Haycarb PLC’s Brahman Balaratnarajah was re-appointed as IASL Chairman for 2024/25

The Industrial Association of Sri Lanka (IASL), the leading trade body representing the industrial and manufacturing sectors of the nation, hosted its 33rd Annual General Meeting on August 9th, 2024, at the Kingsbury Hotel, Colombo. The event, attended by key industry leaders, highlighted the Association's ongoing commitment to advancing the industrial landscape of Sri Lanka.

The meeting featured Dr. Kingsley Bernard, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Sri Lanka Export Development Board, as the Chief Guest, and Mr. Shantha Weerasinghe, Secretary of the Ministry of Industries, who delivered the keynote address.

During the AGM, the Association reaffirmed its leadership for the year 2024/25. Mr. Brahman Balaratnarajah, Deputy Managing Director of Haycarb PLC, was re-elected as Chairman, continuing his leadership for the third consecutive term. Mr. Kelum Kospelawatte, Factory Director of Singer Industries Ceylon PLC, was re-appointed as Senior Vice Chairman, while Ms. Harini Rajadasa, Head of Regulatory & Corporate Affairs at Unilever Sri Lanka, took on the role of Vice Chairman.

In his address, Mr. Brahman Balaratnarajah emphasized the resilience of Sri Lanka's industrial sector amid economic challenges and reaffirmed the Association’s commitment to supporting the government’s strategic goals. He highlighted the importance of embracing innovation and sustainability, urging the industry to align with global trends and focus on technological advancements and skilled workforce development, with a specific focus on Generation Z. Mr. Balaratnarajah expressed his gratitude to the Executive Committee and members for their ongoing support and collaboration.

The formation of the Executive Committee for 2024/25 was another highlight of the event, with representatives from leading industrial firms such as APPIT Lanka (Pvt) Ltd, Alpha Industries (Pvt) Ltd, Ceylon Biscuits Ltd, Ceylon Tobacco Co PLC, Ex-Pack Corrugated Cartons PLC, Hettigoda Industries (Pvt) Ltd, Lion Brewery (Ceylon) PLC, Litro Gas Lanka Ltd, Nestle Lanka PLC, PGP Glass Ceylon PLC, Polypak Secco Ltd, Richard Pieris & Co PLC, and The Swadeshi Industrial Works PLC.

Established on March 13, 1991, the IASL continues to play a crucial role in advocating for Sri Lanka’s industrial and manufacturing sectors. As a key constituent body of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, IASL contributes significantly to the nation's economic policy-making and industrial growth.