National Chamber charts MSME growth agenda at 67th AGM

From left: NCCSL Secretary General/CEO Nilupul Chandrasena, Senior Deputy President Kavinda Rajapakse, Deputy President Dr. Lakmal Fernando, Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to Sri Lanka and the Maldives (Dr.) Semih Lütfü Turgut, NCCSL President Anura Warnakulasooriya, EDB Chairman/CEO Mangala Wijesinghe, NCCSL Immediate Past President Deepal Nelson, and Honorary Treasurer Chamika Godamanna

• NCCSL President Anura Warnakulasooriya expresses commitment to be the voice of business, advocating progressive policy reforms, facilitating meaningful connections that translate into tangible opportunities for MSMEs and the wider corporate sector
• Türkiye Ambassador Dr. Semih Lütfü Turgut highlights how smaller nations can leverage comparative advantages to achieve outsized economic success
• EDB Chief Mangala Wijesinghe says NEDP aims to boost trade competitiveness, expand global and regional market linkages, drive sustainable growth via product and market diversification

The National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka (NCCSL) convened its 67th Annual General Meeting at the Kingsbury Hotel in Colombo on Tuesday (10), bringing together business leaders, policymakers and members of the diplomatic community to explore collaborative strategies for economic growth and MSME development.

Held under the theme “Mapping Connections, Creating Opportunities”, the AGM underscored the Chamber’s focus on strengthening strategic partnerships and building sustainable pathways for Sri Lanka’s economic progress.

NCCSL President Anura Warnakulasooriya reaffirmed its commitment to serving as the voice of business, advocating progressive policy reforms and facilitating meaningful connections that translate into tangible opportunities for MSMEs and the wider corporate sector.

Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to Sri Lanka and the Maldives (Dr.) Semih Lütfü Turgut, attending as Chief Guest, highlighted how smaller nations can leverage comparative advantages to achieve outsized economic success. 

Drawing lessons from Singapore, Switzerland and New Zealand, he noted that countries with limited scale can “punch above their weight” by focusing on niche strengths and innovation.

“Sri Lanka, with its strategic location in the Indian Ocean, rich cultural heritage and dynamic entrepreneurial spirit, is exceptionally well-placed to chart its own path to economic success,” Ambassador Turgut said, adding that innovation acts as a multiplier in enhancing national competitiveness.

Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) Chairman and CEO Mangala Wijesinghe, who attended as Guest of Honour, outlined the country’s export transformation strategy. 

He pointed to Sri Lanka’s evolution from a raw material exporter to a value-added producer, while positioning itself as a destination for high-end talent in AI-enabled services, cybersecurity and fintech.

Wijesinghe said the National Export Development Plan (NEDP) aims to enhance trade competitiveness, expand global and regional market linkages, and drive sustainable growth through product and market diversification.

The AGM also provided members with an opportunity to review the Chamber’s performance over the past year, deliberate on strategic priorities and identify new avenues for collaboration. Discussions focused on emerging market trends, investment prospects and the shifting dynamics of international trade.

Hayleys Mobility Ltd., served as the main sponsor of the event, reinforcing the role of public-private partnership (PPP) in advancing the country’s economic agenda.