The 30th Annual General Meeting of the Sri Lanka – Australia – New Zealand Business Council (SLANZBC) of The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce was held recently, with H.E. Paul Stephens, High Commissioner of Australia to Sri Lanka, and H.E David Pine, High Commissioner of New Zealand to Sri Lanka & Maldives, in attendance as Chief Guests.  

H.E. Paul Stephens the High Commissioner of Australia, acknowledged Sri Lanka’s resilience during recent crises and emphasized the need for accelerated reforms, including export diversification, investment climate improvements, tourism infrastructure, vocational education, and digitalization, to prepare for debt repayments in 2028. 

New Zealand High Commissioner His Excellency David Pine congratulated the newly appointed SLANZBC President Mr. Chandana Amaradasa and the new Committee, highlighting the strong collaboration between Sri Lanka, Australia, and New Zealand. Reflecting on past engagements, he praised the organization’s activities and underscored shared partnership goals, especially in tourism, agriculture, education, and sports.   

Mr. Chandana Amaradasa Managing Director at Island Leisure Lanka (Pvt) Ltd, was elected as President of the Council for 2025/26. Mr. M H K M Hameez, Managing Director of Spillburg Holdings (Pvt) Ltd and Ms. Jayanthi Dharmasena, Managing Director of Hayleys Agriculture Holdings Ltd were elected as Senior Vice President and Vice President respectively. Ms. Mary Shiyamalee Karunanayake, General Manager of Hayleys Advantis Ltd was elected as Treasurer.  Ms. Udara Cumaratunga, Senior Manager, Commercial & Marketing at South Asia Gateway Terminals (Pvt) Ltd will serve as immediate past president after two years of dedicated service.  

The newly appointed committee for the year 2025/26 consists of representatives from CMA CGM Lanka (Pvt)Ltd, Abans PLC, Thames International (Pvt) Ltd, BOV Capital (Pvt)Ltd, Lidechsi Group of Companies, Air Global (Pvt)Ltd, Infomate (Pvt)Ltd, Aitken Spence Travels(Pvt)Ltd, Jiffy Products S.L. (Pvt) Ltd, Maliban Biscuit Manufactories (Pvt)Ltd, Fonterra Brands Lanka (Pvt)Ltd. 

The newly appointed President Mr. Amaradasa pledged to strengthen ties between Sri Lanka, Australia, and New Zealand—focusing on SME access to markets and capital, and tourism investment. Noting that SMEs contribute nearly 50% of national revenue yet face financial hurdles, he urged partners to open markets. With 50,000 hotel rooms and growing tourism, he sees strong investment opportunities. He closed by inviting active member participation to drive the Council’s mission forward. 

For further details regarding membership of the Council, please contact the Secretariat of the Sri Lanka – Pakistan Business Council of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, No. 50, Navam Mawatha, Colombo 2. E-mail: businesscouncils1@chamber.lk or Tel.: 011 5588875/ 5588800. 

SLANZBC hosts 30th AGM followed by panel discussion on “Accelerating Sri Lanka’s Digital Economy”
SLANZBC hosts 30th AGM followed by panel discussion on “Accelerating Sri Lanka’s Digital Economy”
SLANZBC hosts 30th AGM followed by panel discussion on “Accelerating Sri Lanka’s Digital Economy”
SLANZBC hosts 30th AGM followed by panel discussion on “Accelerating Sri Lanka’s Digital Economy”