About the Council

The Sri Lanka – China Business Council, established on April 26, 2001, was the 23rd Business Council to be 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.

Objectives

To promote trade, tourism and services between Sri Lanka and China, with a particular emphasis on exports from Sri Lanka to China.
To encourage Chinese investment and the establishment of joint ventures in Sri Lanka between investors from both countries.
To incorporate entrepreneurs from Sri Lanka and China into bilateral business and networking partnerships.
To exchange information on trade and investment opportunities in Sri Lanka with appropriate bodies in China.
To identify emerging/changing trends in business opportunities and industries in Sri Lanka and China, and provide assistance to interested parties from both countries.

Activities and Support Services Provided by the SLCHBC

To conduct joint meetings with Chinese business organisations in Sri Lanka and in China.
To promote Sri Lankan participation in international fairs in China.
To provide information on organisational/regulatory/government bodies in both countries pertaining to business and tourism.
To send and receive Trade and Investment delegations comprising of Council Members and other officials.
To organise business conferences, networking sessions, trade fairs and exhibitions involving Sri Lanka and China.
To explore and develop business partnerships with new economic zones in both countries via industry visits in both countries.
To provide support and assistance by means of business matchmaking.
To assist with obtaining business Visas to visit Sri Lanka.
To collaborate with government authorities and businesses to provide up-to-date technical information and market research.

Members

Among the SLCHBC’s members are some of the largest and renowned companies in Sri Lanka, but several smaller and emerging businesses are also well represented. The activities of the Council are governed by an illustrious Executive Committee, which is currently led by the President Mr.Yasantha Abeykoon, Divisional Manager of David Pieris Motor Co. Ltd and Vice Presidents Mr. Thulitha Mendis Deputy Director – Commercial of Singer (Sri Lanka) PLC and Mr.Aruna Perera, Director of Lanka Shipping and Logistics (Pvt) Ltd.

Liaison with the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) and the Board of Investments of Sri Lanka (BOI):

The Council is aided by the involvement of Mrs. Jeevani Siriwardena, Director General, and Mrs. Anoma Premathilake, Director, Market Development at Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) and Mrs. Renuka Weerakone, Executive Director and Ms. Kumudini Ratnaweera, Deputy Director, Investments Promotion, from the Board of Investment (BOI) in SLCHBC meetings. This ensures all decisions made by the Council are informed and relevant to fluctuations in the growth of Sri Lankan exports and investments.

Liaison with the Sri Lankan Embassy in China

The Council maintains a close rapport with the Consulate of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka in Shanghai, and the Sri Lankan Embassy in China. We would like to extend our sincere gratitude Mr L.P. Rathnayake, Hon. Consul, Consulate of the DSRSL of Shanghai and Mr. Alexi Gunasekara, Commercial Counselor, Sri Lankan Embassy in China who supported the Council in numerous ways, especially with regard to trade promotion activities.

Liaison with the Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka

Since its formation in 2001, the Council has maintained strong bonds with the Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka. The Ambassador, the Patron of the Council, Cheng Xueyuan, Attaché to the Embassy, Mr. Li Xinyu, Third Secretary and other officers of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China, gave their fullest support in organizing trade promotion activities.

Activities and Amenities

In order to enhance growth in business ties, the Council will act as a conduit linking the interests of business owners, entrepreneurs, investors, industrialists as well as the governments of Sri Lanka and China. The Council helps facilitate constructive discussions and networking between the two countries in order to resolve any upcoming trade and investment issues, as well as providing support in creating awareness about new investment opportunities. There will be various activities and events such as trade fairs and exhibitions organised by the Council in order to better educate interested parties from Sri Lanka and China on the business climates in both countries.

The SLCHBC serves as a recognised representative of business sector interests in Sri Lanka in matters concerning business relationships with China. As such, all matters incidental or conducive to attaining the objectives of the Council will be conducted with the cooperation of the Government of Sri Lanka.