The Women in Shipping and Trading Association (WISTA) Sri Lanka successfully held its 11th Annual General Meeting recently at the Kingsbury Hotel.
The event brought together WISTA Sri Lanka’s distinguished membership, comprising senior maritime and shipping industry leaders’ along with key stakeholders to celebrate yet another year of women’s empowerment, professional development, strategic collaboration and community engagement within Sri Lanka’s maritime sector.
Sri Lanka Ports Authority Chairman Dr. Parakrama Dissanayake graced the event as the Chief Guest. In his address whilst congratulating the newly elected Executive Committee, he commended the work done by WISTA in the advancement of women in maritime, shipping, and logistics sectors over the years. He emphasised the importance of providing learning and development opportunities in the strategic growth areas targeting ship financing, maritime law and marine insurance amongst members. He also said that the success of women empowerment and diversity is not a maritime challenge only but an economic and national development priority.
The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the prestigious WISTA Sri Lanka Personality of the Year Award to Worldlink Shipping Colombo Ltd., Marketing Director Swabha Wickremesinghe, in recognition of her outstanding contributions made to the Maritime and Logistics sectors. As a Past President of WISTA, she continues to provide leadership and inspiration, championing the advancement of women in a traditionally male-dominated industry.
Chamila Bandara was unanimously reappointed as the President of WISTA Sri Lanka for another term, reflecting on the confidence and trust placed in her leadership by the membership. She serves as a member of the Group Management Committee of Hayleys Advantis Ltd., Director of Advantis Express licencee of FedEx and IML Delivery Systems.
Under her leadership, WISTA Sri Lanka continued to advance and empower women in the shipping and maritime sectors living by the objectives of WISTA.
In her address, Chamila spoke about the successful completion of activities focusing on professional growth of members, industry outreach, youth awareness, and community services with purposeful engagements throughout the year. She also spoke about the several initiatives taken during the year in promoting Shipping, Maritime and Logistics sectors as a preferred career choice where WISTA was able to reach out to over 1000 youth with structured programs. She also spoke about her personal leadership journey and how practicing soft skills mainly on humility and empathy assisted her in empowering teams to go beyond and achieve greater results.
Meridian Maritime Services Operations Director Maleena Awn was re-elected as Vice President, Centrum Marine Consultancy Director Patali Karunarathne was re- elected as Secretary, Hayleys Advantis General Manager – Assurance and Insurance Shiyamalee Karunanayake was re-elected as Treasurer, GAC Marine Services Operations Manager Felicita Alwis was elected as Assistant Secretary and McLarens Lubricants Finance Director Hannelore Baldsing was re-elected as Assistant Treasurer.
Hayleys Advantis Ltd. was the Exclusive Sponsor of the AGM reaffirming its continued commitment in supporting advancement of women in the Maritime and Logistics sector. South Asia Gateway Terminals Ltd. served as the Corporate Sponsor continuing its long-standing partnership with WISTA and supporting the Association’s growth through sustained collaboration and shared value creation.
WISTA Sri Lanka is part of WISTA International and continues to play a pivotal role in promoting diversity, inclusion and leadership within the maritime industry. Through professional development, advocacy and collaboration with industry stakeholders, the Association remains committed to creating opportunities for women while contributing to the long-term growth and competitiveness of Sri Lanka’s maritime sector.