IFC Country Manager visits Ceylon Chamber, hold discussions with the Chairman

IFC Country Manager for Sri Lanka and Maldives Ameena Arif visited The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce last week. She was met by CCC Chairman Samantha Ranatunga.

During the discussion, Ranatunga said the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce was keen to work with the IFC.

“The chamber has a very rich history and a sound resource structure, which can be put into use to implement any viable project for the purpose of development of the country,” said Ranatunga.

CCC Chairman Samantha Ranatunga in discussion with IFC Sri Lanka Country Manager Ameena Arif

Ranatunga also emphasised on the importance of using IFC’s expertise to transfer knowledge into specific sectors of Sri Lanka, such as ‘highlighting the importance of trade agreements’ to the Lankan stakeholders.

In response, Arif said IFC was focusing on financing financially viable projects in Sri Lanka, and highlighted potential areas such as infrastructure, tourism, agribusiness, energy and also finance, etc.

“The project IFC gets involved should be viable and also should have a development aspect into it,’ said Arif. She said IFC was willing to work with both the public and the private sector.

Dhara Wijayatilake, CEO of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce and Alikie Perera, Deputy Secretary General of the Chamber were also present at the meeting. Priyanka Coorey, Senior Investment Officer at the IFC Sri Lanka, accompanied Arif.