The AGM marked a significant milestone as the Chamber reflected on a year of meaningful impact, strategic partnerships, and advocacy in strengthening U.S.–Sri Lanka trade, investment, and bilateral collaboration.
Members elected a new Board of Directors to guide AmCham into its next chapter, reaffirming the Chamber’s commitment to fostering economic prosperity and innovation.
Mr. Sandun Hapugoda, Country Manager, Sri Lanka and Maldives for Mastercard was elected the new President of AmCham Sri Lanka, while Mr. Bertram Paul, Managing Director/ CEO, Chevron Lubricants Lanka PLC, was elected the new Vice President.
Ms. Tania Polonnowita Wettimuny, Group Managing Director of IAS Holdings (PVT) Ltd, was elected as the new Secretary and Mr. Riza Wadood, Managing Director of Digiratina Technology Solutions (Pvt) Ltd, will remain as the Treasurer. Mr. Shirendra Lawrence, Director, MAS Holdings (Pvt) Ltd was appointed the President Emeritus of AmCham SL.
Furthermore, Ms. Neela Marikkar, Chairperson/Managing Director, Dentsu Grant (Pvt) Ltd, Ms. Tamani Dias, Executive Director/ Head of Corporate Coverage, Standard Chartered Bank, Ms. Chamila Bandara, Group Management Committee – Hayleys Advantis, Director Advantis Express Licensee of Federal Express Corporation, Director IML Delivery Systems representing CityPak, and Mr. Dilshan Perera, Head of Global Network Banking, HSBC, were re-elected as AmCham Directors and continue on the Board.
Mr. Saneth Gamage, Director, Country Markets Head/Treasurer, Citibank, N. A., Mr. Hatem Rajabdeen, Managing Director, North Manufacturing Pvt Ltd, Mr. Chinthaka Dunuwille, Senior Partner Solutions Sales Lead: Sri Lanka and Maldives, Microsoft Sri Lanka and Ms. Anika Williamson, Director, JAT Holdings PLC, were appointed as board members strengthening the board’s composition covering various industry sectors.
Addressing the audience, the Chief Guest, U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie J. Chung, in her keynote address, underscored the mutual interests of U.S. and Sri Lankan businesses:
“We must work together in Sri Lanka to create a conducive environment by lowering non-tariff barriers, streamlining processes, and ensuring transparency.
These actions are not just in the interest of U.S. companies – they are in the interest of Sri Lanka’s long term economic resilience. And when our partners are secure, America is more secure.”
Reflecting on his tenure, outgoing President Shirendra Lawrence stated:
“Serving as President of AmCham Sri Lanka over the past two years has been a privilege.
During this period, we remained steadfast in our commitment to advocacy and fostering meaningful networking opportunities.
I am proud to have supported our dedicated and talented Secretariat team in elevating our capacity to influence policy and promote bilateral trade.
I leave confident that the Chamber is well-positioned for even greater success under new leadership.
I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Board, our Secretariat team, and our members for their unwavering support and collaboration throughout this incredible journey.”
Elected unanimously by the membership, incoming President Sandun Hapugoda, shared his vision for the Chamber:
“I am grateful for the opportunity to serve as President of AmCham Sri Lanka at a time when U.S.-Sri Lanka trade relations are gaining fresh momentum.
As we move forward, AmCham Sri Lanka will continue to strengthen its focus on policy advocacy to deepen trade and investment ties.
We remain committed to creating meaningful value for our members through collaboration, knowledge sharing, and innovation.
I also invite our members to actively engage with the Chamber’s upcoming initiatives.
Together, we can drive lasting impact for our business community and both nations.”
The AGM concluded with networking among members, dignitaries, and guests, celebrating another successful year of AmCham Sri Lanka’s contributions to advancing trade and investment ties between the United States and Sri Lanka.
About AmCham Sri Lanka
Now in its 33rd year, the American Chamber of Commerce in Sri Lanka (AmCham SL) stands as one of the island’s most influential business Chambers.
Representing over 250 member companies spanning diverse industries, AmCham SL is the premier platform for fostering and advancing trade, investment, and business relations between Sri Lanka and the United States.
Learn more at www.amcham.lk