Ambassador of the United States to Sri Lanka Julie Chung, acknowledged the resilience of the Sri Lankan people, the abatement of inflation, and the gradual reduction of shortages at the seventh annual general meeting of the Sri Lanka – USA Business Council (SLUSABC) of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce.
The Ambassador of the United States to Sri Lanka recognized the challenging journey that Sri Lanka has traversed since the previous annual general meeting in August of the previous year. She emphasized the importance of Sri Lanka’s commitment to long-term regulatory and economic reform, inclusive of equitable debt restructuring, fiscal transparency enhancement, the creation of an attractive regulatory environment, and the fortification of democratic governance.
SLUSABC elected Chief Operating Officer of WICHY Plantation Company (PVT) LTD, Charithra Hettiarachchi as President for 2023/2024 and he expressed the Council’s commitment to strengthening ties between Sri Lanka and the USA in the areas of trade, tourism and development.
He outlined the Council’s goals, which include creating networking opportunities, advocating for member companies, providing educational resources, and promoting corporate social responsibility and sustainable business practices. Hettiarachchi, expressed the council’s gratitude to the government of the United States of America for the support extended during Sri Lanka’s time of need especially during the last two years. The direct involvement of the embassy in facilitating the import of fertilizer, assistance through the IDFC fund and the numerous work done to develop the human capital of Sri Lanka were a few examples that were highlighted during his speech.
The 2023/24 Executive Committee includes Tilak Gunawardena from MAC Holdings and Tuan Farhath Noor Armith from Fanam International as Vice Presidents, Randeewa Malalasooriya from CBL Natural Foods as the Treasurer, and Sanji De Silva as the Immediate Past President. Dr. Asanka Ratnayake, a Past President, was unanimously honored as an Honorary Member of the council.
Newly appointed committee members include Aitken Spence Travels (Pvt) Ltd, Expelogix (Pvt) Ltd, Jafferjee& Sons (Pvt) Ltd, Sampath Bank PLC, and Spillburg Holdings (Pvt) Ltd.