20th Annual General Meeting of the Sri Lanka-Russia Business Council of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce

SLRBC Committee 2023/24 

The 20th Annual General Meeting of the Sri Lanka-Russia Business Council of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce (SLRBC) was held on 26 September at the Cinnamon Grand, Colombo 03. The event was graced by the presence of the Ambassador of the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Sri Lanka Levan Dzhagaryan, who graciously participated as the Chief Guest. 

Speaking on the occasion of the 20th Annual General Meeting of the Sri Lanka-Russia Business Council of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce (SLRBC) Ambassador Levan Dzhagaryan emphasised that “During the first three months of 2023 Russia remained the top source of tourism to Sri Lanka with the average share of 24% of tourist arrivals. Since the beginning of 2023, Russia accounts for 14% share of tourist arrivals to the Island and takes the second place in the number of tourists.” 

The keynote speaker People’s Bank Overseas Customer Services Assistant General Manager Aruni Liyanagunawardana, discussed the remittance facilities established by People’s Bank to facilitate inward remittances to the country, with a focus on the services offered to the export sector, tourism industry and the expatriate community, thereby strengthening the economy.

Acknowledging the need for a stronger focus on bilateral trade, Rhino Roofing Products Ltd. Director Jude Fernando, who was elected as the President of the SLRBC for 2023/24 said he would work ‘closely with the relevant authorities to promote more business between Russia and Sri Lanka, in the areas of tea, travel, tourism, gems, jewellery and others.’

Maxims Overseas Holdings Ltd. Managing Director Buddhapriya Ramanayake, and John Keells Holdings Vice President and Walkers Tours Ltd. Business Development Head Prabath Harshakumar have been elected as the Vice Presidents of the SLRBC for the period 2023/24. 

Nature’s Beauty Creations Ltd. Exports Head Shamindi Kumarasinghe, was elected as the Treasurer to the Council and SALOTA International Ltd. Managing Director Kolitha Wickremasinghe joined the committee in his capacity as the Immediate Past President.

The committee elected for the period 2023/24 will be represented by; Avian Technologies Ltd., Ceylon Fresh Teas Ltd., Freight Links International Ltd., HVA Food PLC, Millennium Teas Ltd., Regency Teas Ltd., Scanwell Logistics Colombo Ltd., Shan Teas Ltd. and Unitrades Ltd.

Companies interested in joining the membership of the Sri Lanka-Russia Business Council may contact Aneesha at the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce on tel. no. 0115588856 or email: [email protected] to obtain further information.