AmCham Archives

March 20, 2024

Colombo, 19^th March 2024 – In commemoration of International Women’s Day, the American Chamber of Commerce in Sri Lanka (AmCham Sri Lanka) hosted a successful forum titled “Reclaim Wellness: Redefine Success” on 1^st March 2024 at the Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo.

The event, promoting the tag line “Empowered People Ask for Help” addressed the critical rising issue of burnout, particularly among women in the post-pandemic landscape where statistics reveal that one in four Sri Lankan households are led by women, often balancing demanding careers with family responsibilities.

This “double burden” contributes to a disproportionate impact of burnout on women, affecting not only their mental well-being but also their performance and the broader economy. Studies show that burnout leads to decreased productivity, increased absenteeism, and higher turnover rates, impacting businesses significantly. Conversely, a workforce that prioritizes well-being fosters engagement, innovation, and a stronger overall economy.

The forum, moderated by Savithri Rodrigo, featured and an inspiring panel discussion with esteemed speakers, including: US Ambassador to Sri Lanka HE Ambassador Julie J Chung, CEO Brandix Corporate Campus Priyanga Dassanayake, Consultant Psychiatrist & Lecturer, University of Kelaniya Dr. Chamara Wijesinghe, Artist & Entertainer Corrinne Almedia and General Manager AmCham Sri Lanka Vrai Raymond.

The discussion explored various aspects of wellness and work-life balance including the economic impact of stress, anxiety, and burnout, societal and self-imposed pressures that contribute to burnout and impact mental health, practical strategies to manage stress, prioritize self-care, and cultivate inner resilience and the importance of building a supportive network and fostering a culture of collaboration and mutual support

The Panel discussion was followed by a Keynote Address by Group CEO Hemas Holdings, Kasthuri Chellaraja Wilson, who shared inspiration from her own personal journey of defining holistic success through a healthy work-life balance.

Speaking at the commencement of the Forum, Ambassador Julie J Chung stated in her address:

“This evening’s theme – on reclaiming wellness and redefining success – is front and center in the efforts towards women’s empowerment, mental health, and diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Thank you to AmCham for organizing this thought-provoking and timely event. [It is] a conversation that hopefully helps all of us – men and women alike – find our own balance and better model the authenticity and acceptance that are intrinsic to healthy and adaptable organizations.”

AmCham Sri Lanka President Shirendra Lawrence noted:

“We are proud to have facilitated this important conversation on women’s well-being and addressing these challenges that have such an impact on both the social and economic fabric of our nation. By empowering women to tackle these less-addressed issues in a practical and healthy manner, we contribute to a more inclusive and thriving society.”

The forum received exceptionally positive feedback from participants, highlighting its impact on raising awareness and creating a platform for open dialogue on this critical issue.

AmCham Sri Lanka remains committed to promoting gender equality, empowering women in the workplace, and fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for all.

February 28, 2024

The American Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh (AmCham) held a discussion on Draft National Logistics Policy on 20 February 2024 at the Westin Hotel, Dhaka. Mr. Syed Ershad Ahmed, President – AmCham chaired the session. Mr. Kabir Ahmed, President, Bangladesh Freight Forwarders Association (BAFFA), Dr. M. Masrur Reaz, Chairman, Policy Exchange of Bangladesh, Mr. Mohiuddin Abdul Kadir, President, The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT), Bangladesh Council and Mr. Naquib Khan, President, Bangladesh Supply Chain Management Society (BSCMS), Mr. John Fay, Commercial Counselor, U.S. Embassy, Dhaka, Mr. Mohammad Lutfullah, from IFC, Mr. Mohammad Nazimuddin and Mr. Saiyab Amal Ahmed from The World Bank, Barrister Fatema Anwar, Academic Director & Head of Laws, Academic Director & Head of Laws, Dhaka Centre for Law and Economics (DCLE), Mr. Mohammad Refayet Ullah Mirdha, President, Economic Reporters’ Forum (ERF) and Senior Reporter, The Daily Star, Ms. Doulot Akter Mala, Special Correspondent, The Financial Express took part in the discussion among others.

