The 23rd Annual General Meeting of the Sri Lanka-China Business Council of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce was held on 2nd July 2024 at Hilton Colombo Residencies, Colombo 02. The event was graced by His Excellency Qi Zhenhong, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Sri Lanka, who graciously participated as the Chief Guest. Mr. Kusum Wijethilleke was the keynote speaker of the event. Mr. Tang Yandi, Economic and Commercial Counsellor, Embassy of the People’s Republic of China, Embassy Officials, and Government Officials also participated in the event.

The Sri Lanka-China Business Council, established on April 26, 2001, was 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.

Mr. Haroun Cader of Sinwa Holdings Ltd. was elected by the members as the President of the Sri Lanka-China Business Council for the year 2024-25. Mr. M. H. M. K. Hameez of Spillburg Holdings (Pvt) Ltd. was elected as the Senior Vice President, and Ms. Nethmi Jayamaha of Sudath Perera Associates was elected as the Vice President of the Sri Lanka-China Business Council for the period 2024-2025. Mr. Sampath Kumara of David Peiris Motor Company (Pvt) Ltd. was elected as the Treasurer, and Mr. Chaminda Perera will serve on the Committee as the Immediate Past President. The Business Council members: Abans PLC, Acorn Aviation (Private) Ltd., Bank of China Colombo Branch, D P Logistics (Pvt) Ltd., eArrow (Pvt) Ltd., Gnanam Imports (Pvt) Ltd, HVA Foods PLC, Overseas Realty Trading (Pvt) Ltd., and Singer Sri Lanka PLC, were elected as Committee Members for the year 2024-25.

Mr. Chaminda Perera, Immediate Past President, expressed gratitude to Council members for their support and highlighted significant achievements during his tenure, such as organizing delegations from Chinese provinces and transforming the Christmas party into a Chinese New Year Lantern Party. Under his leadership, the Council launched Facebook and LinkedIn pages, enhancing connectivity. He thanked the outgoing committee and the Chinese Embassy for their support and wished the incoming committee success.

Mr. Haroun Cader, the newly elected President, thanked the members for electing him and emphasized promoting trade, investment, services, and tourism between Sri Lanka and China. His vision includes leveraging the Belt and Road Initiative, benefiting from the upcoming Free Trade Agreement, supporting innovation and technology, and promoting sustainable development. He concluded by expressing confidence in achieving these goals through collaboration and thanked all members, partners, and stakeholders for their support.

Committee Photograph 2024-25

Seated from left to right: Mr. Chaminda Perera, Ms. Nethmi Jayamaha, His Excellency Qi Zhenhong, Mr. Haroun Cader, Mr. M. H. M. K. Hameez, Ms. Aneesha Boteju

Standing left to right: Mr Adheesha Salpitikorala, Mr. Tharindu Mahawedage, Chandrika Ranawaka, Mr. Sampath Kumara, Mr. Kumudu Jayalath, Mr. Dhanushka Perera, Mr. G. Rajendran, Mr. Damith Jayawardana