Mr. Tisara De Silva

46th President | 2026–2027
Organisation of Professional Associations of Sri Lanka (OPA)

It was a profound honour and privilege to assume the responsibilities of the 46th President of the Organisation of Professional Associations of Sri Lanka (OPA) for the 2026–2027 term. I accepted this responsibility with humility, gratitude and a firm determination to uphold the values, traditions and aspirations of this great organisation.

At this important juncture, I wish to express my sincere gratitude to the Pharmaceutical Society of Sri Lanka (PSSL) for providing me with this opportunity and to the OPA for electing me as President-Elect and subsequently entrusting me with the responsibility of leading the organisation as its 46th President. I am deeply grateful to both institutions for the confidence and trust they placed in me.

As I embarked on this responsibility, I did so with a clear sense of purpose and a strong belief in what we could accomplish through collective commitment and cooperation. As I pledged on the day of my election as President-Elect, my vision was to strengthen the OPA as an organisation that respected every profession, recognised every contribution and brought together the collective knowledge, experience and wisdom of its member associations in the service of our nation. This vision continues to guide my commitment and approach to leadership.

The OPA represents a diverse community of professionals whose expertise and contributions are vital to the development of Sri Lanka. I firmly believe that our diversity is our greatest strength and that, by working together, we can make the organisation an even more influential and respected voice in matters of national importance.

My Vision and Key Priorities for 2026–2027

During my presidency, I am committed to pursuing the following key priorities with the active participation, cooperation and support of all member associations.

Equal Respect and Recognition for Every Profession

One of my foremost priorities is to ensure that every Professional Association and its members receive equal respect, recognition and consideration within the OPA. The concerns and challenges faced by all professions deserve our attention. I am determined to provide an inclusive platform where every association has the opportunity to express its views, raise concerns and contribute to collective decision-making. I am confident that, through consultation and collaboration, we can identify practical and sustainable solutions to the issues confronting our professional community.

Strengthening Continuous Professional Development (CPD)

Continuous Professional Development will be a sustained, practical and measurable priority of the OPA. This will be pursued through well-structured seminars, workshops, conferences and collaborative learning programmes covering a wide range of professional disciplines. Greater emphasis will also be placed on building networks among professionals, facilitating interdisciplinary knowledge exchange, enhancing professional competencies and encouraging the practical application of knowledge for the benefit of society.

Positioning the OPA as an Advisory Chamber to the Government

I envision the OPA playing a stronger role as a credible and independent advisory chamber to the Government. Our member associations collectively represent an extensive pool of professional expertise that can make a meaningful contribution to national policymaking. We must bring this knowledge together to provide constructive, independent and research-based advice on matters of national importance. Our contribution should remain professional, evidence-based and non-political, guided by the broader interests of the country.

Modernisation and Refurbishment of OPA Facilities

The continued improvement of OPA's physical facilities is essential to providing a welcoming and productive environment for our members. Building on the financial surplus generated by the successful 39th OPA Annual Conference, the installation of air-conditioning facilities in the restaurant has already been completed. The refurbishment of the Secretariat and Accounts sections will also be undertaken using the same surplus. Looking ahead, we intend to upgrade the Family Lounge through external sponsorship, recognising its importance as a valuable facility for members and their families.

Improving Administrative Efficiency through Office Automation

Modernising the administrative functions of the OPA is another important priority. I am committed to promoting appropriate office automation and the gradual adoption of digital systems to improve administrative efficiency, accuracy, transparency and service delivery. Streamlined processes and the effective use of technology will strengthen institutional performance while enabling the Secretariat to serve our members more efficiently.

Expanding International Relations and Professional Collaboration

In an increasingly interconnected world, stronger international relationships are essential for the advancement of our professional community. I intend to promote closer engagement with Ambassadors, diplomatic missions, international organisations and professional associations overseas. Such relationships will create opportunities for knowledge exchange, institutional partnerships, international collaboration and exposure to global professional best practices, while enhancing the international standing of the OPA and its member associations.

Strengthening Engagement with the Government and Opposition

Constructive engagement with both the Government and the Opposition is important to ensure that the collective expertise of the professional community contributes to national development. Through initiatives such as the "Meet the Minister" programme and appropriate engagement with Opposition representatives, we will seek opportunities to share professional perspectives on important national issues. I also intend to encourage greater participation by the OPA and its member associations in relevant Ministry committees, thereby facilitating informed dialogue and evidence-based decision-making.

Enhancing Professional Contributions to National Issues

The OPA must continue to demonstrate its relevance by translating professional knowledge into practical contributions towards national development. I am committed to strengthening our efforts to prepare research-based concept papers, policy proposals and professional recommendations on issues affecting the country. By drawing upon the expertise of our member associations and engaging with relevant government institutions, we can provide meaningful solutions to national challenges and contribute to sustainable development.

Maintaining Financial Discipline and Institutional Sustainability

Sound financial management is fundamental to the long-term stability and credibility of any professional organisation. I am committed to maintaining financial discipline through prudent resource allocation, responsible expenditure, transparency and accountability. The successful completion of the 39th OPA Annual Conference, which generated an all-time record surplus of Rs. 6.9 million, was a significant achievement for our organisation. This accomplishment reflected the collective dedication, commitment and effective management of everyone involved. We must build upon this achievement while ensuring that our financial resources are utilised responsibly to strengthen the organisation and serve the interests of our members.

Moving Forward: Building on Our Collective Strength

As we move forward during the 2026–2027 term, I do not regard our responsibility as merely maintaining what has already been achieved. Rather, it is our duty to build upon those achievements and take the organisation to greater heights. We must strengthen our institutional foundations, expand opportunities for professional development, deepen our national and international engagement, embrace modern administrative practices and ensure that every member association receives the respect and recognition it deserves.

I recognise that achieving these aspirations will require dedication, consultation and collective effort. I cannot promise that every challenge will have an easy solution. However, I can assure you of my commitment to listening, consulting, acting with integrity and working collaboratively to identify the best possible way forward.

I will greatly value your experience, constructive criticism, professional wisdom and, above all, your partnership. I firmly believe that the success of my presidency should not be measured solely by individual achievements, but by what we accomplish together as one professional community.

The OPA belongs to all its member associations and their members. Its strength lies in our unity, its influence in our collective expertise and its future in our shared commitment to professional excellence and national progress.

Let us therefore move forward together with renewed enthusiasm, mutual respect and a shared determination to make the OPA a stronger, more inclusive, more influential and more respected institution.

Thank you for your confidence, support and cooperation. It is my greatest privilege to serve as the 46th President of the Organisation of Professional Associations of Sri Lanka for the 2026–2027 term.

I invite all professionals to join hands with me to take OPA to the next level.

Tisara de Silva

President / Organisation of Professional Associations of Sri Lanka (OPA)