Dr. M. Masrur Reaz explained the salient features of the draft national Logistics policy and Prof. Dr. Md. Mamun Habib, Independent University Bangladesh (IUB) summarized the discussion. The participants unanimously praised the policy’s robust framework and comprehensive approach, with only a few minor areas for potential refinement.

AmCham members from the logistics sector, Presidents of different supply chain institutes & associations, industry experts and leading researchers joined the Discussion.

February 15, 2024

AmCham Sri Lanka’s annual CxO Forum: Unlocking 2024, powered by HSBC, was held on January 31, 2024, at Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo. The half-day symposium comprised four cohesive sessions aimed at equipping members and organizations with global, local, and regional macro and microeconomic insights and inspiring and empowering transformative leadership through turbulent times.

Welcoming the delegates to the sessions, AmCham SL President Shirendra Lawrence noted, “While we look back on the past few years as especially challenging ones, the fact of the matter is that as circumstances, resources, and ways of life evolve, the challenges that face our business continuity will do the same. While each year brings with it a new set of challenges, it also brings with it a new set of opportunities. We at AmCham Sri Lanka have designed this day to provide you with macro and microeconomic insights, trends, tips, and inspirational thought leadership, along with some sharing of organizational best practices, which we hope will stimulate each of you to unlock the best that 2024 can offer you.”

The Chief Guest of Unlocking 2024 Powered by HSBC, HE Ambassador Julie Chung made the keynote address, where she noted that exports and private sector growth will be the engines of the recovery of Sri Lanka’s economy, which needs space and support to thrive, and that while Sri Lanka has taken difficult measures to put the country on a long-term sustainable footing, the people of Sri Lanka deserve and continue to demand openness, transparency, and accountability from their leaders as the process of reform moves forward. She also noted that the private sector has a crucial role to play as a community of thought leaders. She concluded her address by stating, “Apple just became the world’s most valuable brand, leading Microsoft, Google, and Amazon… nearly 50 years after it was created, after almost going bankrupt, after facing tumultuous management changes, how did Apple become the world’s most valuable brand? It took innovation, openness to making mistakes, and creativity—all things that Sri Lankans can be and Sri Lankan companies can do. We should see Sri Lanka’s own Apple take seed here and grow to be a global leader. The United States government is cheering for you, and we stand ready to partner to create an environment that enables you and the next generation of companies to succeed.”

The first panel for the morning, titled ‘SWOT Sri Lanka’, saw a panel comprised of Mr. Dhananath Fernando, CEO of Advocata Institute; Mr. Sulaiman Nisthar, Partner Ernst & Young; Mr. Harin De Saram, Executive Director of TWCorp Private Limited; and Alejandro Alvarez de la Campa, Country Manager for IFC Sri Lanka and Maldives, provide a unique overview of the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats for the Sri Lankan economy in 2024, with the aim of equipping CxO’s with insights and business intelligence for their strategic planning.

Mr. Kavinda De Zoysa, Director and Country Business Head of Citi Bank Sri Lanka and a delegate at the AmCham SL CxO Forum, stated that “it was a thought-provoking and insightful CXO conference. The SWOT analysis discussion was very pertinent, and the opportunities for the country were well articulated. We have to be optimistic and realistic despite the challenging headwinds. The legal perspectives on business strategy were well received by the audience. Overall, it was a very interesting morning session, providing participants with an opportunity to network during brunch.”

The second session brought focus to the implications of regional and global geopolitics on supply chains and business operations, as well as economic growth and challenges. The eye-opening session was moderated by Dr. Harinda Vidanage, Director of the International Relations Office (IRO) and Director of the Centre for Strategic Assessment (CSA) at Kotelawala Defence Academy, and saw an eminent panel of subject experts. Mr. Nilanthan Niruthan, Director Center for Law & Security Studies, Mr. Imran Furkan, CEO TESYNC Aus, and Mr. Kingsley Abeywickrama, Country Head & Director for CMA CGM Sri Lanka & Maldives, delivered an insightful and entertaining panel discussion, drawing the attention of the delegates to the threats as well as opportunities available to businesses from geopolitical activity in the region and providing awareness on the importance of international relations and geopolitical insights in business strategy.

