National Chamber of Exporters holds AGM

The 30th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the National Chamber of Exporters of Sri Lanka (NCE) marked a significant milestone in the chamber’s journey. 

The event featured a leadership transition, a review of past achievements and the presentation of a strategic road map for the future. Industry leaders, government officials and key stakeholders attended the event, reaffirming their commitment to strengthening Sri Lanka’s export sector.

The evening commenced with outgoing President Jayantha Karunaratne expressing gratitude and reflecting on the chamber’s resilience and achievements during his tenure. He highlighted the challenges exporters faced, including economic uncertainties, rising costs and policy changes. Despite these obstacles, the Sri Lankan export sector demonstrated a remarkable recovery, with total export earnings for 2024 reaching US $ 16.17 billion, reflecting a 7.06 percent growth compared to the previous year.

Karunaratne acknowledged the chamber’s relentless efforts in policy advocacy, industry engagement, capacity building and global outreach. He credited the Council, Management Committee and Secretariat for their unwavering dedication.

“As I step down, I take immense pride in the strides we have made together. The NCE has been a pillar of strength for our exporters, advocating on their behalf and providing strategic solutions to navigate a dynamic global trade environment. I have no doubt that the chamber will continue to grow under the leadership of the newly elected president and his team.”

Following his address, the newly elected President Indra Kaushal Rajapaksa took the stage to share his vision for the chamber. Expressing gratitude for the trust placed in him, he reaffirmed his commitment to further strengthening Sri Lanka’s export sector.

The chamber Secretary General and CEO Shiham Marikar delivered a comprehensive presentation detailing the chamber’s activities over the past year. 

The guest of honour, Dr. Howard Nicholas, a leading economist with 40+ years of experience, delivered the keynote address.