A New Era Begins: SLPA-UAE’s 6th AGM Sets the Stage for Growth and Collaboration…

The Sri Lankan Professionals Association in the UAE (SLPA-UAE) successfully convened its 6th Annual General Meeting on 17th May 2025 at Pullman Dubai Creek City Centre. This significant event marked the appointment of the new Executive Board for the 2025-2027 tenure and was graced by distinguished guests, including the Honorable Consul General of Sri Lanka to Dubai & Northern Emirates, Mr. Alexi Gunasekara; Director of Haran Group FZE, Mr. Ram Pillai; and the Country Manager, Ms. Andriea Pereira, representing SLPA-UAE corporate sponsor, Sanji Caldera Associates & Haran FZE. Mr. Jayantha Abeysinghe, Regional Manager, and Ms. Gayani Jayawardane, Manager – Sales of SriLankan Airlines, along with esteemed members of the Board of Directors of Sri Lankan Professionals Association LLC FZ, former, outgoing and incoming Executive Board members, participated in the proceedings.

In accordance with the SLPA-UAE constitution, the new Chairman was elected from the Member Association, The Association of Quantity Surveyors of the University of Moratuwa (QSUM-UAE). The newly appointed Executive Board for the 2025-2027 tenure is as follows:

The outgoing Chairman underscored the necessity of innovation and encouraged professionals to embrace change and think beyond conventional boundaries, thereby expanding support to a broader Sri Lankan professional community. He emphasized that SLPA-UAE should proactively facilitate the growth of new professional associations rather than allowing them to take decades to achieve the same level of success as well-established organizations.

In his address, the incoming Chairman affirmed SLPA-UAE’s firm commitment to supporting member associations in their ongoing activities. He highlighted the readiness of the new Executive Board to navigate future challenges while striving for continuous improvement and adaptation.

The AGM proceedings included the presentation of the Annual Report, Financial Report, an update on key events, and discussions on proposed amendments to the constitution, working procedures, and future initiatives.

A key highlight was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between SLPA-UAE and SriLankan Airlines, marking the commencement of a mutual benefit program aimed at supporting SLPA-UAE’s member associations while contributing to the national carrier’s strategic objectives, ultimately fostering economic growth in Sri Lanka. Further details regarding this collaboration will be communicated in due course.

Additionally, a Board Resolution was executed to facilitate administrative transitions following the appointment of the new Executive Board. The event was enriched by inspiring speeches from distinguished guests, providing valuable insights into the future trajectory of SLPA-UAE.

The AGM concluded with a vibrant networking and fellowship dinner, featuring exquisite Sri Lankan cuisine curated by Pullman Dubai Creek City Centre. The successful completion of the 6th AGM has set a strong foundation for the newly elected Executive Board, which is poised to elevate SLPA-UAE to greater heights, reinforcing its position as a unified and dynamic collective of Sri Lankan professionals in the UAE.

The Sri Lankan Professionals Association in the UAE (SLPA-UAE) is a formally registered professional organization in the United Arab Emirates, operating under business registration number 2309634. It is officially recognized under the trade name Sri Lankan Professionals Association LLC FZ.