Sri Lanka–USA Business Council re-elects Charithra Hettiarachchi as President for 2024/2025

Seated L-R: Dr. Asanka Ratnayake, Hony. Member; Mr. Farhath Amith, Treasurer SLUSABC; HE Julie Chung, Ambassador of USA to Sri Lanka and Maldives; Mr. Charithra Hettiarachchi, President SLUSABC; Mr. Tilak Gunawardana, VP SLUSABC; Mr. Sanji de Silva, Immediate Past President, Ms. Tharushika Senadeera, Ceylon Chamber

Standing L-R: Mr. Shaameel Mohideen, Spillburg Holdings (Pvt) Ltd; Mr. Channa Gunawardena, Expelogix (Pvt) Ltd

Absent – Mr. Randeewa Malalasooriya, Vice President SLUSABC; Mr. Dilakshan Perera, Aitken Spence Travels (Pvt) Limited; Mr. Halin Hettigoda, Sampath Bank PLC and Mr. Salman Jafferjee, Jafferjee & Sons (Pvt) Ltd

The Sri Lanka–USA Business Council (SLUSABC) of The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce elected Charithra Hettiarachchi, CEO of WICHY Plantation Company (Pvt) Ltd, as President for the 2024/2025 term at its 8th Annual General Meeting held on October 15, 2024, at the Hilton Colombo Residence.

The AGM featured Her Excellency Julie J. Chung, U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka, as the Chief Guest. Ambassador Chung, in her address, highlighted the strong partnership between the U.S. and Sri Lanka, noting the significant joint activities undertaken over the past year, including initiatives on U.S. visas, human trafficking awareness, and promoting trade opportunities for women entrepreneurs.Her Excellency emphasized the U.S. government’s commitment to Sri Lanka’s economic growth through programs such as the National Trade Single Window and the AccelerateHER initiative, while also encouraging private sector investments in key areas. Her Excellency urged business leaders to actively support transparency, combat corruption, and back ongoing economic reforms, which are crucial for the nation’s stability and development.Her Excellency reaffirmed the U.S.’s dedication to strengthening its business partnership with Sri Lanka, with a focus on fostering a prosperous and inclusive future.

In his speech, President Charithra Hettiarachchi highlighting the council’s achievements over the past year. He extended a warm welcome to Her Excellency Ambassador Julie J. Chung, whose presence underscored the strong bilateral ties between Sri Lanka and the U.S. The President recounted key initiatives, including sessions on U.S. Visitor Visas, the SelectUSA Investment Summit, and human trafficking awareness. The council’s efforts to strengthen trade relations and business travel between the two nations, particularly in sectors like agriculture, were emphasized. Looking ahead, the council is excited to expand partnerships with USAID, the EDB, and BOI to further support Sri Lankan businesses and communities. The event concluded with gratitude towards the U.S. Embassy and all partners for their invaluable contributions.

The newly elected Executive Committee for 2024/2025 includes Vice Presidents Tilak Gunawardena from MAC Holdings (Pvt) Ltd and Randeewa Malalasooriya from CBL Natural Foods (Pvt) Ltd, with Tuan Farhath Noor Armith from Fanam International (Pvt) Ltd as Treasurer. Immediate Past President Sanji De Silva will continue to serve in an advisory capacity. Additionally, Dr. Asanka Ratnayake, a past president, was unanimously honored as an Honorary Member of the Council.

Aitken Spence Travels (Pvt) Ltd, Expelogix (Pvt) Ltd, Jafferjee & Sons (Pvt) Ltd, Sampath Bank PLC, and Spillburg Holdings (Pvt) Ltd. were also elected to the SLUSABC Committee for 2024/2025

For more information about SLUSABC membership and activities, please contact the Secretariat of the Sri Lanka–USA Business Council of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce at No. 50, Navam Mawatha, Colombo 2, via email at dinithi@chamber.lk or by phone at 011-5588861.