The Sri Lanka – Japan Business Council (SLJBC) of The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce recently held its 47th AGM, with the Ambassador of Japan and the Patron of the Council, His Excellency Akio ISOMATA, attending as the Chief Guest.
Addressing the gathering, Ambassador ISOMATA outlined three priorities for deepening bilateral economic relations: an effective and forward-looking trade and investment policy, the promotion of domestic industrial policy, and expanded investment in renewable energy. He noted that Sri Lanka’s ongoing review of its Free Trade Agreement policy would be important in shaping the country’s future negotiating landscape. He encouraged Sri Lanka to look Eastward toward Southeast Asia and Japan, proposing that the country adopt an export-oriented industrial model. The Ambassador welcomed the Government’s National Export Development Plan 2026 and National Mineral Policy 2026 as consistent with Japan’s vision of connecting Sri Lanka’s export-related manufacturing sectors with India’s high-growth manufacturing base.
In his address, President Athulla R F Edirisinghe reflected on nearly seven decades of humanitarian and development support extended by Japan to Sri Lanka, and paid tribute to the Chairman of the Sasakawa Peace Foundation Mr. Yohei Sasakawa, for his magnanimity in establishing the Foundation. Reflecting on the history of Japanese investment in the region from the 1970s onward, he observed that Sri Lanka had missed many opportunities to attract Japanese foreign direct investment. Highlighting the 2025 proposal for a Sri Lanka – Japan Economic Corridor by the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry Japan, he called on Sri Lankan businesses, industry associations, and the wider community to come together in dialogue with the Government to ensure the country does not miss this opportunity as well.
2026/27 Committee: President: Mr. Athulla R F Edirisinghe – Director, Hirohama Ceylon (Pvt) Ltd, Senior Vice President – Mr. Ruwan Waidyaratne – Managing Director, Hayleys Advantis Ltd, Vice – President – Mr. Shamil Mendis – Managing Director, Spear International (Pvt) Ltd, Treasurer – Mr. Rohitha Mendis – Managing Director of Prudential Shipping Lines (Pte) Ltd, Immediate Past President – Mr. Mahen Kariyawasan – Managing Director, Andrew The Travel Company (Pvt) Ltd, representatives from Amano Lanka Engineering (Pvt) Ltd, BOV Capital (Pvt) Ltd, Brandix Apparel (Pvt) Ltd, Heritage Teas (Pvt) Ltd, Kalhari Enterprises (Pvt) Ltd, Lanka Harness (Pvt) Ltd, Dentsu Grant (Pvt) Ltd, MAC Holdings (Pvt) Ltd, and Vidullanka PLC. By invitation: HVA Foods PLC (subsidiary of George Steuart & Co), Spillburg Holdings (Pvt) Ltd, and Vaughan Chemicals (Pvt) Ltd.
The Sri Lanka – Japan Business Council plays an important role in promoting trade, tourism, and investments between Japan and Sri Lanka. For membership inquiries contact Kiyara at The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce via E-mail: businesscouncils1@chamber.lk or Tel.: 011 5588875/ 5588800.