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Sri Lanka-Canada Business Council successfully concludes trade and investment mission to Canada

Pabio November 4, 2024

Meeting with Sri Lankan High Commissioner to Canada UL Mohammed Jauhar

Meeting with Nepean West MP Chandra Arya

Meeting with the Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce

The Sri Lanka-Canada Business Council (SLCBC) of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce successfully concluded its nine-member trade and investment mission to Canada, strengthening bilateral ties and exploring trade, investment opportunities and allies in key sectors. Held from October 14 to 22, the mission was led by SLCBC President Priyantha Chandrasekara and included constructive discussions with Canadian business leaders, government officials, academic institutions and chambers of commerce.

Before departing for Canada, the delegation held a briefing with the Sri Lankan Prime Minister, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, to discuss the objectives and anticipated impact of the mission, highlighting the importance of this initiative to highest levels of government in Sri Lanka.

The mission’s flagship event, the Sri Lanka-Canada Business Forum, was held on October 15 and featured numerous opportunities for collaboration between the two countries. Canada Sri Lanka Business Convention (CSBC) President’s Keynote Speaker Kula Sellathurai, SLCBC counterpart in Canada, highlighted Sri Lanka’s growth potential in emerging sectors. SLCBC leaders, including President Priyantha Chandrasekara and Vice President Mohammad Hameez, highlighted Sri Lanka’s strategic advantages in trade and investment, focusing on critical areas such as higher education and higher education, smart and green agriculture, travel and tourism IT and startups. The forum highlighted the Colombo Port City Project and the Kankesanthurai Industrial Processing Zone (KKS), presenting attractive investment incentives for Canadian businesses.

Following the forum, CSBC hosted a networking session attended by prominent business leaders and members of the Scarborough Business Association, facilitating discussions on joint ventures and collaborative projects.

The delegation collaborated with the Council of Ontario Universities, including its President and CEO, Steve Orsini, to explore educational partnerships, research initiatives and student mobility opportunities, particularly in STEM fields. Additionally, discussions with the J’pura Canada Alumni Association highlighted strong demand for enhanced educational exchanges, paving the way for expanded academic collaboration between Canada and Sri Lanka.

In other engagements, the delegation explored agriculture, mineral exports and educational partnerships with the Can Lanka Business Association.

In Ottawa, Nepean West MP Chandra Arya welcomed the delegation to the Canadian Parliament for discussions on reducing trade barriers and promoting a favorable business climate. The SLCBC also met with the Sri Lankan High Commissioner to Canada, UL Mohammed Jauhar, who expressed his strong support for these initiatives.

The delegation then traveled to Montreal, where discussions continued with Global Affairs Canada and major Canadian food manufacturers. These meetings focused on expanding Sri Lankan exports, particularly coconut products, and creating pathways for Sri Lankan students seeking higher education in Canada, with a shared commitment to stimulate bilateral trade flows.

In Vancouver, discussions with the Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce and the Surrey Board of Trade focused on collaboration opportunities in agritechnology, IT and tourism, further highlighting the potential for growth bilateral businesses. The delegation also spoke with Surrey City Councilor Linda Annis, as well as Jim Bennett, Honorary Consul of British Columbia to Sri Lanka, and members of the Sri Lanka Friendship Association. The meetings highlighted Surrey’s vast business landscape and provided insight into the dynamic role of the Sri Lankan diaspora in promoting bilateral relations.

The delegation was honored at the 22nd anniversary of the Saravana Bhawan restaurant chain by owner and philanthropist Ganaesan Sugumar, who is also the head of CSBC’s counterpart organization in Canada. Sugumar warmly welcomed the delegation alongside leading investors for this anniversary celebration.

The delegation’s visit concluded with reaffirmed commitments from the SLCBC and Canadian partners to foster sustainable economic growth and formalize future collaborative efforts. This mission marks an exciting new chapter in Sri Lanka-Canada relations, establishing a solid foundation for increased initiatives in trade, investment and educational exchanges.

The Sri Lanka-Canada Business Council (SLCBC) is expected to host its Canadian counterparts and eminent business leaders from various chambers of Sri Lanka in early 2025. The visit will provide a platform for discussions with eminent global personalities business and government officials from Sri Lanka on trade, investment and joint venture opportunities, strengthening the partnership between the two nations.