Ms. Saranee Gunathilaka, who is an ADR specialist of the USAID’s Effective and Efficient Justice Activity, introduced and encouraged corporations to Strategic Alternate Despite Resolution through her session, noting the importance of moving toward higher contract enforcement ratings, which are identified as a key barrier to trade with Sri Lanka. Her session provided insight into numerous methods of dispute resolution and highlighted the importance of appropriate measures to tackle disputes.

The line-up for the day was concluded with a session titled “From Chrysalis to Butterfly: The Art and Science of Transformative Leadership,” which was facilitated by Kevin Green, Managing Director and Head of Wholesale Banking Sri Lanka and Maldives for HSBC, where he interviewed Mr. Dimantha Seneviratne, former Group CEO and Director of NDB Bank, on his corporate journey as a transformative leader in the banking field.

Speaking on behalf of The Premier Partner of the AmCham SL CxO Forum 2024, Kevin Green, Managing Director and Head of Wholesale Banking Sri Lanka and Maldives, stated that “HSBC is delighted to have supported AmCham Sri Lanka’s CxO Forum: Unlocking 2024. The Forum shared useful and topical insights into trade and investment opportunities, which are well aligned with HSBC’s purpose to open up a world of opportunities for our clients.”

November 3, 2023

Shippers Academy, AmCham, JAAF hold forum to highlight importance of labor law reforms to increase competitiveness
Stakeholders emphasise flexible work hours, restructuring costs of vital importance to sustain apparel industry
Ministry of Labour states increasing female workforce participation remains key objective

3^rd November 2023: The Shippers Academy of Colombo, in partnership with the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) and The Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF) held an awareness programme on the need to prioritise Sri Lanka’s labour law reforms to develop competitive industries and services.

In his opening address, Advisor to the Ministry of Labour and Foreign Employment Shan Yahampath stressed that a priority of labour reforms is to attract investments through high-skill job creation and spur entrepreneurship and innovation. ‘If we are to develop quickly, we need to generate USD 15 billion per annum. To do this, we need to attract FDIs,” he noted, adding that “adopting efficient labor laws are pivotal to this, as we need to focus on job creation and understand the role SMEs play.”

Representing the apex body of the apparel sector, Secretary General of JAAF Yohan Lawrence emphasized that reforms should formalize administrative relaxations on the flexibility over a five-day week. Believing this will encourage more people, especially women, to enter the workforce, he said that this will increase not only human resource capabilities in the industry but also female labour force participation overall. “Improving flexibility in terms of work hours is advantageous not only for employees but also employers,” he stressed.

Lawrence further said that termination and the cost of restructuring are detrimental to companies under the status quo. “If a manufacturing plant is located in a region that doesn’t make the economies of scale worthwhile, the cost-effective ability to relocate and restructure is essential. The law should allow this.” The need to upskill employees via timely learning and development which is crucial for the sector’s growth was also highlighted.

He also expressed his appreciation that the Ministry made available a seven week window of consultation where any individual, association or union could make representation of issues in the current law that needed addressing and hoped the input provided would be reflected in the final draft act that is currently being prepared.

Among the speakers was the President of AmCham Shirendra Lawrence who stated, “The textile, security, catering and other sectors are governed by a separate set of laws. Unifying this will certainly be more attractive to investors.” He highlighted the potential of encouraging the 51% female population to enter the labour force via more flexible labour laws, especially as an impetus to attract and retain investors.

CEO of the Shippers Academy Rohan Masukorala explained that the 8-hour work week initiated in 1926 is not conducive to the modern world which is marked by the rapid growth of Artificial Intelligence. “Sri Lanka cannot be a competitive business hub without adhering to current international labour practices. This must be achieved through industrial harmony.”

Representing the collective of the Free Trade Zones, Chairman of the Free Trade Zone Manufacturers Association Dhammika Fernando expressed his concerns about Sri Lanka’s existing labour laws, stating that the current legal framework does not prepare Sri Lankan workers to enter or stay competitive in the changing world of work. “The number of jobs that will be created in ten years’ time is unknown to us. Sri Lanka must prepare its workforce for that future while keeping investments in mind. The Board of Investment was given an FDI target of USD 1.5 billion to be met for this year. However, it’s October and the country is struggling to bring in USD 750 million. In comparison, regional peers like Bangladesh have already gained the infusion of USD 2 billion and even countries like Myanmar has attracted USD one billion.”

