Motor Traders to continue lobbying for survival as import ban enters second year

From left: CMTA Chairman Yasendra Amerasinghe, Senior Vice Chairman Charaka Perera and Vice Chairman Virann De Zoysa 

• Ceylon Motor Traders Association holds 101st AGM virtually; Yasendra re-elected Chairman; new Ex-Co appointed 

The Ceylon Motor Traders; Association (CMTA), one of the oldest automotive associations in South Asia, comprising companies which are the franchise holders of global automobile manufacturers, held its 101st Annual General Meeting (AGM) on 30 June. 

The CMTA, with over 100 years of heritage, is the official trade body of Sri Lanka’s automotive industry and has over the years been a resilient force driving the industry forward through the decades. 

During the AGM, which was held virtually, Carmart Ltd. Director/CEO Yasendra Amerasinghe was re-elected as the Chairman, Stafford Motor Co Ltd. Director/COO Charaka Perera was elected as the Senior Vice Chairman and Associated Motorways Ltd. General Manager Virann De Zoysa was elected as the Vice Chairman. 

Further, the following members were appointed to the Executive Committee for the year 2021/22: Bri Ponnambalam – Director, McLarens Lubricants Ltd.; Reeza Rauf – Director Sales and Marketing, Senok Trade Combine Ltd.; Manohara Atukorala – Managing Director/CEO, Toyota Lanka Ltd.; Gihan Pilapitiya – General Manager, United Motors Lanka PLC; Andrew Perera – Executive Director/COO of KIA Motors (Lanka) Ltd.; Anushka Polonowita – COO of Drive One Ltd.; Rajeev Aloysius – Joint Managing Director, The Autodrome PLC; Ravi Perera – CEO of Access Motors Ltd.; Priyantha Perera – Executive Director, Sathosa Motors PLC; Lakmal De Silva – DGM of David Pieris Motor Co Ltd.; Tharanga Goonewardena – Sales Director of Diesel & Motor Engineering Co PLC; and Teranka Carim – CEO, Automobiles, IWS Holdings Ltd. 

Sharing his thoughts, CMTA Chairman Yasendra Amerasinghe said: “Exactly a year ago today, we held our centenary AGM. While we all shared a sense of disappointment that the 100th AGM could not be carried out with the pomp and circumstance that our prestigious organisation deserves, we adapted to the changing times, and held the very first virtual AGM in the history of the association. 

“At the time, we had hopes that the import suspensions that the Government had imposed in March 2020 would only last for a short time. Unfortunately, it would not be the case. However, we set out at the start of the year with a theme of ‘Unity in Community,’ to come together and focus on the things that we can change. Now, we are well into the second year of import restrictions, with no clear end in sight. 

“Whilst as an association we will continue to lobby for the survival of the industry, we must each confront the most brutal facts of our current reality and take necessary actions, while at the same time maintaining unwavering faith that we will prevail in the end. I would like to congratulate all the newly appointed office bearers on behalf of the CMTA. The road ahead is by no means easy, but crucibles like these can play defining roles for our character.” 

Established in 1919, the CMTA has been at the forefront of ensuring sustainable growth in the motor industry while contributing to the country’s economic growth and becoming a major employment generator both locally and abroad. Affiliated to the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, the CMTA is one of the oldest trade associations in Sri Lanka with international accreditations. The CMTA represents all major international automotive manufacturers through their local agents with an aim to safeguard the industry and members.