French businesses keen on investing in Sri Lanka’s infrastructure development

Monday, 4 August 2014 00:39 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Sri Lanka-France Business Council (SLFBC) which functions under the aegis of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce held its 10th Annual General Meeting the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce recently. The Council was inaugurated on 4 February 2004 with a primary objective of promoting trade, investment, tourism and services between Sri Lanka and France and to promote mutual understanding and strengthen the relationships between Sri Lanka and France.

Jean Paul Monchau, Ambassador of France and Patron of SLFBC, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. Congratulating the appointed Committee he remarked on how the investment and trade links between Sri Lanka and France has improved in the recent times. He said several French companies have shown an interest towards taking part in the ongoing infrastructure development activities in Sri Lanka. Monchau also explained how Sri Lanka’s growing tourism industry can help promote the country’s existing trade and investment potential. Alstom President Dilipan Tyagarajah was re-elected as the President of SLFBC for 2014-2015. Hayleys PLC Director Asanka Ratnayake and Carmart Ltd. Managing Director Senaka Amerasinghe were elected as the two Vice Presidents for the year 2014-2015. Addressing the members, Tyagarajah highlighted some of the significant activities undertaken by the Council which includes; the discussion on the successfully-concluded Symposium on French Expertise in Urban Development in July 2013 which was organised in association with the Economic Service of the Embassy of France, the welcome reception organised for the new Ambassador for France to Sri Lanka Monchau on 28 October at Cinnamon Lakeside and the Council also tied up with the European Chamber of Commerce and organised a French Day – Vive La France – on 12 December 2013, which incorporated a number of traditional French activities including wine and cheese tasting. Tyagarajah said that the Council would continue to closely work with the Economic Service of the Embassy of France, Embassy of Sri Lanka in Paris, Board of Investments of Sri Lanka and Export Development Board in order to promote the bilateral trade relationship between Sri Lanka and France. The President also announced the resignation of Jean-Louis Poli from the Economic Service of the Embassy of France and thanked him for all his support to the SLFBC throughout the years. The Committee members for 2014-2015 include Associated Motorways Ltd. Managing Director Samantha Rajapaksa, CMA-CGM Lanka Ltd. Director Upul Pieris, Delmege Forsyth & Co. Ltd. CEO Nuwan Wimalana, Lafarge Mahaweli Cement Ltd. Managing Director Anurag Kak Noyon Lanka Ltd. Chief Executive Officer Shiraz Karunaratne and Cinnamon Lakeside Hotel Sales Manager Indika Dassanayaka. Past President Nirmali Samaratunga (Mackwoods Ltd. Chairperson and Joint Managing Director), French Trade Commission Economic Counsellor Jean-Louis Poli, Board of Investment Director Promotions Nilupul De Silva, Sri Lanka Export Development Board Director – Market Development Jeevani Siriwardena and MAS Holdings Ltd. Chairman Mahesh Amalean would also serve the Committee by invitation.