The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce has claimed unprecedented success in influencing Government economic policy after revealing that 18 of its recommendations were adopted in Sri Lanka’s 2026 National Budget, highlighting the growing influence of the country’s largest private sector lobby.
The disclosure came as John Keells Holdings Chairman Krishan Balendra was unanimously re-elected Chairperson of the Chamber during its 187th Annual General Meeting, extending his leadership for another year.
While the election itself attracted significant attention, Balendra’s remarks offered a rare glimpse into how Sri Lanka’s leading corporate body increasingly shapes economic decision-making behind closed doors.
He said the Chamber had deliberately shifted away from conventional advocacy by working directly with Government institutions, industry groups and international development partners to produce evidence-based policy proposals rather than simply criticising existing regulations.
The Chamber’s recommendations reportedly covered several priority sectors including investment promotion, digital transformation, infrastructure development, trade facilitation and reforms aimed at improving the country’s ease of doing business. Balendra argued that the Government’s acceptance of 18 proposals demonstrates the effectiveness of collaborative engagement between policymakers and the private sector.
The organisation also became actively involved in addressing international trade challenges, particularly tariff-related issues affecting Sri Lankan exports. Chamber representatives participated in Presidential Committees where they presented private sector concerns and supported efforts to maintain export competitiveness amid changing global trade conditions.
Balendra said these interventions were designed to strengthen Sri Lanka’s economic resilience during a period of continuing recovery and increasing international competition.
The Chamber simultaneously expanded its overseas engagement by strengthening business partnerships across more than 20 countries, while increasing assistance to domestic small and medium enterprises. More than 1,800 SMEs reportedly received support through training programmes, advisory services and initiatives designed to improve market access both locally and internationally.
The newly elected leadership team reflects Sri Lanka’s corporate establishment. Standard Chartered Bank Sri Lanka CEO Bingumal Thewarathanthri will serve as Vice Chairperson, while Hirdaramani Group Chairman Vinod Hirdaramani assumes the role of Deputy Vice Chairperson.
Other Board members include Hayleys Agriculture Holdings Managing Director Jayanthi Dharmasena, Dialog Axiata Group CEO Supun Weerasinghe, Renuka Hotels Managing Director Shibani Thambiayah, Kasturi Chellaraja Wilson of Singapore’s 5-hour International Corporation, and Chamber Secretary-General and CEO Shiran Fernando.
David Pieris Motor Company Group Chairman Rohana Dissanayake joins the Board following the departure of former Nestlé Lanka Managing Director Bernhard Stefan, who recently relocated overseas.
Balendra also reflected on his family’s longstanding association with Sri Lanka’s corporate sector, noting that his father, Ken Balendra, chaired the Chamber from 1998 to 2000 during a transformative period for John Keells Holdings.
Looking ahead, Balendra pledged to deepen engagement with Chamber members, expand international partnerships, attract greater foreign investment and strengthen export growth while continuing to work closely with Government institutions to support Sri Lanka’s long-term economic recovery and business competitiveness.