Biala to lead FTZMA for another term – The Island
Managing Director and Director of ISIN Lanka (Pvt) Ltd, Jatinder Biala has retained his position as Chairman of the Free Trade Zone Manufacturers Association (FTZMA) as members voted in favor of extending the term of the current office for another year at the 41st Annual General Meeting held at the Hilton Colombo.
Accordingly, EGM – Tropical Findings (Pvt) Ltd, Dhammika Fernando is also unanimously re-elected as Secretary of the Association while Vice President Hemantha Perera, Managing Director of Isabella (Pvt) Ltd will also continue to serve for another term.
Mr. MHZMMarzook, Managing Director of Filotex Lanka (Pvt) Ltd, will remain as Treasurer, are the members of the Executive Committee.
Former Minister of State for Aviation and Export Zones Development, DV Chanaka, was guest of honor at the AGM, while ILO Country Director, Ms. Simrin Singh, and the Chairman of the Sri Lanka Investment Board, Raja Edirisuriya, were the guests of honour.
FTZMA is the main association representing foreign direct investors in the various export processing zones of Sri Lanka. Since it began operations from the Katunayake Free Trade Zone over 40 years ago, the association represents Foreign Direct Investments, expanding its presence to all Sri Lanka Free Trade Zones. .
In his statement after the re-election, President Biala said: “FTZMA’s role in Sri Lanka’s export industry is well recognized for its proactive and forward-looking actions in the difficult situation in which the country today. Our members cover some of the largest and most important industry groups in Sri Lanka. »
“Over the past four decades, we have addressed issues relating to various aspects of business faced by member companies by liaising with the BOI and other government agencies such as Customs, Central Bank and Authority port, etc. As a leading association, we make every effort to take care of our employees while looking out for the interests of investors, at the same time we ensure that business operations are carried out without any hindrance with the BOI’s close support During the pandemic period, our association has taken various measures to help the health and law enforcement authorities to overcome various challenges while safeguarding the interests of our investors and employees.During this period, we have contributed to promote foreign direct investment,” Biala added.
“FTZMA strongly believes that our country will be able to recover from the current difficult economic situation faced by our members and that the current government would formulate policies and take steps in the right direction to foster the socio-economic progress of Sri Lanka and bring confidence back. of all investors,” the president said.
The Association ensures the continuous and smooth operation of the activities and above all supports the industry by satisfying the Investor. Issues raised by members are effectively addressed by creating an enabling environment with Sri Lanka Board of Investment officials and all stakeholders.
“During the pandemic last year, an Intermediate Care Center (ICC) set up by the association in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Board of Investment and our member Crystal Martin Ceylon Pvt Ltd (CMPL) was very successful and contributed enormously to the well-being of the employees. & staff from all BOI companies. This unparalleled act was appreciated by all stakeholders. The Association is once again grateful to the CMPL, BOI, NYSC, their member companies, the Ministry of Health, the doctors, medical staff and all who have contributed for their perpetual support to make this a reality. We are also happy to note that the website launched by us last year for the benefit of our members is very successful and very useful to most of our members and outsiders. We will update it continuously with all activities and data that could be updated for the benefit of the Association and its members,” President Biala added.
