‘Sustainable Growth and Professionalism’ new leadership’s guiding theme
The newly elected Sri Lanka Insurance Brokers Association (SLIBA) President Ainsley Alles urged all stakeholders to recognise and support the insurance industry’s vital role in Sri Lanka’s economic restructuring efforts following the devastation of Cyclone Ditwah.
He emphasised that the brokers, regulators and industry partners must work together to ensure the sector receives its due place in rebuilding resilience and safeguarding livelihoods.
The SLIBA convened its 38th Annual General Meeting (AGM) on December 18, 2025, at Ramada by Wyndham, Colombo, with a strong turnout of representatives from the insurance broker fraternity.
The gathering reflected the enthusiasm and commitment of members toward advancing the industry.
Outgoing President Pritha Fernando handed over the reins to Alles, who will serve as President for the financial year 2025/26.
The newly elected SLIBA Council comprises of Vice President Adel Hashim, Honorary Secretary Roshini Silva, Honorary Treasurer Suresh Motha and Council Members Niranjan Manickam, Sujeewa Vidanapathirana, Nirosh Gooneratne, Rukshan Gunasekera and Indrajith Fernando. Pritha Fernando will continue to support the council as Immediate Past President, ensuring continuity and guidance.
In his inaugural address, Alles pronounced that the guiding theme for his tenure would be ‘Sustainable Growth and Professionalism’. He emphasised the critical role the brokers can play in improving Sri Lanka’s insurance penetration ratio, which currently stands at less than 2 percent of GDP. To achieve this, the SLIBA will look at various growth strategies and prioritise training and knowledge-sharing sessions to elevate professional standards.
The role of the council will be strengthened by four advisory sub-committees: Technical and Education, Ethics and Grievances, Communications and Membership Development and Legal and Compliance.
Alles underscored the importance of working closely with the Insurance Regulatory Council of Sri Lanka (IRCSL) and other stakeholders to ensure the industry receives due recognition in the nation’s economic restructuring efforts, particularly in the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah. He highlighted the urgent need to raise public awareness about insurance as a risk-transferring tool, noting that many households and SMEs remain uninsured. He commended the IRCSL’s recent awareness campaign as a step in the right direction.
The SLIBA Council outlined several initiatives to strengthen the association and its service to members, such as establishing a permanent secretariat, formalise registration of the SLIBA with the Registrar of Companies, preserve institutional memory by collating historical documents, support compliance with anti-money laundering and terrorism funding and other regulatory directives and fellowship and engagement activities.
In conclusion, the 38th AGM marked not only a leadership transition but also a renewed commitment to professionalism, sustainability and advocacy within Sri Lanka’s insurance brokerage sector. With a clear roadmap and energised membership, the SLIBA is poised to play a pivotal role in strengthening insurance penetration and supporting the country’s economic resilience.
The SLIBA represents the collective voice of insurance brokers in Sri Lanka, working to enhance professionalism, compliance and industry recognition while fostering fellowship among members.
