The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce has re-elected Krishan Balendra as Chairperson for the 2026/27 term, reaffirming its focus on strengthening exports, attracting investment and supporting business growth.
The announcement was made at the Chamber’s 187th Annual General Meeting held on June 25. British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, His Excellency Andrew Patrick, attended the event as the Chief Guest.
Alongside Balendra’s re-election, members elected a new Board to guide the Chamber during the year ahead.
Bingumal Thewarathanthri, Chief Executive Officer of Standard Chartered Bank Sri Lanka, was elected Vice Chairperson, while Vinod Hirdaramani, Chairman of the Hirdaramani Group, was elected Deputy Vice-Chairperson.
The Board also includes Jayanthi Dharmasena, Kasturi Chellaraja Wilson, Shibani Thambiayah, Supun Weerasinghe and Shiran Fernando. Rohana Dissanayake, Group Chairman and Managing Director of David Pieris Motor Company, joins the Board, replacing Bernhard Stefan following his overseas relocation.
Chamber Highlights Policy Impact
Addressing members, Balendra said the Chamber strengthened its advocacy efforts over the past year by moving beyond identifying business challenges and focusing on practical policy recommendations developed in collaboration with the government, industry stakeholders and development partners.
He noted that the Chamber’s engagement during the Budget 2026 consultation process resulted in 18 recommendations being incorporated into the national budget.
According to Balendra, these recommendations covered trade facilitation, investment promotion, digitalization, infrastructure development and improving the ease of doing business.
“Through our engagement in the Budget 2026 process, eighteen recommendations proposed by the Chamber were incorporated into the national budget,” he said, describing the outcome as evidence of constructive engagement between the private sector and policymakers.
Focus on Trade and Export Competitiveness
Balendra also said the Chamber contributed to discussions on emerging global trade challenges, including tariff-related issues affecting exports.
He explained that by representing private sector views in Presidential Committees, the Chamber supported efforts to safeguard export competitiveness and strengthen the country’s trade resilience.
Beyond policy advocacy, the Chamber expanded its international engagement by strengthening bilateral partnerships with organizations in more than 20 countries.
It also supported over 1,800 small and medium-sized enterprises through training program, advisory services and market access initiatives.
Priorities for 2026/27
Looking ahead, Balendra said the Chamber will deepen engagement with its members while strengthening global partnerships and expanding support for SMEs.
He added that promoting exports, attracting investment and improving the business environment will remain key priorities.
“We are committed to working with the Government and all stakeholders to ensure a resilient and prosperous Sri Lanka,” Balendra said.
As the country’s oldest business chamber, the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce continues to play an influential role in shaping policy dialogue, supporting private sector development and promoting international trade and investment.
Appointments & Board Shuffles Chamber Activity
Last modified: June 26, 2026
