Indo-Lanka Chamber of Commerce and Industry holds 15th AGM

The Indo-Lanka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ILCCI) recently convened its 15th Annual General Meeting with the Patron of the Council High Commissioner of India Gopal Baglay gracing the occasion as the Chief Guest. 

The outgoing President of the Council South Asia Gateway Terminals Ltd. CEO Romesh David noted that recent interactions between the leadership from both India and Sri Lanka have set the stage for elevating bilateral engagement across various sectors. The impending Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement was underscored as a priority, offering the potential to amplify trade and stimulate economic growth for both countries.

Highlighting the synergy between India’s thriving IT industry and Sri Lanka’s tech-savvy workforce, David advocated for enhanced collaboration to meet the burgeoning demand for IT-enabled services. He also drew attention to the significant investment potential in the renewable energy sector, particularly onshore wind power, solar power, and offshore wind power, which would contribute to energy security and enable the production and export of zero carbon emission fuels, thereby aligning with the countries’ mutual commitment to achieving the 2050 zero-emission target.

He also acknowledged the role played by India in aiding Sri Lanka’s recovery from the significant economic, social, and political challenges faced over the past year and a half. 

High Commissioner Baglay reiterated David’s sentiments, and endorsed the call for enhanced collaboration, echoing David’s sentiments relating to the IT sector which he hailed as the pivotal contributing factor towards India’s transformation, through facilitating more efficient business processes, as well as the delivery of citizen-centric services and enhanced transparency. 

The Committee of the ILCCI for the year 2023/24 is as follows: President - Brandix Apparel Ltd. Consultant Muthukumaraswamy Raghuraman, Vice Presidents TATA Communications Lanka Ltd., Chief Executive Officer Ashish Dubey, and Carson Cumberbatch PLC Director Krishna Selvanathan. Committee Members Hemas Pharmaceuticals Ltd., Managing Director Jude Fernando, Indian Bank CEO P. Mohan Doss, John Keells Holdings PLC Transportation Group President Zafir Hashim, Lanka IOC PLC Managing Director Dipak Das, MAC Holdings Ltd. Chairman/Managing Director Andre Fernando, PGP Glass Ceylon PLC Executive Director/COO Sanjay Anand Jain, Sunshine Holdings PLC Group Managing Director Vish Govindasamy, Taj Sri Lanka and Maldives Area Director Samrat Datta, and Romesh David serving as the Immediate Past President.