The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce appoints Krishan Balendra as Chairperson at 186th AGM

The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce elected Krishan Balendra as its new Chairperson at the 186th Annual General Meeting held on 26th June 2025.

Krishan Balendra, succeeds Duminda Hulangamuwa, Country Managing Partner of Ernst & Young Sri Lanka, and the Senior Economic Advisor to the President of Sri Lanka.

In his remarks, Mr. Balendra thanked Mr. Hulangamuwa for his steady leadership and service over the past two years, noting that his steady guidance helped the private sector navigate crisis conditions and laid the groundwork for recovery.

Looking ahead, he stressed the importance of building on Sri Lanka’s recent macroeconomic stability without letting reform momentum stall. “Reform fatigue is a real risk. We have a narrow but vital window to push through long-pending reforms – from SOE restructuring and trade liberalisation to improving the investment climate. The stability we have achieved must now translate into sustained, inclusive growth,” he noted.

He highlighted several low-hanging reforms that could catalyse the next phase of economic progress. These include rolling out the Digital ID system to enhance financial inclusion, implementing the National Single Window to streamline trade processes, modernising the Customs Ordinance, and executing the National Tourism Destination Marketing Plan. “These are not new ideas – they have been on the agenda for years. What we need now is action,” he said. He reaffirmed the Ceylon Chamber’s commitment to advocating for these changes and maintaining its role as an independent, constructive voice for the private sector.

Chief Guest at the event, the Governor of the Central Bank Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe addressing the audience emphasised that he is ‘encouraged, impressed, and confident of the role the Ceylon Chamber has played, and will continue to play in contributing to the resilience of the private sector, and in identifying important reforms in order to ensure sustainability’.

Source : https://www.chamber.lk/ceylon-chamber-appoints-krishan-balendra-as-chairperson-at-186th-agm/

“Balendra’s deceased father Ken also served as Chairman of The Ceylon Chamber previously (1998-2000). It is the first time in The Ceylon Chamber’s 186-year history where both father and son assumed the position of Chairmanship.” https://www.ft.lk/front-page/Ceylon-Chamber-appoints-Krishan-Balendra-as-Chairperson-at-186th-AGM/44-778275