The Sri Lanka Institute of Marketing (SLIM) and the Automobile Industry Council (AIC) formally entered into a strategic partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to support the inaugural International Automobile Industry Awards 2026. The signing ceremony was held on 20 May 2026 at Hilton Colombo Residences. The event is being organised by the Automobile Industry Council in strategic partnership with SLIM, the National Productivity Secretariat, the Emissions Test Trust Fund, and several industry leaders.
Representing SLIM at the signing were SLIM President Mr. Enoch Perera, SLIM Secretary Mr. Nuwan Thilakawardhana, and SLIM Chief Executive Officer Mr. Chamil Wickremasinghe. The Automobile Industry Council was represented by its Chairman, Eng. Ravith Silva, and Executive Secretary Ms. Hashini Senanayaka.
Commenting on the partnership, SLIM President Mr. Enoch Perera said, “SLIM is proud to partner with the Automobile Industry Council in establishing a platform that recognises excellence, innovation, and leadership within one of Sri Lanka’s most important industries. The International Automobile Industry Awards 2026 reflects our shared commitment to elevating industry standards and celebrating those who continue to drive growth and transformation across the sector.”
The International Automobile Industry Awards 2026 is the first awards platform in Sri Lanka dedicated exclusively to recognising and honouring achievements across the entire automobile ecosystem. SLIM Vice President – Education & Research Mr. Manthika Ranasinghe shared his thoughts and said, “Recognition serves as a catalyst for innovation, learning, and professional growth. Through this initiative, we hope to encourage the adoption of best practices while creating meaningful benchmarks that contribute to the long-term advancement of the industry.”
The Automobile Industry Council serves as the apex industry body representing the interests of the sector and has been established with the support of key stakeholders and the backing of four ministries: Industries, Transport, Education, and Finance. The awards programme has already generated significant interest from leading automobile brands and industry stakeholders. Since its inception, it has attracted the support of major players within the sector, while nominations have been received from a wide range of high-performing individuals and organisations.
SLIM Vice President – Events & Sustainability Mr. Rajiv David commented, “The International Automobile Industry Awards 2026 is designed to be a credible and future-focused platform that reflects the evolving nature of the industry. By recognising excellence, innovation, productivity,
and leadership, the awards will help strengthen the sector while encouraging sustainable growth.”
Sharing his thoughts on this upcoming endeavour, SLIM Secretary Mr. Nuwan Thilakawardhana stated, “The automobile industry plays a significant role in the country’s economic development, and initiatives such as these provide an important opportunity to recognise and encourage outstanding performance. We are pleased to support a platform that promotes excellence and inspires continuous progress.”