Private sector representatives in the service and manufacturing industries who participated at the forum, raised concerns, while also adding clarifications to labour reforms.

July 24, 2023

The scintillating and glamorous annual AmCham SL Ball made a grand comeback after a 5-year hiatus, to celebrate the 30th anniversary of AmCham Sri Lanka and 75th anniversary of USA/Sri Lanka bilateral relations.

The AmCham Ball 2023, powered by Citi held recently at the Hilton Grand Ballroom and was a night of elegance and camaraderie that was undoubtedly a highlight of the Colombo Social Calendar.

The event was attended by top corporates, and members of the diplomatic community as well as numerous social, civil and media personalities. Guest of honor HE Julie J Chung, Ambassador of the United States in Sri Lanka spoke at the occasion and stated “This year marks the 30th year of AmCham’s operations in Sri Lanka and with just one look around this room you can see how successful the organization has become … (and) as we commemorate the 75th anniversary of bilateral relations between the United States and Sri Lanka, and the 30th anniversary of the AmCham, we should take pride in the positive impact that we have had on Sri Lanka, the economy, and its people”

To coincide with what the Guest of honor HE Julie J Chung shared, Mr Lakshan Madurasinghe, The president of AmCham SL also stated that AmCham SL is not just an association; it is a dynamic forum that fosters trade, investment, and business relations between Sri Lanka and the United States. As one of the most influential and prestigious international business chambers in the island, we are committed to providing our over 400 member companies- that we celebrate an recognize this evening, with a multi-dimensional resource network that equips you with the information, network, market access, tools, and knowledge needed to succeed in bilateral business endeavors.

One of the highlights of the night which went hand with hand with the words the Ambassador her excellency Julie J Chung was the felicitation of AmCham SLs past presidents where presidents over the span of the last 30 years were recognized and appreciated for their impact and service both in person as well as posthumously.

The elegant sit down dinner was also followed by a silent auction to raise money for the AmCham SL Gives Back program. The AmCham SL gives back program is the CSR arm of AmCham SL which conducts annual community outreach activities. Last year supported by AmCham signature events such as yuletide greetings, AmCham SL and its members donated over LKR 6 million through various community outreach programs.

This night of refined elegance charmed guests with a mesmerizing blend of curated culinary delights, engaging entertainment, and camaraderie of shared history. Entertainment powerhouses Natasha Ratnayake, Voiceprint, Redeemers, Flame and the highlight of the night, a guest spot by Bathiya and Santhush saw guests rocking the dance floor until the wee hours.

The evening was made possible by the generous support of Title Sponsor Citi Bank and other sponsors namely South Beach Weligama, Sysco Labs, Haycarb, Kerry Logistics and LOLC Holdings among others

July 14, 2023

The scintillating and glamorous annual AmCham SL Ball made a grand comeback after a 5-year hiatus, to celebrate the 30th anniversary of AmCham Sri Lanka and 75th anniversary of USA/Sri Lanka bilateral relations. The AmCham Ball 2023, powered by Citi held recently at the Hilton Grand Ballroom and was a night of elegance and camaraderie that was undoubtedly a highlight of the Colombo Social Calendar.

The event was attended by top corporates, and members of the diplomatic community as well as numerous social, civil and media personalities. Guest of honor HE Julie J Chung, Ambassador of the United States in Sri Lanka spoke at the occasion and stated “This year marks the 30th year of AmCham’s operations in Sri Lanka and with just one look around this room you can see how successful the organization has become … (and) as we commemorate the 75th anniversary of bilateral relations between the United States and Sri Lanka, and the 30th anniversary of the AmCham, we should take pride in the positive impact that we have had on Sri Lanka, the economy, and its people”

To coincide with what the Guest of honor HE Julie J Chung shared, Mr Lakshan Madurasinghe, The president of AmCham SL also stated that AmCham SL is not just an association; it is a dynamic forum that fosters trade, investment, and business relations between Sri Lanka and the United States. As one of the most influential and prestigious international business chambers in the island, we are committed to providing our over 400 member companies- that we celebrate an recognize this evening, with a multi-dimensional resource network that equips you with the information, network, market access, tools, and knowledge needed to succeed in bilateral business endeavors.

