At its 186th Annual General Meeting held on June 26, 2025, the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce elected Mr. Krishan Balendra, Chairperson of John Keells Holdings PLC, as its new Chairman, succeeding Mr. Duminda Hulangamuwa, Country Managing Partner of Ernst & Young Sri Lanka.

In his address, Mr. Balendra acknowledged his predecessor’s steady leadership during a challenging period and emphasized the need to maintain momentum on economic reforms. He identified several priority areas for action—including digital ID implementation, trade facilitation via the National Single Window, Customs modernisation, and tourism marketing—urging timely execution to drive inclusive growth.

Mr. Bingumal Thewarathanthri, CEO of Standard Chartered Bank Sri Lanka, and Mr. Vinod Hirdaramani, Chairman of Hirdaramani Group, were appointed as Vice Chairman and Deputy Vice Chairman, respectively, for 2025/2026.

The newly elected Board includes senior leaders from Dialog Axiata, Nestlé Lanka, Hayleys Agriculture, Renuka Hotels, and 5Hour International Corporation, alongside Mr. Buwanekabahu Perera, Secretary General and CEO of the Chamber.