COYLE successfully concludes first-ever Sri Lanka-Cuba Business Forum in Havana

A 13-member high level business delegation from the Chamber of Young Lankan Entrepreneurs (COYLE) led by its Chairman Kasun Rajapaksa, visited Cuba from 17 to 20 October on a business promotion and goodwill mission which was the first of its kind by a Sri Lankan Chamber delegation to Cuba. 

The group of Sri Lankan entrepreneurs representing construction, manufacturing, trading and services sectors, took part in the first ever Sri Lanka-Cuba Business Forum on 18 October at the National Hotel in Havana, jointly organised by the Cuban Chamber of Commerce, Embassy of Sri Lanka in Havana and the Embassy of Cuba in Colombo, aimed at exploring trade, commerce and business opportunities between the two countries. A large gathering of Cuban entrepreneurs, officials, and chamber representatives were present on the occasion. 

The Sri Lanka-Cuba Business Forum kicked off its proceedings under the distinguished presence of the Director of the Cuban Chamber of Commerce, Chairman of COYLE and the Sri Lankan Ambassador to Cuba. The Director of the Cuban Chamber of Commerce Milena Perez Cepero in her opening remarks underscored the initiative taken by COYLE to open up new horizons between the two countries. While extending her appreciation to COYLE delegation, she thanked all those present for their genuine interest and support for a worthy endeavour.  

From left: Sujeewa Palliyaguruge, Ashoka Randeni, Diresh Hettiarachchi, Kushan Kodituwakku,  Nishan Wasalathanthri, Kalana Hewamallika, Kasun Rajapaksa, Navein Perera, Sanjaya Jayaratne, Dimuth Chankama Silva, Dinesh Senanayake, Saranga Goonawardena and Sanjaya Ekanayake

Delivering his speech, COYLE Chairman Kasun Rajapaksa emphasised the common outlook and shared perspectives enjoyed by Sri Lanka and Cuba in topographical, geographical, climatic, ecological, socio-cultural sectors so on and so forth. Elaborating further, Rajapaksa outlined COYLE’s vision and mission toward seizing the opportunities at the disposal of both countries for further promotion of trade, commerce and investment between the two countries, in partnership with like-minded entities. He also assured the Cuban counterparts of COYLE’s fullest support and commitment in pursuing hassle-free and business-friendly collaboration with Cuban entrepreneurs in all sectors of bilateral interest.

The Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Cuba, Sarath Dissanayake, briefed those present on the strategic diplomatic and foreign policy initiatives launched by the present government led by President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe to usher in a new era of international collaboration with all members of the international community. Recalling the fact Sri Lanka and Cuba have been best of friends for generations, despite the geographical landscape that keep them far apart, the Ambassador echoed the sentiments expressed by Chairman of COYLE that the two countries could count on each other’s support to consolidate their respective economies. 

He also appreciated the role played by Cuban Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Florentino Batista González and the Chamber Of Young Lankan Entrepreneurs (COYLE) in organising and facilitating the maiden trade mission to Cuba and making the first ever Sri Lankan-Cuba Business Forum a reality. In closing, he made a power point presentation on “Sri Lanka and its attractive business, trade and investment climate.

There was an exchange of gifts and tokens which was symbolic of the true spirit in which the first ever Sri Lanka-Cuba Business Forum concluded successfully in an atmosphere of friendship and cordiality. 

The Business Forum was followed by B2B meetings between the COYLE delegation and their Cuban counterparts and ended on a positive note. The session was concluded with a luncheon hosted by the COYLE for the Cuban entrepreneurs, officials and all those present.  

The COYLE trade delegation was hosted to a dinner by the Sri Lankan Ambassador Sarath Dissanayake that evening at which the newly appointed Cuban Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Madam Juana Elena Ramos Rodriguez and officials of the Foreign Ministry were present. 

COYLE Trade Delegation members comprised of Kasun Rajapaksa – Chairman, COYLE Director, DSI Samson Group Ltd. Kushan Kodituwakku – Senior Vice Chairman, COYLE Managing Director, Orange Electric Company, Navein Perera – Immediate Past Chairman, COYLE Managing Director, Sparklink Travels Ltd. Sanjaya Jayaratne – Past Chairman, COYLE, Chairman/Managing Director, Navesta Pharmaceuticals Ltd./Citi Health Imports Ltd. Nishan Wasalathanthri – Past Chairman, COYLE, Managing Director, Promowatch Ltd. Kalana Hewamallika – Past Chairman, COYLE, Managing Director, Gamma Pharmaceuticals Ltd./Interpharm Ltd. Dinesh Senanayake – Committee Member, COYLE Chairman, C.S. Car Sales, Diresh Hettiarachchi – Member, COYLE Chairman/Managing Director and CEO, Invest Lanka Investments Group of Companies & City Finance Corporation Ltd. Sujeewa Palliyaguruge – Member, COYLE Managing Director, Senani Holdings, Dimuth Chankama Silva –Member, COYLE Managing Director, Freight Masters International Ltd. Sanjaya Ekanayake – Member, COYLE Chairman/Managing Director, Spellbound Fashion Ltd. Ashoka Randeni – Member, COYLE Chairman/Managing Director, Consulting Engineers & Contractors Ltd. Saranga Goonawardena – Member, COYLE Managing Director, TNG Packaging Ltd.