One of the highlights of the night which went hand with hand with the words the Ambassador her excellency Julie J Chung was the felicitation of AmCham SLs past presidents where presidents over the span of the last 30 years were recognized and appreciated for their impact and service both in person as well as posthumously.

The elegant sit down dinner was also followed by a silent auction to raise money for the AmCham SL Gives Back program. The AmCham SL gives back program is the CSR arm of AmCham SL which conducts annual community outreach activities. Last year supported by AmCham signature events such as yuletide greetings, AmCham SL and its members donated over LKR 6 million through various community outreach programs.

This night of refined elegance charmed guests with a mesmerizing blend of curated culinary delights, engaging entertainment, and camaraderie of shared history. Entertainment powerhouses Natasha Ratnayake, Voiceprint, Redeemers, Flame and the highlight of the night, a guest spot by Bathiya and Santhush saw guests rocking the dance floor until the wee hours.

The evening was made possible by the generous support of Title Sponsor Citi Bank and other sponsors namely South Beach Weligama, Sysco Labs, Haycarb, Kerry Logistics and LOLC Holdings among others.

June 1, 2023

AmCham Sri Lanka recently organized a roundtable conference, gathering more than 60 C-level executives from diverse industries to deliberate on and develop strategies aimed at addressing the persistent issue of female attrition in the workforce.

At the event, Great Place to Work (GPTW) played a significant role as a key partner and presented their extensive research on Retention & Re-absorption of Women in the Workplace. The presentation delivered by Ruwani Alwishewa Head of Assessment Business & Client Services at GPTW provided valuable insights into the challenges faced by women in the workforce, and the factors that contribute to their attrition.

Delivering a comprehensive overview of the Trends Shaping Workplace Culture in 2023. the most prominent trends outlined was the increasing demand for flexibility in the workplace, which has become a standard expectation among the workforce. The concept of Non-linear career paths emphasized the importance of employees possessing a diverse range of skills and being adaptable to change. The significance of soft skills was highlighted. Additionally, the presentation delved into the growing use of AI in the workplace. The importance of mental health in the workplace was another significant aspect, with organizations being urged to prioritize employee wellbeing. The presentation also touched on the importance of Digital Readiness, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, acknowledging the increasing focus on these issues and their impact on overall workplace culture.

Several factors were identified as contributing to why women were leaving the labor force in Sri Lanka. Sociocultural expectations emerged as a key factor, with women often expected to prioritize domestic responsibilities over their careers. The increase in responsibilities and burnout resulting from the dual burden of work and family was also highlighted. Poor work-life balance, under recognition, and underpayment were identified as additional factors that make it challenging for women to remain in the labor force. Foreign employment opportunities, often driven by the need to earn a better income, was shown to also contribute to the exodus of women from the Sri Lankan labor force. Addressing these issues and providing the necessary infrastructure and support could lead to better retention rates of women in the workforce.

It was shown that employees’ priorities have shifted over the past three years, with a focus on impartiality in performance evaluation, equity in compensation, and collaboration with employees. Work-life balance and involvement in decisions have also become increasingly important. Adapting to these evolving needs is crucial to creating an inclusive work environment.

GPTW also shared strategies and practices for organizations to retain and re-hire female employees. These included providing career advancement opportunities, fair workload distribution, recognition, and work-life balance support. Additionally, ensuring equal pay for all employees was crucial. Addressing these needs will lead to a more inclusive and productive workplace.

Each of these findings of GPTW were particularly useful in the discussions and recommendations generated at the roundtable discussion that was centered around the same topic and was co-chaired by Kshanika Ratnayaka, CEO & Director of Great Place to Work in Sri Lanka along with Head of Chamber of AmCham SL – Vrai Raymond.

