The Sri Lanka–USA Business Council (SLUSABC) of The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce marked its 10th Annual General Meeting on 14 October 2026 at Hilton Colombo Residences, reflecting on a decade of business engagement between Sri Lanka and the United States and setting out its priorities for the year ahead.
Mr. Tilak Gunawardana, Group Director and Chief Financial Officer of MAC Holdings (Pvt) Ltd, was re-elected as President for the 2026/2027 term.
The AGM was attended by His Excellency Eric Meyer, Ambassador of the United States of America to Sri Lanka , and Mr. Mahinda Samarasinghe, former Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the United States, together with members of the business community.
Reviewing the Council’s work over the past year, Mr. Gunawardana highlighted its engagement on U.S. tariff developments, efforts to connect Sri Lankan businesses with investment opportunities through SelectUSA, and initiatives to strengthen intellectual property protection and support emerging entrepreneurs. He stressed the need for consistent policies and a predictable trade framework to help businesses plan, invest and expand.
Ambassador Meyer commended the Council’s efforts to foster a stronger business environment and advance intellectual property protections, underscoring their importance in attracting U.S. investment and expanding bilteral trade. He pointed to opportunities to deepen commercial cooperation in technology, energy, infrastructure and logistics, while encouraging Sri Lankan businesses to explore investment opportunities in the United States, including through the upcoming SelectUSA Investment Summit.
The Ambassador also emphasized the importance of transparent, predictable regulations, strong intellectual property rights, and fair competition in building investor confidence and creating lasting economic opportunities for both countries.
For the year ahead, the Council will focus on trade policy and two-way investment, while exploring opportunities across energy, ports and logistics, technology, renewable energy and education. It also plans to widen its engagement with small and medium-sized enterprises and young entrepreneurs, helping more businesses explore opportunities in both markets.
The following office-bearers were appointed for the 2026/2027 term – President: Mr. Tilak Gunawardana, MAC Holdings (Pvt) Ltd, Senior Vice President: Mr. Randeewa Malalasooriya, CBL Natural Foods (Pvt) Ltd, Vice President: Mr. Tuan Farhath Armith, Fanam International (Pvt) Ltd and Treasurer: Mr. Halin Hettigoda, Sampath Bank PLC. Dr. Asanka Ratnayake, a former President of the Council, was conferred Honorary Membership in recognition of his longstanding service.
As it marks ten years, the Council’s focus remains on turning bilateral business relations into practical opportunities for companies in Sri Lanka and the United States, through stronger trade links, greater market access and increased investment.