The Sri Lanka-Canada Business Forum, held on 15th October 2024, marked a significant step forward in strengthening trade, investment, and tourism ties between the two nations. The event commenced with an inspiring welcome address by Kula Sellathurai, President of the Canada Business Convention, who emphasized the potential for growth and collaboration between Sri Lanka and Canada under Sri Lanka’s new government. Sellathurai highlighted the new vision for economic progress, focusing on expanding bilateral relations and investment.
Priyantha Chandrasekera, President of the Sri Lanka-Canada Business Council of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, representing the visiting eight-member delegation from Sri Lanka, welcomed the audience. Chandrasekera expressed the delegation’s goal of showcasing investment and joint venture opportunities in Sri Lanka while exploring collaboration prospects in Canada. He also shared insights from a recent meeting with Hon. Harini Amarasuriya, Prime Minister of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, stressing the government’s efforts to enhance the ease of doing business.
Mohammad Hameez, Vice President of the Business Council, delivered an insightful presentation on Sri Lanka’s strategic location, which serves as a vital hub for connectivity between the East and West. Hameez provided an overview of Sri Lanka’s current economic trajectory, noting a steady 4% growth. He further outlined opportunities at the Colombo Port City and several Export Processing Zones (EPZs), including Paranthan and Mankulam, which offer incentives for foreign investment, particularly in industries such as heavy manufacturing, agro-based production, and chemical industries.
Key sectors for collaboration, such as education, agriculture, IT, retail, renewable energy, and sustainability, were also discussed. The forum spotlighted opportunities for joint ventures, including expanding Sri Lanka’s education sector with Canadian expertise, developing agriculture, and promoting software development and e-commerce.
The event underscored Sri Lanka’s commitment to renewable energy, particularly in solar and wind, and highlighted Colombo Port City’s potential as a multi-billion-dollar economic zone designed to be South Asia’s financial hub.
The business forum concluded with a shared vision of strengthening economic ties and unlocking vast potential for mutual growth in trade, investment, and tourism between Sri Lanka and Canada.
