The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce elected Krishan Balendra as its new Chairperson at the 186th Annual General Meeting held yesterday (June 26).
Mr. Balendra, who is the Chairperson of John Keells Holdings, succeeds Duminda Hulangamuwa, Country Managing Partner of Ernst & Young Sri Lanka, and the Senior Economic Advisor to the President of Sri Lanka.
In his remarks, Mr. Balendra thanked Mr. Hulangamuwa for his steady leadership and service over the past two years, noting that his steady guidance helped the private sector navigate crisis conditions and laid the groundwork for recovery.
Looking ahead, Mr. Balendra stressed the importance of building on Sri Lanka’s recent macroeconomic stability without letting reform momentum stall. “Reform fatigue is a real risk. We have a narrow but vital window to push through long-pending reforms – from SOE restructuring and trade liberalisation to improving the investment climate. The stability we have achieved must now translate into sustained, inclusive growth,” he noted.
He highlighted several low-hanging reforms that could catalyse the next phase of economic progress. These include rolling out the Digital ID system to enhance financial inclusion, implementing the National Single Window to streamline trade processes, modernising the Customs Ordinance, and executing the National Tourism Destination Marketing Plan. “These are not new ideas – they have been on the agenda for years. What we need now is action,” he said. He reaffirmed the Ceylon Chamber’s commitment to advocating for these changes and maintaining its role as an independent, constructive voice for the private sector.
Chief Guest at the event, the Governor of the Central Bank Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe addressing the audience emphasised that he is ‘encouraged, impressed, and confident of the role the Ceylon Chamber has played, and will continue to play in contributing to the resilience of the private sector, and in identifying important reforms in order to ensure sustainability’.
Mr. Bingumal Thewarathanthri, CEO – Standard Chartered Bank, Sri Lanka, and Mr. Vinod Hirdaramani, Chairman – Hirdaramani Group, were appointed Vice Chairman and Deputy Vice Chairman respectively, for 2025/26.
In addition to the office bearers stated above, the following were elected to the Board of the Ceylon Chamber: Kasturi Chellaraja Wilson – COO, Head of APAC , 5Hour International Corporation, Singapore, Supun Weerasinghe – Director/Group CEO, Dialog Axiata PLC, Bernhard Stefan – Managing Director, Nestle Lanka, Jayanthi Dharmasena – Managing Director, Hayleys Agriculture Ltd., Shibani Thambiayah – Managing Director, Renuka Hotels, and Buwanekabahu Perera – Secretary General and CEO, The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce.
The Ceylon Chamber, now in its 186th year, continues to focus on three strategic pillars: policy advocacy, stakeholder engagement, and expanding market access for Sri Lankan businesses.
The post Ceylon Chamber appoints Krishan Balendra as Chairperson at 186th AGM appeared first on Newswire.