Krishan Balendra, Chairperson of John Keells Holdings PLC, has been elected as the new Chairperson of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce at its 186th Annual General Meeting held on June 26.
He succeeds Duminda Hulangamuwa, Country Managing Partner of Ernst & Young Sri Lanka and Senior Economic Advisor to the President.
In his inaugural address, Mr. Balendra commended his predecessor for steady leadership during one of Sri Lanka’s most challenging economic periods and for laying the groundwork for private sector-led recovery. Emphasising the critical role of the private sector in the country’s development, he issued a strong call for the timely execution of structural reforms.
“We have a narrow but essential window to implement long-overdue reforms, ranging from SOE restructuring and trade liberalisation to improving the overall investment climate. Stability must now lead to sustainable, inclusive growth,” he said.
He warned against the danger of “reform fatigue,” stressing that the country cannot afford to lose momentum now that macroeconomic conditions are showing signs of stability.
Among the key reforms identified were the implementation of a Digital ID system, the launch of a National Single Window to streamline trade processes, modernisation of the outdated Customs Ordinance, and the roll-out of the long-delayed National Tourism Destination Marketing Plan.
“These ideas have been on the table for years. What’s needed now is execution,” he said, reaffirming the Chamber’s commitment to policy advocacy and enabling an enabling environment for businesses.
Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe, Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka and Chief Guest at the AGM, commended the Chamber for its continued efforts in economic reform advocacy.
He noted the crucial role the Chamber has played in supporting the private sector through difficult times and in shaping the reform discourse.
The AGM also saw the appointment of Bingumal Thewarathanthri, CEO of Standard Chartered Bank Sri Lanka, as Vice Chairman and Vinod Hirdaramani, Chairman of Hirdaramani Group, as Deputy Vice Chairman for the 2025/26 term.
New members appointed to the Chamber’s Board include:
- Kasturi Chellaraja Wilson (Group CEO, Hemas Holdings PLC)
- Supun Weerasinghe (Group CEO, Dialog Axiata PLC)
- Bernhard Stefan (CEO, Unilever Sri Lanka)
- Jayanthi Dharmasena (Managing Director, Hayleys Agriculture)
- Shibani Thambiayah (Director, Renuka Hotels PLC)
- Buwanekabahu Perera (Managing Director, Lanka Canneries Ltd)
Now in its 186th year, the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce remains one of the country’s oldest and most influential business institutions.
With a focus on policy advocacy, stakeholder engagement, and expanding market access for Sri Lankan enterprises, the Chamber plays a pivotal role in navigating the country’s economic transition.
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