Business
AAC delegates meet State Minister of Transport
On an invitation by Lasantha Alagiyawanna, State Minister for Transport, delegates of the Automobile Association of Ceylon (AAC), comprising Dhammika Attygalle (President), Keerthi Gunawardane(Vice President), Piyankara Jayaratne (Vice Patron) and Devapriya Hettiarachchi (Secretary), met at the State Ministry of Transport at D.R. Wijewardane Mawatha on July 12.
The purpose of the discussion was to ascertain the kinds of services and facilities provided by the Association, besides the Association’s future plans regarding road safety projects. The Association provided a power point presentation of their facilities and services and said that they are the voice of motorists and that their motto is “Partner in Motoring”.
The Association emphasized that they are party to the UN Decade of Action 2010-2020, extended over the period, 2021-2030, and that they annually conduct at least one or two road safety projects.
The road safety projects are inclusive of workshops and seminars, not only for motorists but for all other road users, including schoolchildren.
The State Minister then suggested that the Association could provide a Road Map to the ministry in regard to future road safety projects the Association hopes to undertake.
The State Minister also pointed out that at present data regarding road accidents, fatalities and injuries are collected by the Police Department, insurance companies, the Road Development Authority, Department of Motor Traffic and the National Road Safety Council, but there is no consistency in such data-gathering and there is no guarantee of the accuracy of this data. He therefore inquired whether the Association could develop a software for this purpose so that accurate data could be gathered.
The State Minister said that the Department of Motor Traffic intends to extend its services and that there is a proposal to establish a counter at the Katunayake International Air Port arrival terminal to issue temporary driving licences to foreigners to enable them to drive in Sri Lanka. He extended an invitation to the Association to combine their operations with those of the Department.
The State Minister further inquired whether the AAC wishes to change the Incorporation Act of 1957. But Association delegates did not want to give up their identity as the Association’s incorporation is state recognized.
The Business World International Conference and Awards Ceremony organised by Business World International Organisation INC-USA, the event which is recognized as one of the most prestigious Business Award Festivals in the Asia Pacific Region, was held at the Mount Lavinia Hotel, Colombo with the participation of several business personalities and celebrities of Sri Lanka. The Joint Chief Guests were Dr. Purna Bahadur Nepali (Ambassador of Nepal to Sri Lanka) and Prof. Dr. Dietmar Doering (Founder / Chairman – AGSEP Research and Advisory Board Member of Business World International Organization – USA). Guests of Honour were Tham Whye Long (First Secretary/Head of Chancery – High Commission of Malaysia in Sri Lanka), Prof. Dr. Rohan De Silva (President – Sri Lanka Chamber of Small and Medium Industries), (Retd) Major General R. A. J. N. Ranasingha (RSP USP NDC MSC – Sri Lanka Army), Dr. Rohan Pallewatta (Excutive Chairman of the Start-Up High Tech Company – Lanka Harness, a BOI approved company operating in the Free Trade Zone at Biyagama in Sri Lanka), Dr. Kishu Gomes (Chairman – Exterminators PLC, Group Managing Director / CEO – Dreamron Group of Companies & Advisory Committee Member – Sri Lanka Tourism), Dian Gomes (Nonorary Consul of Georgia in Sri Lanka, Chairman – Colombo School of Business Management & Independent Non-Executive Director – Nestle Lanka Ltd).
Special Guests were Rt. Rev. Bishop Prof. Dr. Nissanka Weerappulige (Advisory Board Member of Business World International Organization – USA), Prof. Dr. Dame Anoma Weeraratne Wijenayake (Advisory Board Member of Business World International Organization – USA), Gerd Heinzerling (Advisory Board Member of Business World International Organization – USA), Priyantha Padmasiri (President – Sri Lanka Canada Business Council), M. H. K. M. Hameez (Vice President – Sri Lanka Canada Business Council & Immediate Past President – Sri Lanka Malaysia Business Council). The invitees were graciously welcomed by Dr. Anthony Dexter Fernando (Chairman – Business World International Organisation USA – International Chapter), Dr. Tharindu Wijenayake (Deputy Chairman – Business World International Organisation USA – International Chapter) and Dr. Emerita Wijenayake (Project Chairperson & Director – Business World International Organisation USA – International Chapter).
Sampath Bank recently formalised a strategic partnership with the Chamber of Young Lankan Entrepreneurs (COYLE) by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at its Head Office. This partnership highlights Sampath Bank’s ongoing commitment to promoting innovation, driving business growth, and empowering Sri Lanka’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Through this collaboration, Sampath Bank will serve as the official banking partner for the COYLE Awards and the Young Lankan Program, two flagship initiatives that recognise business excellence and nurture emerging leaders. Supporting these initiatives allows the Bank to create a strong pipeline for SME engagement, provide access to tailored financial solutions, and build meaningful relationships with the country’s leading entrepreneurs.
ANC, a leading Lankan higher education provider, partnered with Northwood University to host the 2025 NUCARS simulation in Sri Lanka for the first time. Held from April 7–11, the event brought together students from the U.S., Europe, and Sri Lanka for an immersive, hands-on learning experience in automotive retail strategy. Twenty-two ANC students participated, showcasing their ability to compete globally. Celebrating its 28th anniversary, NUCARS emphasized teamwork, cross-cultural collaboration, and real-world business decision-making—highlighting ANC’s commitment to delivering globally recognized education and empowering students with essential skills for the international marketplace, said a release.
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