The Volkswagen Beetle Owners’ Club held its 30th Annual General Meeting on October 10 at Excel World, Colombo, marking a significant milestone in the club’s history with a unanimous decision to adopt a new name, the Volkswagen Club of Sri Lanka.
The meeting, well attended by club members, was called to order by President Peter Jasinghe. Members observed a moment of silence in remembrance of Dr. Vernon Jayaweera, who passed away a few months earlier. The minutes of the previous AGM, the Annual Report and the Audited Statement of Accounts were subsequently presented and unanimously approved.
A key item on the agenda was a resolution proposing a change of name from the Volkswagen Beetle Owners’ Club to the Volkswagen Club of Sri Lanka, effective from the date of adoption. The proposal reflected the club’s evolution over the years, with its membership and activities expanding beyond the iconic Beetle to include owners, enthusiasts and supporters of a wider range of Volkswagen vehicles.
President Peter Jasinghe explained that the proposed change would provide a more inclusive identity that better represented the club’s current membership, objectives and activities. He also informed members that the club had obtained legal advice on the proposed amendment and received a no-objection to proceeding with the change.
The resolution was put to a vote and unanimously approved by members present through a show of hands. Following the decision, the club officially adopted the name Volkswagen Club of Sri Lanka, with its official logo unveiled to applause from the membership.
The outgoing President expressed his appreciation for the support, friendship and cooperation extended by members throughout the club’s activities. Reflecting on its 30-year journey, he noted that the organisation had continued to evolve, making the name change a natural step towards embracing the full spectrum of Volkswagen vehicles in Sri Lanka.
Following the conclusion of the AGM, Kapila Jayawardena was appointed Pro-Tem Chairman to oversee proceedings pending the election of office bearers for the 2026/27 year. The following individuals were appointed to serve on the committee of the Volkswagen Club of Sri Lanka for 2026/27.
David Pieris Group Honoured at Presidential Environment Awards for Environmental Excellence
David Pieris Group of Companies has received two Gold Awards and one Silver Award at the Presidential Environment Awards 2026, highlighting its ongoing efforts to promote environmental sustainability, innovation and responsible business operations.
The awards recognise environmental management initiatives at the DPMC Workshop in Madapatha and the DPMC Workshop in Matara, operated by David Pieris Motor Company (Private) Limited, as well as the Assembly Plant at the Ranna Manufacturing Complex of David Pieris Motor Company (Lanka) Limited.
The DPMC Workshop Madapatha secured Gold after progressing from a Merit Award in 2024 to Bronze in 2025. This achievement reflects its continued efforts to strengthen environmental performance through initiatives such as rainwater harvesting, wastewater treatment and reuse, renewable energy utilisation, responsible waste management and resource conservation.
Meanwhile, the Assembly Plant at the Ranna Manufacturing Complex won Gold at its first participation in the awards. The recognition highlights its integrated environmental management practices, including rainwater harvesting, on-site lakes for water management, renewable energy projects, systematic waste management, and carbon and water footprint assessments. Its Net Zero Energy Certification further reinforces its commitment to resource efficiency and sustainable industrial operations.
The DPMC Workshop Matara received a Silver Award in its first participation. Its environmental initiatives include rooftop solar power generation and wastewater treatment and reuse systems that enable approximately 95% of treated water to be recycled for vehicle washing. The workshop has also introduced measures to improve resource efficiency, minimise hazardous waste and reduce environmental pollution.
These achievements underscore the David Pieris Group’s continued commitment to embedding sustainable practices across its operations while strengthening environmental responsibility throughout its business network.
Volkswagen Club Marks 30th Anniversary with Annual General Meeting
