The American Chamber of Commerce in Sri Lanka Appoints Bertram Paul as President at its 34th AGM

Colombo, September 21, 2026: The American Chamber of Commerce in Sri Lanka (AmCham  SL) successfully held its 34th Annual General Meeting, bringing together its membership,  distinguished guests, business leaders and representatives of the diplomatic community. 

The AGM marked another important milestone for AmCham Sri Lanka as the Chamber reflected  on a year of continued advocacy, high-level engagement and initiatives aimed at strengthening  trade, investment and commercial ties between Sri Lanka and the United States. The meeting  also saw the election of a new Board of Directors to lead the Chamber into its next chapter. 

Mr. Bertram Paul, Managing Director/CEO, Chevron Lubricants Lanka PLC, was elected  President of AmCham Sri Lanka, succeeding Mr. Sandun Hapugoda. 

Mr. Dilshan Perera, Head of Global Network Banking, HSBC Sri Lanka, was elected Vice  President, while Ms. Tania Polonnowita Wettimuny, Group Managing Director, IAS Holdings  (Pvt) Ltd, was elected Secretary. Ms. Chamila Bandara, Group Management Committee – Hayleys Advantis, Director – Advantis Express, Licensee of Federal Express Corporation, and  Director – IML Delivery Systems representing CityPak, was elected Treasurer. 

Outgoing President Mr. Sandun Hapugoda, Country Manager – Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives,  Nepal and Sri Lanka for Mastercard, was appointed President Emeritus of AmCham Sri Lanka,  ensuring continuity and the benefit of his leadership and experience on the Board. 

Mr. Riza Wadood, Managing Director, Digiratina Technology Solutions (Pvt) Ltd; Ms. Tamani  Dias, Executive Director/Head of Corporate Coverage, Standard Chartered Bank; Mr. Saneth  Gamage, Director, Country Markets Head/Treasurer, Citibank, N.A.; Mr. Hatem Rajabdeen,  Managing Director, North Manufacturing Pvt Ltd; and Ms. Anika Williamson, Director, JAT  Holdings PLC, were re-elected as Directors and will continue to serve on the AmCham Sri  Lanka Board. 

Further strengthening the breadth and sectoral representation of the Board, Mr. Kavinda De  Zoysa, Chairman, Bank of Ceylon; Mr. Mario Perera, Country Manager, The Coca-Cola  Company, Sri Lanka; and Ms. Kshanika Ratnayaka, Director/Chief Executive Officer, Great  Place to Work® Sri Lanka, were appointed as new Board members. 

The new Board brings together senior leadership from financial services, FMCG, logistics,  technology, and manufacturing, among other key sectors, reinforcing AmCham Sri Lanka’s role  as a platform connecting business leadership with the advancement of U.S.–Sri Lanka economic  relations.

U.S.–Sri Lanka Partnership 

The AGM takes place at an important juncture in the bilateral relationship and follows the arrival  of the new United States Ambassador to Sri Lanka, H.E. Eric Meyer, who formally assumed his  ambassadorial responsibilities in August 2026. 

Upon presenting his credentials, Ambassador Meyer underscored his commitment to further  strengthening the longstanding relationship between the two countries, stating: “The United  States is proud to call Sri Lanka a friend in a partnership that has spanned more than 78 years.” 

Ambassador Meyer has identified unlocking new economic opportunities as a key part of that  partnership. “Sri Lanka has made real economic progress, but this is the moment to be more  ambitious about what comes next,” Ambassador Meyer said. “We want to see more American  companies succeeding here—and that requires a predictable business environment and a strong  private-sector voice. AmCham can be a powerful force multiplier in that effort, identifying  barriers, championing reforms, and helping turn American capital, technology, and expertise into  greater prosperity for both our countries.”. 

Ambassador Meyer’s tenure begins as the United States and Sri Lanka look to build on this  momentum by expanding trade, attracting investment, and creating new opportunities for  businesses and people in both countries.  

Building on a Year of Engagement 

Reflecting on his tenure, outgoing President and newly appointed President Emeritus Sandun  Hapugoda stated: 

“Serving as President of AmCham Sri Lanka has been a true privilege. During 2025/26, we  strengthened the Chamber’s advocacy, deepened engagement with the U.S. Embassy and other  stakeholders, and advanced trade and investment between Sri Lanka and the United States. 

I extend my warmest wishes to incoming President Bertram Paul and the new Board. I am  confident they will build on this strong foundation and take AmCham forward. As President  Emeritus, I remain fully committed to supporting them and the wider AmCham community.” 

During the past year, AmCham Sri Lanka continued to strengthen its role as an important voice  for the business community through policy advocacy, engagement with public and private sector  stakeholders, knowledge-sharing platforms and initiatives supporting greater trade and  investment between Sri Lanka and the United States. 

The Chamber also continued to create opportunities for its members to engage with senior  business leaders, policymakers, U.S. Government representatives and international stakeholders, 

while broadening its focus on areas including trade and investment, human capital development,  technology, innovation and responsible business growth. 

A New Chapter for AmCham Sri Lanka 

Addressing the membership following his election, incoming President Bertram Paul outlined  three priorities for the Chamber going forward: advocacy, by serving as a credible voice  engaging policymakers on trade, investment, and reforms to boost Sri Lanka’s competitiveness;  connection, by converting the Chamber’s membership network into real partnerships and  business growth rather than mere networking; and investing in the next generation, through  mentorship, training and opportunities for young people. 

Under the leadership of the newly elected Board, AmCham Sri Lanka will continue to focus on  strengthening bilateral commercial relations, supporting an enabling environment for trade and  investment, advocating on issues affecting its membership, and creating high-value opportunities  for collaboration between Sri Lankan and American businesses. 

The 34th AGM concluded with networking among members, dignitaries and guests, marking the  beginning of a new chapter for AmCham Sri Lanka under the leadership of President Bertram  Paul and the newly constituted Board. 

About AmCham Sri Lanka 

Now in its 34th year, the American Chamber of Commerce in Sri Lanka (AmCham SL) stands  as one of Sri Lanka’s leading business Chambers and the premier platform dedicated to fostering  and advancing trade, investment and business relations between Sri Lanka and the United States. 

Representing a diverse membership of leading multinational and Sri Lankan companies across  key sectors of the economy, AmCham Sri Lanka works closely with its members and  stakeholders to facilitate meaningful business connections, provide high-level knowledge sharing opportunities and advocate for policies that support a competitive, transparent and  investment-friendly business environment.