FTZMA Chairman Dhammika Fernando re-elected at AGM marks a renewed leadership mandate for Sri Lanka’s key export manufacturing body at a time when the country’s external sector faces mounting global and domestic pressures.
FTZMA Chairman Dhammika Fernando re-elected, urges urgent reforms for export competitiveness and growth
Dhammika Fernando has been re-elected Chairman of the Free Trade Zone Manufacturers Association (FTZMA) for the 2026/2027 term at its 45th Annual General Meeting (AGM), reinforcing industry confidence in his leadership as exporters push for urgent policy reforms and improved business conditions. The meeting, held at Hilton Colombo Residences, brought together senior Government officials, diplomatic representatives, and private sector leaders to discuss the future of Sri Lanka’s export-driven economy.
The reappointment of Fernando, who also serves as Director of Tropical Findings Ltd, signals continuity at a critical moment for the manufacturing and export sector. M. H. Z. M. Marzook of Filotex Lanka Ltd. was re-elected General Secretary, while Fazal Abdeen of ATG Ceylon Ltd. and Nishantha Bakmeege of Screenline Holdings Ltd. were appointed Vice Chairmen. Manjula Mahadanaarchchi of Lalan Rubbers Ltd. continues as Honorary Treasurer, maintaining leadership stability within the association.
The AGM was attended by Labour Minister and Finance and Planning Deputy Minister Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando, Labour Deputy Minister Mahinda Jayasinghe, Export Development Board (EDB) Chairman Mangala Wijesinghe, Board of Investment (BOI) Director General Renuka Weerakoon, and representatives from diplomatic missions including the United States, India, and Japan. Their presence underscored the strategic importance of the export manufacturing sector in Sri Lanka’s economic recovery agenda.
FTZMA, one of the country’s oldest export industry associations, represents foreign direct investors operating under the BOI framework. Having begun operations in the Katunayake Free Trade Zone over four decades ago, the association now spans multiple Free Trade Zones and BOI-regulated locations across Sri Lanka. Its membership includes a diverse mix of industries such as apparel, rubber, electronics, and engineering, making it one of the most comprehensive industrial representative bodies in the country.
Speaking at the AGM, Fernando emphasised that the FTZMA Chairman Dhammika Fernando re-elected at AGM outcome reflects not just continuity in leadership, but also a renewed commitment to addressing structural challenges affecting exporters. He described FTZMA as a “national-level platform” that contributes directly to employment, export earnings, and investor confidence.
He noted that Sri Lanka’s export sector is currently operating under increased external pressure, including geopolitical disruptions in West Asia affecting global shipping routes and rising trade costs. In addition, tariff-related measures in key export markets, particularly the United States, are adding further strain on competitiveness.
At the same time, domestic challenges continue to weigh on exporters. Fernando pointed to bureaucratic inefficiencies, delays in approvals, and structural bottlenecks within the BOI system as key constraints affecting operational efficiency. These issues, he noted, are undermining Sri Lanka’s ability to fully capitalise on its export potential at a time when global supply chains are shifting.
Despite these challenges, he acknowledged that FTZMA member companies have demonstrated strong resilience. Many exporters have adapted by restructuring operations, improving efficiency, and maintaining integration within global value chains. This adaptability, he said, has been critical in sustaining export performance amid uncertainty.
The FTZMA Chairman Dhammika Fernando re-elected at AGM address also carried a strong policy message, calling for deeper collaboration between Government and the private sector. He stressed the importance of consistent policy frameworks, faster administrative processes, and a more predictable investment environment. According to him, improving ease of doing business in Sri Lanka is essential for sustaining export growth and attracting long-term foreign investment.
Fernando further highlighted that FTZMA is not a sector-specific chamber but a broad-based representative body engaged in national economic dialogue. This positioning, he said, places responsibility on the association to advocate for wider economic outcomes, including industrial growth, employment generation, and export diversification. Strengthening Sri Lanka export sector reforms and advancing foreign direct investment Sri Lanka were identified as central priorities in this effort.
He reiterated a key message to policymakers: “Supporting exporters and manufacturers is essential for national growth, employment, and economic stability.” The statement reflected the association’s consistent stance that export-led growth remains a cornerstone of Sri Lanka’s recovery strategy.
Beyond policy discussions, the AGM also highlighted continued private sector engagement and support. Nations Trust Bank returned as platinum sponsor for the second consecutive year, while Hayleys Mobility Ltd. and Hayleys Solar also participated as platinum sponsors. Ceylinco Life Insurance and Ceylinco General Insurance continued their long-term partnership with FTZMA as gold and sole insurance sponsors respectively for the AGM cycle.
In concluding remarks, Fernando thanked members, stakeholders, and partners for their continued support, stressing that collective action will be essential in navigating ongoing global uncertainty. He emphasised that the FTZMA Chairman Dhammika Fernando re-elected at AGM mandate will focus on strengthening advocacy, improving policy engagement, and ensuring that exporters remain competitive in an increasingly complex global trade environment.
As Sri Lanka continues to reposition itself within global supply chains, the role of export manufacturers and investment zones is expected to remain central. FTZMA’s renewed leadership signals a continued push for reforms aimed at unlocking growth potential and reinforcing the country’s industrial base.