In addition, Sumani Siyabalapitiya, of Verite Research presented on the topic “Supporting Sri Lankan Women to Enter and Remain in the Workplace” which was based on a study by Verité Research on “Costs Of Doing A Job For Urban Women In Sri Lanka“

Chief Guest at the occasion the Ambassador of the United States of America in Sri Lanka, HE Julie. J. Chung drew attention to the significant potential benefits of increased female participation in the workforce in Sri Lanka. Citing estimates, she noted that the country could potentially add a staggering USD 20 billion to its annual GDP by 2025 if women were to play a more active role in the workforce.

March 23, 2023

AmCham SL & Partners Donate R/O System to Palai Central College in Commemoration of World Water Day 2023

22^nd March 2023: The American Chamber of Commerce in Sri Lanka, together with its members, global partners, donors, and well-wishers commissioned on 17^th March 2023 in commemoration of World Water Day 2023, which is celebrated on 22^nd March each year, a Reverse Osmosis plant to provide safe drinking water to over 700 students, of the Pallai Central College, Pallai, in Kilinochchi.

Dysfunction throughout the water cycle undermines progress on all major global issues, from health to hunger, gender equality to jobs, education to industry, and disasters to peace. Billions of people and countless schools, businesses, healthcare centers, farms, and factories are being held back because their human rights to water and sanitation still need to be fulfilled, and in 2015, the world committed to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6 as part of the 2030 Agenda – the promise that everyone would have safely managed water and sanitation by 2030. World Water Day 2023 is about accelerating change to solve the water and sanitation crisis, and as a leading private sector organization, AmCham SL and partners intend to catalyze action in this space.

Commenting on the initiative, President of the AmCham SL, Lakshan Madurasinghe stated “The American Chamber of Commerce in Sri Lanka, together with our donor partners are truly delighted to be able to provide the Pallai Central College access to safe drinking water which is essential not only to the present students but those to come in the future. Scaling of support in this space is vital and we welcome our member companies to join hands to make a difference to more schools across Sri Lanka.”

The Assistant Principal of Palai Central College, Mr. Sujitha Sugunenthiran, noted “Life is not easy in a rural community like this where we have fewer infrastructure resources, and one of the biggest issues for us is the access to safe drinking water. Seven hundred students and seventy staff are getting purified water because of this initiative. We are extremely grateful to you all for your contributions to make this happen. It’s moments like this that remind us to hold on to the good things”

The project, undertaken as part of the AmCham Gives Back initiatives for 2022/23, was supported by AmCham SL members, as well as the members of the USA-Sri Lanka Chamber of Commerce based in NY, USA, and was facilitated by Appe Lanka, a rural development project initiated by Awakening Lanka, to empower 06 districts in the North & East beginning in Poonakary to initially give safe drinking water to 22 schools in the district.

March 7, 2023

Colombo, 2nd March 2023: The American Chamber of Commerce in Sri Lanka (AmCham Sri Lanka) on 1st March 2023, convened a roundtable discussion with the participation of over 60 C-suite representatives of the private sector across over 20 industries, to discuss, dissect and design solutions to the age-old problem of attrition of women.

Setting the context, the Head of Chamber of AmCham SL – Vrai Raymond said, “as many of us know first-hand, many women opt to leave the workforce after marriage or after the birth of a child, or when the burden of childcare, elder care, or a combination of these things makes a work-life balance under existing norms impossible. This leads to a significant decrease in female participation in the labor force and the loss of a valuable resource. Women’s participation in the workforce is vital both for individual and for economic development, and in recognizing the importance for society to promote and support this we take a very important step toward achieving empowerment and embracing equity.”

Chief Guest at the occasion was Ambassador of the United States of America in Sri Lanka, HE Julie. J. Chung, who in her keynote address drew attention to the fact that “it is estimated that Sri Lanka could add USD 20 billion to its annual GDP by 2025 if women actively participate in the workforce.”

A White Paper outlining the recommendations of the Private Sector for a national-level action plan will be presented to the Government of Sri Lanka, while best practices and innovative solutions adopted by the private sector organizations represented will be used to design capacity-building learnings across the AmCham membership.

