Rohitha Thilakaratne re-elected as President at 23rd AGM of Sri Lanka Pakistan Business Council

Sri Lanka-Pakistan Business Council (SLPBC) which functions under the aegis of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce held its 23rd Annual General Meeting recently, re-electing Rohitha Thilakaratne, Managing Director of Merchant Lanka Ltd. as the President of the SLPBC for 2017-2018. Dr. Sarfaraz Ahmed Khan Sipra, Deputy High Commissioner of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan was the Chief Guest.

Addressing the gathering, the Deputy High Commissioner of Pakistan to Sri Lanka while congratulating the re-election of the President Rohitha Thilakaratne, appreciated his continuous support and active contribution to strengthening the relationship between Pakistan and Sri Lanka, particularly in business and trade. 

Although being positive on trade between the two countries he feels that more could have been achieved given the vast untapped potential available in Pakistan. He stressed the importance of increasing bilateral trade relations, by creating a conducive business environment and expanding business network, as well as maintaining the already close and friendly relations between the two countries. 

The re-elected President of the SLIBC Rohitha Thilakaratne addressing the membership emphasised the importance of broad basing the export markets utilising FTA more aggressively. President also stressed that there is a big necessity to eliminate some trade barriers immediately to get investor confidence and to improve trade to potential levels; for which he requested the support of Pakistani counter parts swiftly and consistently. He also highlighted on the number of meetings held with various high governmental officials during the past year with the assistance of the High Commission.  

Thilalkaratne together with the other members of SLPBC took the opportunity of wishing farewell to the Deputy High Commissioner who has concluded his tenure in Sri Lanka.

Merchant Lanka Ltd. Managing Director Rohitha Thilakaratne was re-elected as the President. Lanka Commodity Holdings Ltd. Director Azmy Mohideen and Habib Bank Ltd. Regional General Manager Arif Ali were elected as Vice presidents for the period 2017-18. 

The following members were elected to serve on the Executive Committee: Akbar Brothers Ltd., 

CML-MLD Construction Ltd., Eswaran Brothers Exports Ltd., Hatton National Bank PLC and M.A. Razak & Co. Ltd.