Ceylon Chamber marks 178 years of service to the nation

Saturday, 25 March 2017 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, Sri Lanka’s premier business chamber, completes 178 years of service to the nation today (25 March), marking yet another achievement for an organisation, which has played one of the most decisive roles in transforming the commercial landscape of Sri Lanka, since its inception in the 19th century.

The Chamber, Sri Lanka’s first and foremost business chamber was established in 1839, to foster and protect the growing commerce of Ceylon. The institution has since evolved with the growth of diverse economic sectors and today represents the interests of the entire business community of the country. In 1939 there were 12 associations affiliated to the Chamber and 19 members. Today, there are 36 associations and 581 direct members. In total the Chamber has an outreach which reaches to over 7,000 companies island-wide.

Ceylon Chamber of Commerce Chairperson Samantha Ranatunge said that the Chamber has remained a beacon of the private industry of Sri Lanka giving leadership to all sectors of commerce and being guided by the 10 principles of the chamber governance which will stand for the development of the industry and the nation at large.

Ceylon Chamber of Commerce CEO Dhara Wijayatilake commenting on the event remarked that throughout its history The Ceylon Chamber has made a significant contribution to promote economic development of the country and has maintained its position as the foremost voice of private industry. The private sector has diversified and today offers new challenges which are more formidable than those accepted by the founders. The Chamber prides itself in having adapted to meet those challenges as a responsible voice and in compliance with its core principles in which it continues to place value.