CIOB signs MoU with Indian Chamber for Construction Industry Development

CIOB President Dr. Rohan Karunaratne (left) signing the MoU with Federation of Trade and Industry Saurashtra President Parag Tejura. Also present are (standing from left): CIOB Treasurer Ranji Hewage, Param Pujya Swami Paramatmananda Saraswatiji, and former Government of Gujarat Chief Minister Shri Vijaybhai Rupani

The Ceylon Institute of Builders (CIOB), Sri Lanka’s oldest professional and industry body for the building community, recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Federation of Trade and Industry Saurashtra for mutual promotion and development of business and professional interests of the building and construction industries of the two countries.

The signing of the MoU took place on 11 March at the inaugural ceremony of the SVUM 2025 International Trade Show in Rajkot, Gujarat, India, in the presence of a large international audience representing various African and South East Asian nations.

Under the MoU, the two organisations will specifically cooperate in business matching events, trade fairs and exhibitions, research symposia, and investor forums related to construction and building, organised by each party with priority treatment for the other party in terms of cost advantages, networking opportunities, and B2B connections.

After signing the MoU, CIOB President Dr. Rohan Karunaratne stated: “India and Sri Lanka have deepened their economic and strategic cooperation with a significant focus on infrastructure development, such as port rehabilitation, shipping connectivity, rail infrastructure, and energy partnerships. During Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Disanayake’s first foreign visit to India, he and Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a series of initiatives that will boost bilateral trade, enhance physical and energy connectivity, and promote sustainable growth. We believe that the signing of this MoU is a positive industry response and B2B level cooperation to make the vision of our leaders a reality.”

The CIOB delegation to Rajkot comprised of 15 members representing construction industry SMEs from Sri Lanka, which explored business opportunities through B2B meetings and industry visits etc.