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 to strengthen 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.
Bertram Paul, Managing Director/CEO, Chevron Lubricants Lanka, was elected President of AmCham Sri Lanka, succeeding Sandun Hapugoda.
Dilshan Perera, Head of Global Network Banking at HSBC Sri Lanka, was elected Vice President, while Tania Polonnowita Wettimuny, Group Managing Director at IAS Holdings, was elected Secretary. 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 Sandun Hapugoda, Country Manager – Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka for Mastercard, was appointed President Emeritus of AmCham Sri Lanka, ensuring continuity and benefiting from his leadership and experience on the Board.
Riza Wadood, Managing Director, Digiratina Technology Solutions, Tamani Dias, Executive Director/Head of Corporate Coverage, Standard Chartered Bank; Saneth Gamage, Director, Country Markets Head/Treasurer, Citibank, N.A.; Hatem Rajabdeen, Managing Director, North Manufacturing; and Anika Williamson, Director, JAT Holdings, 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, Kavinda De Zoysa, Chairman, Bank of Ceylon; Mario Perera, Country Manager, The Coca-Cola Company, Sri Lanka; and 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 that connects business leadership to 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, 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 that support 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 to include 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.
Bertram Paul, Managing Director/CEO, Chevron Lubricants Lanka, President, AmCham Sri Lanka.
Seated (L–R): Sandun Hapugoda, President Emeritus, AmCham Sri Lanka, Country Manager –
Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka, Mastercard; Tania Polonnowita Wettimuny, Secretary, AmCham Sri Lanka, Group Managing Director, IAS Holdings; Eric Meyer, United States Ambassador to Sri Lanka; Bertram Paul, President, AmCham Sri Lanka, Managing Director/CEO, Chevron Lubricants Lanka; Dilshan Perera, Vice President, AmCham Sri Lanka, Head of Global Network Banking, HSBC Sri Lanka; Chamila Bandara, Treasurer, AmCham Sri Lanka, Group Management Committee – Hayleys Advantis, Director – Advantis Express, Licensee of Federal Express Corporation, and Director – IML Delivery Systems representing CityPak.
Standing (L–R): Mario Perera, Country Manager, The Coca-Cola Company, Sri Lanka; Kavinda De
Zoysa, Chairman, Bank of Ceylon; Tamani Dias, Executive Director/Head of Corporate Coverage, Standard Chartered Bank; Zack Bailey, Economic Chief, U.S. Embassy in Sri Lanka; Anika Williamson, Director, JAT Holdings; Kshanika Ratnayaka, Director/CEO, Great Place to Work® Sri Lanka; Hatem Rajabdeen, Managing Director, North Manufacturing; Riza Wadood, Managing Director, Digiratina Technology Solutions; and Saneth Gamage, Director, Country Markets Head/Treasurer, Citibank, N.A.
