Congratulatory messages to new President

Shippers’ Academy Colombo 

The Shippers’ Academy Colombo wishes to extend its heartiest congratulations to President elect, Anura Kumara Dissanayake, as the ninth Executive President of Sri Lanka. 

CEO Rohan Masakorala expressed his confidence that President Dissanayake would accelerate the reforms that are needed in the country and would appoint subject knowledgeable professionals to his government to resolve multiple verticals of the economy that needs fast and efficient reforms. 

The academy encourages the president as promised to the people, to eliminate corruption and bring in international best practices to govern the country.  Sri Lanka has been lagging behind due to protectionism, monopolisation and corruption in its economic growth and inequality among its citizens as a free economy.

While encouraging the president to give due focus to the maritime and logistics industry, we wish him and his team, courage and strength to build a prosperous Sri Lanka.

Free Port Operators’ Association 

Free Port Operators’ Association President Priyantha Punchihewa extends his warm wishes to Anura Kumara Dissanayake as the new President of the country. 

The Free Ports Operators, a relatively new concept, needs a lot of support from the government to further reform the existing laws and regulations, to increase business volumes transiting via Sri Lanka. The concept of a hub of economic free zones was developed a decade ago to provide value-added services to global clients and to bring in logistics companies as investors to make Sri Lanka a logistics hub using its location and port facilities. 

However, due to lack of focus and commitment and misunderstandings, Sri Lanka has failed to capitalise on this multi-billion-dollar industry. The Free Port Operators’ Association President requests the new government to take a fresh look at this foreign exchange earning industry and provide accelerated solutions for the impediments that are slowing the industry growth and Sri Lanka’s hub aspirations.

The Colombo Plan 

The Colombo Plan Secretary General Dr. Benjamin Reyes extended his warm wishes to the newly elected President of Sri Lanka, Anura Kumara Dissanayake, as the new head of state. 

The Colombo Plan is the only inter-governmental organisation based in Sri Lanka, which has a mandate for corporative, economic and social development in the Asia-Pacific region. The organisation consists of 28 member countries and operates on the partnership concept of self-help, mutual help to enhance human capital development and south-south corporation. 

Founded in 1951 by seven Commonwealth countries, The Colombo Plan has now completed 73 years and in 2026 will commemorate the 75th anniversary. The organisation has contributed to many countries in multiple areas in capacity and skills development.

At the same time, infrastructure projects such as airports, roads, railways, hospitals, fertiliser plants, cement plants, steel mills and universities were built in member countries, including many projects in Sri Lanka. The Secretary General expresses confidence that Sri Lanka, the host country for the secretariat, will actively support The Colombo Plan to provide human capital development in the coming years.

Colombo Rubber Traders’ Association

The Colombo Rubber Traders’ Association (CRTA), representing a diverse group of stakeholders within the natural rubber industry, extended its heartfelt congratulations to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on his appointment as the ninth Executive President of Sri Lanka. In a statement the CRTA said, “On behalf of the CRTA and its members, we express our optimism and confidence in President Dissanayake’s leadership, believing that his tenure will usher in a new era of development and progress across multiple sectors in Sri Lanka, including agriculture and exports.

The natural rubber industry, a cornerstone of Sri Lanka’s economy, has long played a vital role in the nation’s growth. However, the sector now faces significant challenges that threaten its survival. Immediate action and strategic planning are crucial to rejuvenating the industry and ensuring its sustainability. Despite the difficulties, the natural rubber industry still holds immense potential to contribute to the country’s economic recovery through exports, innovation and job creation

The CRTA, representing producers, both from the smallholders and Regional Plantation Companies, buyers and brokers, is committed to collaborating with the new administration to find sustainable solutions for revitalising the natural rubber sector. We are eager to work hand in hand with the government to implement strategies that will strengthen the industry, promote exports and safeguard the livelihoods of thousands of Sri Lankans who depend on it. We believe that with collective efforts and a shared vision, the natural rubber industry can once again thrive, making a significant contribution to the country’s economic growth.”