colombo. This significant event marked a pivotal moment in the organisation’s history as it welcomed a new leadership team to steer the institute forward.

One of the highlights of the AGM was the election of Chandima Hulangamuwa, CMILT as the President of CILT Sri Lanka. Hulangamuwa’s extensive experience and dedication to the field of logistics and transport make him a fitting choice to lead the organisation into its next chapter. In his inaugural address, President Hulangamuwa articulated a bold vision for the future of logistics in Sri Lanka.

“As custodians of the logistics and transportation sector, we understand the pivotal role it plays in bolstering Sri Lanka’s economy. Significant enhancements across aviation, maritime, rail, and land transportation are imperative for our nation to emerge as a formidable logistics hub,” stated Hulangamuwa. He emphasised the urgent need for improvement, citing Sri Lanka’s current Logistics Performance Index (LPI) ranking of 73rd out of 139 countries as evidence of this necessity. 

“Our neighbours, notably India, UAE, and Singapore have made remarkable strides in this regard, positioning themselves attractively for foreign investment. As advocates for progress, CILT Sri Lanka is steadfast in its commitment to providing comprehensive analysis to authorities, to elevate our LPI rankings, and establish Sri Lanka as a premier logistics hub,” President Hulangamuwa affirmed.

In pursuit of this vision, Hulangamuwa pledged to collaborate closely with industry experts and governmental bodies, leveraging collective expertise to propel Sri Lanka towards its rightful place as a global logistics powerhouse.

In addition to Hulangamuwa, the new board comprises diverse expertise. Henry De Silva, CMILT as a VP of Membership Services, Prof. H. R. Pasindu, CMILT as a VP of Education, and Gayathri Karunanayake, CMILT as the VP of Corporate Partners, Events, PR and Branding will serve as invaluable assets in guiding CILT Sri Lanka toward its goals.

The AGM saw the election of Rajith Ranasinghe, CMILT as Treasurer and Givantha Ariyaratne, CMILT as the Honorary Secretary. These positions are integral to the smooth functioning of the organisation, and both individuals are well-equipped to uphold the institute’s standards of excellence.

Additionally, the AGM saw the election of 16 Council Members who will play a crucial role in shaping the strategic direction of CILT Sri Lanka. Each Council Member brings a unique perspective and set of skills to the table, ensuring that CILT Sri Lanka remains at the forefront of innovation and excellence in the logistics and transport industry.

They are H. A. Premaratne, FCILT; John Vernon Nicholas de Rosairo, FCILT; Anoma Ranasinghe, CMILT; Vijitha Weerasinghe, CMILT; Ibrahim Saleem, CMILT; Chanaka Gunathilake, CMILT; Danushka Jayasinghe, CMILT; Dr. Priyangani Jayasundara, CMILT; Prof. Renuka Herath, CMILT; Hewa Gamage Nishan Arjuna, CMILT; Chandana Perera, CMILT; Pathma Kumara Warnakula, CMILT; Dr. Varuna Viraj Adikariwattage, CMILT; Nirmal De Fonseka, CMILT; Dadallage Prabath Chandima and CMILT; Sagara Peiris.

The successful conclusion of the 40th AGM sets the stage for CILT Sri Lanka to continue its mission of promoting excellence in logistics and transport management. Under the leadership of President Chandima Hulangamuwa and his dedicated team, the institute is poised to achieve new heights of success and make significant contributions to the industry’s development in the country.