The Chamber Academy

Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Harini Amarasuriya highlighted the shift in education reform toward academic, vocational and professional pathways that build creativity, responsibility and citizenship, supported through stronger private-sector collaboration. She pointed to the Rebuilding Fund as part of a long-term effort to support communities repeatedly hit by climate-driven disasters. She also stressed that reconstruction must follow data and a clear national vision, and reminded delegates that the goal isn’t to return to the past but to rebuild smarter in a world where climate challenges require collective action.

Harini Amarasuriya

Ms. Natalie Kidd highlighted that Sri Lanka now has a strong opportunity to redefine and strengthen its tourism sector with long-term clarity and purpose.

She noted that building an integrated tourism framework—one that connects the country’s stories, experiences, and values—is essential to shaping a confident and unified national identity.

Intrepid Travel

Keynote Speaker Kenneth Shen - Chairman, EDOTCO Group, Malaysi - stressed that Sri Lanka’s reform gains are real and creating room for steadier growth. Drawing on global experience, he emphasised that disciplined reform, strong institutions and strategic investment can unlock national value. He pointed to shifts in sustainability, climate and value chains, noting Sri Lanka’s advantages in tourism, location and emerging digital infrastructure. His message is clear: keep reforms consistent, strengthen governance, and invest with purpose to turn potential into long-term, equitable growth.

Dr. Alex Patelis highlighted the need to strengthen institutions now to avoid past mistakes and build a resilient future. He stressed that climate-driven disasters require responses that combine short-term relief with long-term reconstruction, that transparency and organised plans inspire investor confidence, and that private sector collaboration is critical. His core message : how we respond to crises today will shape Sri Lanka’s future.

Tim Miltenburg - Global Head of Decarbonisation, APM Terminals BV, Netherlands, emphasised that countries that move early on port electrification and climate-ready infrastructure will attract the next wave of global investment because reliability, efficiency, and low-carbon operations are fast becoming the new currency of competitiveness.

Join us as Dilhan C. Fernando shares his insights, igniting hope and determination for our upcoming Climate Summit from May 7th to 9th at Shangri-la. Together, we're making a difference. Register now and be part of the change! http://slcs.chamber.lk/