COYLE holds annual Diplomats’ Evening to build successful partnerships

Wednesday, 19 February 2014 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Chamber of Young Lankan Entrepreneurs (COYLE) held its third annual Diplomats’ Evening on 21 January at the Hilton Colombo to facilitate opportunities to network, showcase successful partnerships and discuss new forms of cooperation between Sri Lankan businessmen and international agencies.

The event was graced by Chief Guest Prof. G.L. Peiris – Minister of External Affairs, G.J.L. Neomal Perera – Deputy Minister of External Affairs and Chandima Weerakkody – Deputy Speaker of Parliament, distinguished members of the Diplomatic Community and COYLE members. Its objective is to achieve more intense forms of collaboration and more structured relationships between the two sides to better meet the challenges of globalization and foster trade both locally and internationally. The event was an ideal forum for fellowship amongst members of the business fraternity and creating rapport with the representatives of foreign missions and embassies, providing an opportunity for the exchange of ideas and matters of mutual benefit. COYLE is committed to the vision of safeguarding the country’s economy and the Sri Lankan business community by playing a vital role of national importance, emphasised by its theme, ‘Excellence through Recognition’. The Chamber also promotes entrepreneurship in the rehabilitation and development initiatives of the Government and international economic development of the country. Prof. Peiris elaborated on the post-war peace and harmony prevalent in the country leading to business and employment opportunities created by the opening up of the Airport, Harbour and Shangri-la Hotel in the deep south. He appreciated the representation of COYLE for its invaluable insights and perceptions on the fiscal policies of the Government thereby aiding both the economic viability of the business sector and the country’s progress. He also emphasised on COYLE’s vital role in nurturing relationships between business communities locally and internationally. Finally, he re-affirmed the unstinted support of the Government towards COYLE, due to the Chamber’s enormous potential which underlined the practical significance of the event. The welcome speech was delivered by Past Chairman and Chairman of the Organising Committee Nayana Dehigama, while the vote of thanks was given by COYLE’s Chairman Wasantha de Silva. COYLE in 1999 commenced its journey towards regenerating the corporate sector, by presenting itself as the milieu that bridges the gap between fundamental business segments in Sri Lanka. Instigated by 17 promising entrepreneurs, COYLE created and enhanced a pro-business environment, which is currently steered by 116 significant members of the Sri Lankan corporate community. Comprising of the Chairman & controlling shareholders of over 750 companies of Sri Lanka, they contribute over Rs. 600 Billion per annum to the Sri Lankan economy, providing employment to over 400,000 through enterprises owned by its membership. Registered under the Companies Act of No. 17 of 1982, The Chamber is declared as a legitimate association on commercial operations. COYLE is a business information portal that strengthens informal relationships while collaborating ventures and resources that generates new business opportunities. This is the underlining factor that has sustained the continuous existence of the Chamber over the past 15 years.