The Ceylon Motor Traders’ Association (CMTA), established in 1919 and an affiliate of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, recently hosted the visiting delegation from the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) to an evening of insightful discussions and fellowship at the Union Ballroom at the Hilton Colombo Residencies. The event, which was attended by esteemed industry and government leaders, marked another milestone in the longstanding relationship between CMTA and SIAM.
The event was graced by the presence of Chathuranga Abeysinghe, Deputy Minister of Industries and Entrepreneurship Development, Arjuna Herath, Chairman of the Board of Investment (BOI), and serval other Ministerial and government senior officials. Andrew Perera, Chairman of the CMTA, and Charaka Perera, Past Chairman of the CMTA, Mr. Yashpal Sachar, Co-Chairman Exports Group SIAM, and Mr. Atanu Ganguli, Deputy Executive Director, SIAM, were also present. The attendance of these distinguished guests underscored the paramount importance of fostering stronger relations between Sri Lanka and India in the automobile industry.
The SIAM delegation consisted of both first-time visitors to Sri Lanka and long-term partners, who have worked closely with the CMTA over the years. The attendees engaged in insightful discussions, which reinforced the shared commitment to elevating the automobile industry through strategic partnerships. The event concluded with an evening of cocktails and fellowship.
Over the years, CMTA and SIAM have collaborated on a multitude of initiatives with the objective of enhancing the region’s automotive landscape. This engagement has been vital in addressing the challenges faced by the industry, fostering the exchange of knowledge, and advocating policies for sustainable growth.
Building upon their collaborative history, CMTA and SIAM discussed plans for supporting Sri Lanka’s automotive roadmap, paying particular focus to component manufacturing. The initiative aims to create opportunities for local businesses, elevate supply chain capabilities, and position Sri Lanka as a player in the regions automotive industry,
While visiting Sri Lanka, the SIAM delegation also held meetings and discussions with key government ministries, which underscored the significance of policy alignment and regulatory support in the shaping the future of the automotive sector. CMTA also actively engaged in these discussions, further cementing its position as a key industry advocate.
As Sri Lanka continues to navigate toward economic recovery and industrial advancement, partnerships such as these will play an integral role in driving progress. The CMTA remains deeply committed to fostering international collaborations, supporting local industry growth and ensuring the continuous evolution of the local automotive industry
