Tony Ganlath has been elected President of the Sri Lanka-Malaysia Business Council for the 2026–2027 term, taking leadership of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce council as it seeks to strengthen commercial ties between the two countries.
Tony Ganlath takes charge as the Council begins a new term focused on bilateral business ties
Tony Ganlath of Ganlath Timber and Transport Services has been elected President of the Sri Lanka-Malaysia Business Council (SLMBC) of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce for the 2026–2027 term.
The appointment was made at the Council’s 32nd Annual General Meeting, held recently at the Amari Hotel in Colombo. Malaysian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Badli Hisham Adam attended the occasion as the Chief Guest, adding a diplomatic dimension to the annual gathering of the business council.
The AGM also marked the appointment of a new office-bearer team that will guide the SLMBC’s activities during the coming year. The changes come as businesses in both countries continue to explore opportunities in trade, investment, services and broader economic cooperation.
Zahrine Hameen of Aitken Spence Travels Ltd. was elected Senior Vice President, while Mohamed Rushdi of MTL Lanka Travels and Logistics Ltd. was appointed Vice President. Wathsala Wijesinghe of International Scholar Educational Services Ltd. will serve as Treasurer.
Immediate Past President Marshad Barry of Amana Bank PLC will remain on the committee, providing continuity as the new leadership team begins its term.
The Council’s new committee also brings together representatives from a broad range of industries. Companies represented include Dialog Axiata PLC, Eduko Pathway Ltd., K&D Group of Companies, Mansoor Gems, Mway Ltd., Overseas Cargo Consultants Ltd., Public Bank Berhad, SmashTaps Ltd., SN Travels Ltd. and World Express (CMB) Ltd.
The diversity of businesses represented on the committee reflects the wide range of commercial activities covered by the Sri Lanka-Malaysia Business Council, from telecommunications and banking to travel, logistics, education, gems and other services.
The council serves as an important platform for businesses with interests in Sri Lanka-Malaysia trade and investment. Through its activities, the organisation can facilitate business networking, information sharing and engagement between private-sector stakeholders in the two markets.
The change in leadership also comes at a time when strengthening bilateral economic relationships remains important for Sri Lankan businesses seeking new markets and international partnerships. Malaysia, as a major Southeast Asian economy, offers opportunities across multiple sectors, while Sri Lanka provides access to markets and commercial networks in South Asia.
For businesses, chambers and bilateral councils can play a practical role in connecting companies with potential partners and identifying areas where commercial cooperation can be expanded. The SLMBC’s new leadership is therefore expected to build on the work carried out under the previous committee while supporting new business opportunities.
During the AGM, Immediate Past President Marshad Barry presented the latest SLMBC newsletter, highlighting the Council’s ongoing activities and engagement. Barry also presented a token of appreciation to Malaysian High Commissioner Badli Hisham Adam in recognition of his participation in the event.
Ganlath’s election as President places him at the centre of the Council’s efforts for the 2026–2027 period. His leadership will come alongside a committee comprising professionals from several sectors, providing a broad base for the Council’s future programmes and business engagements.
The new office-bearer structure also provides a combination of new leadership and institutional continuity. While Ganlath and the newly appointed senior office-bearers take responsibility for the upcoming term, Barry’s continued presence on the committee allows experience from the previous administration to remain within the Council.
The Sri Lanka-Malaysia business ties strengthened through such private-sector platforms can contribute to wider economic engagement between the two countries. As companies increasingly look beyond traditional markets for investment, supply-chain and service opportunities, business councils can provide an important channel for developing those relationships.
With its new leadership team now in place, the Sri Lanka-Malaysia Business Council is positioned to continue facilitating connections between businesses in the two countries during the 2026–2027 term. Ganlath’s appointment marks the beginning of a new chapter for the Council as it works to support bilateral trade, investment and commercial cooperation.