Driving Through Time – The Enduring 120 years Legacy of AA Ceylon

There are few institutions in Sri Lanka that can trace their roots back over a century and still remain relevant, resilient, and respected. The Automobile Association of Ceylon (AA Ceylon) is one such pillar – a testament to motoring history, civic responsibility, and enduring public service. In an exclusive conversation with Anton Kandiah, Consultant and former Secretary/CEO of the Association, retraces the storied past and looks into the steadfast present of this iconic organisation.

“The inaugural meeting of the Automobile Club of Ceylon was held on the 2nd of November 1904,” Kandiah begins, painting a vivid picture of an era when British planters were the primary motorists on the island. That meeting, held at the historic Queens Hotel in Kandy, brought together 100 members and marked the humble beginnings of what is now one of the oldest motoring clubs in the world. The first president, Brigadier General G.L.C. Money, led an association that would soon become integral to the motoring landscape of Sri Lanka.

Initially founded to provide roadside assistance and motoring support, the club quickly expanded its footprint. As early as 1904, it conducted its first reliability trial from Kandy to Kegalle. By 1927, it had hosted its first motor show and launched its official publication, The Record. It wasn't long before the Association gained international recognition – in 1932, it became affiliated with the Alliance International de Tourism in Geneva, securing its place among the global leaders in motoring.

In an age where transparency in governance is often questioned, AA Ceylon stands as an outlier. "All executive positions, including the President and Vice Presidents, are appointed at the Annual General Meeting by the members," Kandiah explains. “None of the executive members receive any remuneration. Their work is voluntary, driven by a sense of service.”

The most recent AGM, held in June 2019, saw Mr. Dhammika Attygalle elected President, with the late Dr. Lakshman Weerasena and Mr. Ananda Dangalle as Vice Presidents. The Executive Committee features a distinguished list of professionals, from Dr. Vijaya Corea to Mr. S.V. Ganesh, reflecting the diversity and strength of its membership.

From call boxes on rural roads in the early 20th century to sophisticated digital services today, AA Ceylon has always adapted with the times. “Back then, there were no garages like today. The roadside call boxes we installed were lifelines to motorists,” says Kandiah. The Association eventually moved to Colombo and, in 1931, was renamed the Automobile Association of Ceylon.

Over the decades, AA Ceylon expanded its services significantly. Kandiah recalls the 2002 expansion when a four-storeyed Millennium Building was added under his watch as Secretary/CEO. “It now houses not just our technical departments, but also facilities like a boardroom, lounge, auditorium, and billiard parlour.”

Today, the Association continues to provide essential services such as:

• 24/7 nationwide roadside assistance through accredited garages
• Issuance of International Driving Permits
• Legal assistance in traffic courts
• Public awareness campaigns on road safety
• Policy advocacy as a member of the National Road Safety Council

Its commitment goes beyond members. AA Ceylon offers updates on weather and traffic conditions and even supports community projects like medical camps and professional driver training in partnership with DIMO. The Association also backs the national Paralympic team – a nod to its broader social responsibility.AA Ceylon is proudly independent, functioning without a parent body but maintaining global ties. “We are incorporated by an act of Parliament,” Kandiah states firmly. “Our strength comes from our members.”

Internationally, the Association is affiliated with the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), the world’s leading motoring authority. Domestically, it holds permanent membership in the National Council for Road Safety (NCRS), alongside only the Head of Traffic Police.As traffic congestion and accidents rise across Sri Lanka, AA Ceylon has taken a proactive role in promoting road safety. “Each year, we conduct at least one major awareness project,” Kandiah shares. Campaigns have included everything from promoting helmet use for motorcyclists and pillion riders to urging the implementation of child restraint laws.

Through its collaborations with FIA and UN-backed initiatives like the Decade of Action for Road Safety, AA Ceylon has helped lower the fatality rate on roads by educating the public, lobbying for better laws, and training drivers. “We submit proposals to FIA, who help fund and evaluate our programmes. Our work has even been shared with other countries as case studies,” he adds proudly.Sri Lanka’s recent history has not been short of challenges – from the Easter Sunday attacks to the COVID-19 pandemic and the crippling dollar crisis. Yet, AA Ceylon stood firm.

“While many associations retrenched staff, we enhanced services and improved infrastructure to international standards,” Kandiah notes. “FIA even recognised us as a model for resilience.”Under current President Dhammika Attygalle, the Association introduced new technologies in vehicle scanning, improved the International Driving Permit service, expanded partnerships with international clubs, and upgraded member facilities, including the launch of the AutoWheelRestaurant and Café.

For Kandiah, AA Ceylon’s journey is deeply personal. “I’m proud of the integrity and commitment shown by our members and executive committees,” he reflects. “The contributions of people like Mr. Tilak de Zoysa, late Mr. Ronnie Abeysinghe, and late Dr LaxshmanWeerasena were instrumental in shaping the Association into what it is today.”

As a consultant now, Kandiah continues to watch with pride as the Association he once helped lead keeps the wheels turning — not just for motorists, but for an entire nation.