The 33rd Annual General Meeting was held on 9th August 2024 at the Kingsbury Hotel, Colombo, bringing together prominent representatives from across Sri Lanka’s industrial and manufacturing sectors. The event underscored the Association’s continued efforts to foster growth, innovation, and policy engagement in the industrial arena.
Mr. Brahman Balaratnarajah, Deputy Managing Director of Haycarb PLC, was re-appointed as Chairman for the term 2024/25, marking his third consecutive term. Also re-appointed were Mr. Kelum Kospelawatte, Factory Director of Singer Industries Ceylon PLC, as Senior Vice Chairman, and Ms. Harini Rajadasa, Head of Regulatory & Corporate Affairs at Unilever Sri Lanka, as Vice Chairman.
The event featured Dr. Kingsley Bernard, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Sri Lanka Export Development Board, as the Chief Guest, and Mr. Shantha Weerasinghe, Secretary of the Ministry of Industries, who delivered the keynote address. Both speakers emphasized the importance of fostering competitiveness, encouraging investment, and supporting Sri Lankan industries in aligning with global market trends.
In his address, Mr. Balaratnarajah spoke of the resilience demonstrated by Sri Lanka’s industrial sector amidst ongoing economic pressures. He highlighted the need for continued focus on innovation, sustainability, and the upskilling of the next generation workforce, particularly Generation Z. He also emphasized the critical role of technology adoption and policy collaboration in driving industrial transformation. Mr. Balaratnarajah extended his appreciation to the Executive Committee and members for their continued commitment and active engagement.
The meeting also confirmed the Executive Committee for 2024/25, comprising: Mr. Floyd Nesarajah (Alpha Industries (Pvt) Ltd), Mr. Mohamed Riyaz (Ex-Pack Corrugated Cartons PLC), Ms. Ashika Galappaththi (Ceylon Tobacco Co PLC), Mr. Wasantha Ariyathilake (Hettigoda Industries (Pvt) Ltd) Mr. Prabath Vidanagamage (Litro Gas Lanka), Mr. Ruwan Welikala (Nestle Lanka PLC), Mr. Palitha Piyananda (Piramal Glass Ceylon PLC), Mr. Nishantha Deetiratne (Polypak Secco (Pvt) Ltd),Mr. Kamantha Cooray / Mr. Janaka (Richard Pieris & Co PLC), Mr. Channa Seneviratne / Mr. Gayan Perera (The Lion Brewery Ceylon PLC), Ms. Chulodhara Samarasinghe / Mr. Mangala Muthukuda(The Swadeshi Industrial Works PLC) Mr. Daham Gunasena/ Mr. Ruwantha (Ceylon Biscuits Limited).The AGM served as a platform to reflect on the year’s progress and reaffirm the Association’s future direction in promoting a resilient, competitive, and forward-looking industrial sector.