AmCham SL appoints Sandun Hapugoda as President

The American Chamber of Commerce in Sri Lanka (AmCham SL) successfully held its 33rd Annual General Meeting (AGM) at ITC Ratnadeepa recently, in the presence of its members, special invitees and media representatives.

The AGM marked a significant milestone as the chamber reflected on a year of meaningful impact, strategic partnerships and advocacy in strengthening US-Sri Lanka trade, investment and bilateral collaboration. The members elected a new board of directors to guide AmCham into its next chapter, reaffirming the chamber’s commitment to fostering economic prosperity and innovation.

Mastercard Country Manager Sri Lanka and Maldives Sandun Hapugoda was elected the new President of AmCham Sri Lanka, while Chevron Lubricants Lanka PLC Managing Director/CEO Bertram Paul was elected the new Vice President. IAS Holdings (Pvt.) Ltd Group Managing Director Tania Polonnowita Wettimuny was elected as the new Secretary and Digiratina Technology Solutions (Pvt.) Ltd Managing Director Riza Wadood will remain as Treasurer. MAS Holdings (Pvt.) Ltd Director Shirendra Lawrence was appointed the President Emeritus of AmCham SL.

Furthermore, Dentsu Grant (Pvt.) Ltd Chairperson/Managing Director Neela Marikkar, Standard Chartered Bank Executive Director/Head of Corporate Coverage Tamani Dias, Chamila Bandara, Group Management Committee – Hayleys Advantis, Director Advantis Express Licensee of Federal Express Corporation, Director IML Delivery Systems representing CityPak and HSBC Head of Global Network Banking Dilshan Perera were re-elected as AmCham Directors and continue on the board. 

Citibank, N. A. Director and Country Markets Head/Treasurer Saneth Gamage, North Manufacturing (Pvt.) Ltd Managing Director Hatem Rajabdeen, Microsoft Sri Lanka Senior Partner Solutions Sales Lead Sri Lanka and Maldives Chinthaka Dunuwille and JAT Holdings PLC Director Anika Williamson were appointed as board members, strengthening the board’s composition covering various industry sectors.

Addressing the audience, the chief guest, US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie J. Chung said, “We must work together in Sri Lanka to create a conducive environment by lowering non-tariff barriers, streamlining processes and ensuring transparency.  These actions are not just in the interest of US companies – they are in the interest of Sri Lanka’s long-term economic resilience.  And when our partners are secure, America is more secure.”