American Chamber of Commerce in Sri Lanka elects Shirendra Lawrence as president at 31st AGM

The American Chamber of Commerce in Sri Lanka (AmCham SL), part of the world’s largest business organization and network, the US Chamber of Commerce, recently commemorated its 31st Annual General Meeting and election of the Board of Directors.

In keeping with over three decades of tradition, the AGM was held under the esteemed patronage of Julie J. Chung, the US Ambassador in Sri Lanka, who during her remarks commended the member business community on its strength and resilience in the face of unprecedented economic circumstances, and commitment to ensuring that Sri Lanka not only recovers but comes back even stronger and wiser. She also expressed sentiments that Sri Lanka’s strategic location, strong infrastructure, and educated population could turn the country into a leader in a rising South Asia.

“Through investment, advocacy, and social responsibility AmCham has been part of the fabric that help Sri Lanka together over the last tumultuous year. I’ve seen the commitment of people in this room to the vision of a strong, resilient, and growing Sri Lanka.  During my tours of U.S.-tied companies like Microsoft, FedEx, Revlon, Dell, Hayleys, Sysco, and Walters Bay, I’ve seen firsthand not just your strength and resilience in the face of the crisis, but also your intrepid commitment to growth.

“When I came to Sri Lanka, investors were asking when Sri Lanka would seek the IMF’s help to access the tools and best practices the country needed to begin its recovery.  I want investors to ask now “where can I invest?”  Sri Lanka’s strategic location, strong infrastructure, and educated population could turn the country into a leader in a rising South Asia.  This crisis is an opportunity for Sri Lanka to learn from challenges of the past and move decisively toward a more stable, more inclusive, and more profitable future. This year, the 75th anniversary of relations between our countries, the United States is fully committed to a vision of a strong, resilient, and growing Sri Lanka.  A strong economy that plays a key role in global supply chains. A resilient economy that can withstand the shocks in the global market.  A growing economy that is creating wealth and opportunity for everyone,  she said.