The 19th Annual General Meeting of the Sri Lanka – China Business Council (SLCHBC) of The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce was held via Microsoft Teams on July 29.
Commercial Counsellor, Embassy of People’s Republic of China Yang Zuoyuan, was the Chief Guest. SLCHBC was established on April 26 2001 and 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.
Aruna Perera, Director, Cargoserv Shipping Ltd was elected as the President of the Council for the year 2020-2021. Chaminda Perera, Associated Motorways Ltd was elected as the Senior Vice President and Ruwan Senaviratne, Stretchline (Pvt) Ltd was elected as the Vice President of the Council. Haroun Cader, Sinwa Holdings Limited was elected as the Treasurer and Thulitha Mendis, Singer (Sri Lanka) PLC servesas the Immediate Past President of the council.
In his address, Aruna Perera mentioned that during the last year, under the Leadership of Thulitha Mendis, the council moved with a greater vigor. Despite the many obstacles the council will continue to have events via webinars focusing on sectors in line with the country’s needs. He further stated that “In these challenging conditions, we would look at how the business council could facilitate growth in Trade, tourism and investment segments between the two countries and look upon to much corporation and help from our dear friend Commercial Councilor of embassy and all other officials.
The Commercial Counsellor, Yang Zuoyuan stated that “The Chinese government has taken the most comprehensive, thorough and rigorous measures to fight against the pandemic. There were many heart-warming moves and active supports from the Sri Lankan government and people from all walks of life to China at that critical moment. China cherishes its friendly relations with Sri Lanka and highly appreciates the firm support from Sri Lanka. After united and arduous efforts, China has successfully kept the pandemic under control and the order of life and economy in China are now under restoration at an increasing pace.”
Abans PLC, Cosco Lanka Pvt Ltd., David Pieris Motor Company Ltd, Hayleys Agriculture Holdings Ltd, Acorn Aviation (Private) Ltd, John Keells Holdings PLC, Prima Ceylon (Private) Ltd, Spillburg Holdings (Pvt) Ltd, Sunshine Tea (Pvt) Ltd and Zam Gems Private Ltd were elected from the membership to serve on the Executive Committee of the Council.
