CCC’s Sri Lanka-China Business Council holds 22nd AGM

SLCHBC Committee 2023-2024 Seated from left: Ong Jhon Seon, Haroun Cader, Li Guangjun, Chaminda Perera, M.H.M.K. Hameez, Aruna Perera, and Aneesha Boteju

Standing from left: Ted Muttiah, Kumudu Jayalath, Nipun Wisnagalage, Dhanushka Perera, Tharindu Mahawedage, Nethmi Jayamaha, Adheesha Salpitikorala, Chandrika Ranawaka, and Sampath Kumara

The 22nd Annual General Meeting of the Sri Lanka – China Business Council of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce was held on 24 August at the Board Room of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce. 

The event was graced by the presence of People’s Republic of China Embassy Economic and Commercial Counsellor LI Guangjun, who graciously participated as the Chief Guest. 

The Sri – Lanka China Business Council established on 26 April 2001, was formed under the aegis of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce. The Council was formed at the request of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with the main objective of promoting trade, investment, services and tourism between Sri Lanka and China.

Deranya Ltd. Co-Founder / Director Chaminda Perera, was re-elected by the members, as the President of the Sri Lanka – China Business Council for the year 2023-2024. Haroun Cader of Sinwa Holdings Ltd. was re-elected as the Senior Vice President and M. H. M. K. Hameez of Spillburg Holdings Ltd. was elected as the Vice President of the Sri Lanka – China Business Council for the period 2023-2024. Ong Jhon Seon of Prima Ceylon Ltd. was elected as the Treasurer and Aruna Perera will serve on the Committee as the Immediate Past President. The Business Council members: Acorn Aviation Ltd., Bank of China Colombo Branch, David Peiris Motor Company Ltd., eArrow Ltd., HVA Foods PLC, Overseas Reality Trading Ltd., Singer Sri Lanka PLC, and South Asia Gateway Terminals Ltd. were elected as Committee Members for the year 2022-2023. 

During the reviewed period, the Council arranged a series of events and business meetings aimed at benefiting its members and other enterprises involved in conducting business with China. These initiatives encompassed diverse activities such as the Lantern Night of Fellowship, which provided an excellent platform for members to connect with the members of the Council and the Embassy Officials. Additionally, the Council arranged B2B meetings with a visiting delegation from Hebei Province, China, fostering essential exchanges and discussions to foster collaboration and partnerships between the Chinese delegation and the Sri Lankan business community.

A significant highlight was a panel discussion titled “China Open for Business: What’s Next for Sri Lanka?” The event featured the participation of notable figures including Investment Promotion Minister Dilum Amunugama, MP Dr.Harsha de Silva, FTAs Chief Negotiator K.J. Weerasinghe, Economic and Commercial Affairs Counsellor-in-charge LI Guangjun, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau Chairman Chalaka Gajabahu, and Exporters Association of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce Chairman Ranil Goonetilleke, as panellists.

This insightful discussion delved into various aspects, including strategies for Sri Lanka to capitalise on opportunities, enhance trade with China, and boost tourism—a crucial factor for the Sri Lankan economy. Furthermore, the panel addressed the ways in which China could assist the Sri Lankan economy in its recovery from internal and external debt restructuring, along with IMF intervention.

Companies interested in joining the membership of the Sri Lanka – China Business Council may contact Aneesha at the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce on tel. no. 0115588856 or email: [email protected] to obtain further information.