YoungShip Sri Lanka elects new Chairman at 12th AGM

Seated from left: Sunera Wijesekara, Patali Karunarathne, Nirmal Dissanayake, Aruni Wijepala, and Maleena Awn

Standing from left: Dakshith Jayawardena, Hiran Malintha, Shanga Jayawickreme, Shane De Alwis, Surith Sriyantha, and Adrian Jansz 

YoungShip Sri Lanka, an organisation dedicated to empowering young professionals in the maritime and logistics industry, successfully held its 12th Annual General Meeting (AGM) on 30 January 2025 at the Grand Ballroom, Galle Face Hotel. 

The AGM marked another milestone in the organisation’s journey, as the chapter elected its seventh Chairman Nirmal Dissanayake along with the Executive Committee to lead YoungShip Sri Lanka as it fosters leadership, innovation, and collaboration amongst emerging professionals in the country’s maritime and logistics industry. 

YoungShip Sri Lanka is a chapter of the globally recognised YoungShip International, which has been instrumental in shaping the future leaders of the industry globally. With over 4,000 members across 30 countries, YoungShip International fosters networking, knowledge sharing, and professional development through various events and initiatives. 

The 2025 Executive Committee is composed of 11 dedicated and enthusiastic young professionals from their respective fields, eager to contribute to the maritime and logistics industry, its community, and related fields. 

Chairman – Nirmal Dissanayake (Eastern Maritime [Colombo) Ltd.]

Vice Chair – Aruni Wijepala (Hayleys Energy Services Lanka Ltd.)

Secretary – Patali Karunarathne (Centrum Marine Consultancy Ltd.)

Treasurer – Sunera Wijesekara [Eastern Maritime (Colombo) Ltd.]

Assistant Secretary – Shanga Jayawickreme (McLarens Group of Companies)

Assistant Treasurer – Adrian Jansz (Hayleys Energy Services Lanka Ltd.)

Immediate Past Chair – Maleena Awn (Meridian Maritime Services Ltd.)

Dakshith Jayawardena (McLarens Group Management Ltd.)

Hiran Malintha (OOCL Lanka Ltd.)

Shane De Alwis (Hapag Lloyd Lanka Ltd.)

Surith Sriyantha (Inchcape Mackinnon Mackenzie Shipping Ltd.)

In 2024, YoungShip Sri Lanka organised 29 impactful events and initiatives, highlighting its commitment to maritime industry development, community outreach, and sustainability.

The pinnacle event of the year was hosting the inaugural YoungShip Global Leadership Summit (YGLS) in November 2024. The three-day summit included events ranging from the golf championship and cultural opening ceremony at Cinnamon Grand to the main conference at Kingsbury Hotel, attended by over 300 participants from 25+ countries. Moreover, the summit commemorated the 20th anniversary of YoungShip International and also featured a leadership workshop, a visit to Port City, and historical tours in Galle.

Other networking and educational sessions included the annual Patrons Forum, and a visit to Colombo Dockyard; together with entertaining quiz nights and member events for Ifthar, Avurudu and Christmas.

The organisation also focused on women’s empowerment through the YoungShip WISTA “Run For Her” charity run and subsequent awareness programs addressing period poverty and menstrual health across Sri Lanka. 

Giving back to the community has been a key element in the calendar of YoungShip Sri Lanka, and projects throughout the year included the renovation of the Family Room at the Mission to Seafarers Centre in Colombo, inaugurated by Her Royal Highness Princess Anne; and the Caring Hands Programme, supporting underprivileged children with donations and educational supplies. With this, environmental responsibility was also showcased through the Coral Restoration Project in Seenigama, planting 70 coral nubbins to protect marine ecosystems.

YoungShip Sri Lanka’s initiatives in 2024 embodied a blend of industry advancement, environmental stewardship, cultural celebration, and social responsibility, making a lasting impact on the maritime sector and the wider community.

Looking ahead, incoming Chairman Dissanayake outlined YoungShip Sri Lanka’s primary objectives for the upcoming year to further its mission of empowering emerging professionals and the community:

Professional development of youth: The organisation will enhance knowledge sharing through educational seminars and industry-related visits, ensuring members are exposed to veteran insights and the latest maritime trends. 

Promoting industry networking: A variety of activities and events will be organised to build a network that fosters friendships; celebrating a shared passion for the maritime industry.

Enhancing educational benefits: YoungShip Sri Lanka is committed to upskilling its members to become future-ready maritime professionals through collaborations with maritime institutes and programs. 

Strengthening global ties: Continued development of stronger relationships with YoungShip International and other global chapters will be a focus, aiming to enhance member value, expand networks, and promote cross-border collaboration.

Supporting community engagement: Through its continuing Caring Hands Programme, YoungShip Sri Lanka will actively participate in social responsibility initiatives, creating a positive impact on local communities and the environment.

With a vision to further strengthen its presence, YoungShip Sri Lanka will focus on these pillars alongside its commitment to knowledge and skills amplification, building strong maritime communities, championing sustainability, and driving operational excellence and innovation.

On behalf of the Committee, Dissanayake conveyed his sincere appreciation to its Patrons Mevan Peiris, Navin Perera, Hasitha Dissanayake, Jehan Rodrigo, Rishantha Mendis and Immediate Past Chairperson Maleena Awn for their continuous support and guidance in conducting the activities of YoungShip throughout the past years. 

Further gratitude was also extended towards the unwavering support from all of YoungShip Sri Lanka’s partner and support associations, industry stakeholders, and all generous sponsors who have continuously supported the empowerment of youth and the growth of YoungShip since its inception. 

As the organisation embarks on another promising year, it remains dedicated to empowering young maritime and logistics professionals, and creating a vibrant platform for future industry leaders.