On 16th October 2024, the delegation of the Sri Lanka-Canada Business Council (SLCBC) of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce held a significant meeting with Mr. Hanif Inami, Trade Commissioner, Regional Office of the Trade Commissioner Service Ontario Region, and Mr. Tom Cumming, Director of Trade. This meeting focused on strengthening the promotion of Canadian education in Sri Lanka and exploring avenues for collaboration in the education sector.

The SLCBC delegation presented an overview of its ongoing efforts to promote Canadian education in Sri Lanka, with a particular emphasis on enhancing partnerships and facilitating student mobility between the two countries. The discussion also centered on the Department’s priorities for trade development, especially in education, and how this can be supported both through the home country office and onshore in Sri Lanka.

Key topics included the organization of trade fairs to facilitate B2B discussions, mechanisms to ensure Canadian education standards are upheld in programs delivered in Sri Lanka, and identifying potential opportunities for transnational education (TNE) partnerships. These discussions are expected to pave the way for more robust educational collaborations between Sri Lanka and Canada.

A special thank you is extended to Mr. Abdul Majeed, Trade Commissioner at Global Affairs Canada, for organizing this one-on-one session. His efforts have instilled confidence in the delegation that Sri Lanka will continue to receive valuable support from both Canadian and Sri Lankan stakeholders in promoting and expanding Canadian educational programs in the region.

This engagement reaffirms the commitment of both countries to strengthening ties in education, ensuring high standards of delivery, and exploring future opportunities for growth.