YoungShip Sri Lanka celebrates year of growth at 13th AGM

Seated from left: Maleena Awn, Aruni Wijepala, Nirmal Dissanayake, Patali Karunarathne and Sunera Wijesekara. Standing from left: Shane De Alwis, Hiran Malintha, Dakshith Jayawardena, Surith Sriyantha, Sachin Ranasinha and Janidu Punchiwedikkara 

Marking a significant milestone in its journey of youth empowerment and professional development, YoungShip Sri Lanka recently held its 13th Annual General Meeting at the JAIC Hilton Colombo Residencies, reinforcing its mission to empower the next generation of maritime and logistics leaders in Sri Lanka as it sets its sights on a transformative 2026.

The YoungShip AGM 2026 brought together over 300 members, industry leaders and valued partners in a vibrant reflection of the chapter’s expanding footprint within Sri Lanka’s maritime and logistics community. A visual showcase of the year’s highlights captured the momentum built through forums, networking platforms, educational initiatives and community engagement efforts.

YoungShip Sri Lanka is part of the global YoungShip International network, founded in Norway. It is a non-profit establishment with a dynamic and diverse footprint of over 5,000 members in 30 countries, dedicated to promoting the interests and values of the next generation of maritime leaders. YoungShip Sri Lanka being one of the global departments, hosts a series of projects, activities, and events to connect emerging professionals with industry stakeholders, mentors, and fellow peers to innovate, collaborate and promote growth and diversity within the maritime and logistics sector.

During the year 2025, YoungShip Sri Lanka hosted impactful knowledge-sharing sessions, industry dialogues and professional networking events that strengthened ties between emerging professionals and senior industry stakeholders. The chapter also sustained its focus on social responsibility initiatives, reinforcing its vision of holistic leadership development.

Leadership for 2026

Nirmal Dissanayake was re-elected uncontested as Chairman, reflecting the confidence placed in his leadership. Expressing gratitude to the membership, he reaffirmed his commitment to elevating YoungShip Sri Lanka’s impact and expanding opportunities for professional growth of its members.

The 2026 Executive Committee:

• Chairman –Nirmal Dissanayake - Eastern Maritime (Colombo) Ltd.
• Vice Chairperson –Aruni Wijepala - Hayleys Energy Services Lanka Ltd.
• Secretary –Patali Karunaratne - Centrum Marine Consultancy Ltd
• Treasurer –Sunera Wijesekara - Eastern Maritime (Colombo) Ltd.
• Immediate Past Chair –Maleena Awn - Meridian Maritime Services Ltd.

Executive Committee Members:

• Shane De Alwis – Hapag Lloyd Lanka Ltd
• Dakshith Jayawardena – McLarens Group Management Ltd.
• Surith Sriyantha - MAC Equity Maritime Services Ltd.
• Hiran Malintha – OOCL Lanka Ltd.
• Janidu Punchiwedikkara – Lanka Marine Services Ltd.
• Sachin Ranasinha - Hayleylines Ltd.

YoungShip Sri Lanka’s 13th AGM event was made possible through the generous support of Hayleys Advantis Ltd., (Platinum Sponsor), Ceyline Group and McLarens Group (Silver Sponsors), and Global Feeder Shipping (Bronze Sponsor), reflecting strong industry endorsement of YoungShip Sri Lanka’s mission.

With renewed leadership and clear strategic priorities, YoungShip Sri Lanka said it is poised for a dynamic 2026 — focused on enhanced member engagement, stronger industry partnerships, deeper academic collaboration and expanded global connectivity.