Immediate past chairman Manjula Wijesundera hands over the chairmanship to Suren Chandraratne
The Chamber of Lankan Entrepreneurs (COYLE) held its Annual General Meeting on March 10, marking a significant leadership transition as Suren Chandraratna was appointed Chairman for the 2026–2027 term, succeeding Immediate Past Chairman Manjula Wijesundera. The high-profile event was graced by the President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, members of Parliament and Opposition, members of the diplomatic corps, senior government officials, and distinguished guests from the private sector. Leading entrepreneurs, industry figures, and members of the chamber were also present to celebrate COYLE’s achievements and outline the path forward for the organization and the wider entrepreneurial community. Joining Suren Chandraratna in steering the chamber are Vice Chairman Mihiru Perera and Senior Vice Chairman Dan de Silva, forming a leadership team that reflects the diversity, dynamism, and forward-thinking spirit of Sri Lanka’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Suren Chandraratna brings decades of business experience and innovation to the role. He is the founder and driving force behind Sirocco, a company that has grown into a multifaceted enterprise involved in advanced air management systems, bespoke logistical infrastructure, innovative fresh-water swimming pool solutions, and international spice trading.Having entered the then-nascent ventilation industry in the late 1990s, Suren Chandraratna built his business from the ground up, transforming it into a brand synonymous with innovation and technical expertise. His entrepreneurial journey reflects the resilience and ingenuity that COYLE represents within Sri Lanka’s private sector. For his year as Chairman, Chandraratna has chosen the theme “Bridging Generations, Building Futures,” a vision aimed at harnessing the wealth of experience within COYLE to nurture the next generation of Sri Lankan entrepreneurs while contributing meaningfully to the rebuilding and strengthening of the national economy. “COYLE possesses an extraordinary reservoir of entrepreneurial knowledge and real-world experience,” he saide. “Our responsibility is to pass that wisdom on to the next generation of Sri Lankan entrepreneurs by mentoring them, inspiring innovation, and equipping them with the confidence to build globally competitive businesses. By bridging generations and creating opportunities for emerging leaders, we are not only strengthening enterprises, but actively shaping the future of Sri Lanka’s economy.” He also emphasized that COYLE will play a constructive role in supporting national economic recovery efforts and contributing to initiatives led by the Government to strengthen entrepreneurship, investment, and trade. Under his leadership, COYLE plans to further expand engagement with international chambers, diplomatic missions, and global trade bodies. These partnerships aim to open new markets, strengthen cross-border collaborations, and amplify the voice of Sri Lankan entrepreneurs on the global stage. “Sri Lankan entrepreneurs have immense potential to succeed internationally. As a chamber, we will actively deepen our relationships with international chambers of commerce, diplomatic missions, and global trade bodies. By building these bridges, we aim to create new opportunities for Sri Lankan businesses to expand globally while bringing valuable international perspectives and partnerships back home,” Chandraratna added. Suren Chandraratna holds an MBA from Buckinghamshire New University and is a Certified Management Accountant. His entrepreneurial journey, marked by determination and forward-thinking leadership, now positions him to guide COYLE into its next phase of growth and influence. COYLE has emerged as one of Sri Lanka’s most influential private sector chambers, representing a dynamic network of home-grown entrepreneurs who have built successful businesses across a wide range of industries. The chamber serves as a platform for knowledge sharing, policy dialogue, and international business engagement, advocating for an enabling environment for entrepreneurship and innovation. Over the years, COYLE has played an increasingly active role in promoting Sri Lankan enterprise both locally and internationally, while fostering the next generation of business leaders who will drive the country’s future economic growth. As the chamber enters a new chapter, members expressed confidence that Suren Chandraratna’s energy and vision will continue to strengthen COYLE’s role as a catalyst for entrepreneurship, national economic rebuilding, and sustainable business growth in Sri Lanka.
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