The forum was conducted in collaboration with Great Place To Work- Sri Lanka, Verité Research and hosted by the Hilton Colombo.

January 10, 2023

Sri Lanka Institute of Nanotechnology (SLINTEC), the first public-private research institute in Sri Lanka and the pioneer in nano and advanced technology research in the country, recently concluded two successful discussions and visits with AmCham and USAID, to initiate collaborations where they will work with both organizations to contribute towards the innovation and growth of the renewable energy sector in Sri Lanka.

AmCham Sri Lanka is one of the most influential business Chambers in the island and is recognized as the leading forum for promoting and developing trade, investment, and economic ties between Sri Lanka and the US, whilst USAID is the world’s premier international development donor agency and a catalyst for supporting the Government of Sri Lanka’s efforts to promote inclusive economic growth, strengthen its democratic systems, and support marginalized and disaster-affected communities.

The discussion’s with AmCham was primarily focused on how SLINTEC could collaborate as their strategic technology partner and work on projects to address some of the key issues faced by their membership companies that primarily include ocean cleaning, green renewable energy and water purification technologies.

With Nano and Advacned Technologies which is a key area of specialization at SLINTEC, key project prospects examined during the meeting were in utilizing renewable sources of energy to help the country mitigate climate change, build resilience to volatile prices, and lower energy costs as well as water purification using Nano and advanced technologies that can be used for the removal of sediments, chemical effluents, charged particles, bacteria and other pathogens.

The AmCham delegation visiting SLINTEC consisted of General Manager and Head of Chamber Ms. Vrai Raymond, Ms. Avisha Fernando and Mr. Harish Sagar Kamalakumar.

The discussion with USAID centered around the USAID energy program aimed at transforming Sri Lanka’s electricity industry into one that is market-based, secure, reliable, and sustainable, while promoting investments and increasing access to funding in order to proliferate renewable energy and advanced technologies.

A key aspect of the collaborative research with SLINTEC will be to find effective methods to store the power generated by solar and wind energy, centering on the development of enhanced batteries with high capacity and performance. Following on the heels of this effort in the future would be the development of new energy electric vehicles. This would involve introducing renewable energy electric vehicle technology to replace conventional fuel vehicles.

In addressing this initiative, SLINTEC emphasized on the requirement of setting up of a state of the art battery testing facility equipped with sophisticated battery testing instruments. As SLINTEC has the capacity to provide all the services required for the task, including battery technology with reduced environmental impact and prolonged cycle life, industry-leading expertise on material science and advance material characterization facility, SLINTEC could serve as the technology hub for battery technology.

Members of the USAID delegation that visited SLINTEC included Mr. Rick Whitaker (Chief of Party, Sri Lanka Energy Program), Mr. Kosala Gunawardana, Mr. Chanaka Wickramasuriya, Mr. Dhanika de Silva, Ms. Neelika Tillekeratne, Mr. Nadeera Wijesinghe and Ms. Jinesha J. Kodikara.

The SLINTEC team at both these occasions was headed by CEO Dr. Nareshkumar B. Handagama.

In line with the efforts of AMCHAM and USAID, SLINTEC aims to contribute towards innovation and growth of the renewable energy sector to support Sri Lanka’s journey towards development while paving the way for a sustainable future.

Breaking the Silence: AmCham Sri Lanka Tackles Burnout and Mental Health in Commemoration of IWD 2024

AmCham Bangladesh holds Focus Group Discussion on Draft National Logistics Policy

AmCham Sri Lanka unlocks 2024

Private Sector Emphasizes Importance of Labor Law Reforms to boost Sri Lanka’s Competitiveness

AmCham Celebrates 30 years of Operations in Sri Lanka

AmCham Celebrates 30 years of Operations in Sri Lanka

Great Place to Work® Reveals Winning Strategies for Female Employee Retention at the Amcham Roundtable Conference

Access to Safe Drinking Water a Priority for National Development

AmCham Sri Lanka convenes discussion to spark Private Sector led action on the retention and re-absorption of women in the workforce in honour of International Women’s Month

AmCham and USAID collaborates with SLINTEC to accelerate the growth of the country’s renewable sector