Ricky Barnett has been appointed Chairman of the Chamber of Marine Industries of Sri Lanka (CMISL), following its Annual General Meeting held on September 15, 2026, in Colombo.
Ricky Barnett takes charge as Chamber targets marine sector growth
The leadership change comes as the Chamber seeks to strengthen collaboration across Sri Lanka’s marine and maritime industries while promoting opportunities in manufacturing, boat building, offshore services, tourism and marine sustainability.
CMISL held its AGM at Amari Colombo, bringing together government representatives, industry leaders, professionals and members from the marine and maritime sectors. The meeting provided an opportunity to review the Chamber’s activities over the previous year and discuss priorities for the period ahead.
Industries and Entrepreneurship Development Ministry Secretary Thilaka Jayasundara attended the event as Chief Guest, while Export Development Board Chairman and CEO Mangala Wijesinghe participated as Guest of Honour. Representatives and professionals from the marine, maritime, shipping, boat-building and tourism sectors also attended the gathering.
The AGM included the appointment of the Chamber’s new office bearers. Ricky Barnett was appointed Chairman, while Adityavikram More continued in the role of Secretary and Akalanka Rathnayaka was appointed Treasurer.
The new leadership is expected to work with the Executive Council and the wider membership to advance the Chamber’s objectives and strengthen representation of businesses operating across Sri Lanka’s marine industry.
Barnett was welcomed by Chamber members following his appointment, with the membership expressing support for the incoming leadership and its initiatives for the coming year. The transition comes at a time when industry stakeholders are seeking greater collaboration between businesses, government agencies and other institutions involved in the sector.
Outgoing Chairman Indhra Kaushal Rajapaksa congratulated Barnett on his appointment and wished him success in his new role. Rajapaksa’s contribution during his tenure was also acknowledged by the Chamber and its members.
During his period as Chairman, Rajapaksa supported initiatives aimed at developing Sri Lanka’s marine industry and strengthening the Chamber’s role as a platform for industry engagement. His leadership was recognised as the Chamber prepared for the next phase under its newly appointed office bearers.
The AGM also provided a forum for members and industry stakeholders to exchange views on opportunities and challenges affecting the Sri Lanka marine industry. Discussions highlighted the importance of cooperation between the private sector, government institutions and other stakeholders in creating conditions conducive to sustainable industry development.
Sri Lanka has a broad range of opportunities across marine-related activities, including marine-sector manufacturing, boat building, marine and offshore services, nautical tourism and marine sustainability. The Chamber aims to support the development of these areas while providing a platform through which businesses can collectively engage with policymakers and other stakeholders.
Boat building and related manufacturing activities represent one area where Sri Lanka can expand its participation in regional markets. The country’s geographic position in the Indian Ocean also provides opportunities for maritime services and businesses linked to shipping, logistics and offshore activities.
Nautical tourism is another area with potential to contribute to the broader tourism economy. Developing supporting infrastructure, services and industry standards could help create new commercial opportunities while strengthening Sri Lanka’s position within the regional maritime sector.
Marine sustainability is also becoming increasingly relevant as businesses and policymakers consider the environmental impact of maritime activities. Sustainable practices in marine tourism, manufacturing, vessel operations and coastal development can form part of the sector’s longer-term growth strategy.
For the Chamber, maintaining regular engagement among industry participants will remain important as businesses navigate regulatory requirements, investment needs, skills development and access to regional markets. Stronger coordination between government and private-sector stakeholders can also help identify barriers affecting investment and industry expansion.
The conclusion of the AGM marked the beginning of a new leadership period for CMISL. Under Ricky Barnett, the Chamber is expected to continue its efforts to represent industry interests and promote collaboration across the marine and maritime business community.
The Chamber extended its appreciation to the Chief Guest, Guest of Honour, distinguished guests, members, sponsors and other stakeholders who contributed to the AGM.
With its new office bearers in place, CMISL will focus on further strengthening Sri Lanka’s marine industry and supporting opportunities that can contribute to the country’s emergence as a competitive and sustainable maritime hub in the region.