The Sri Lanka–Benelux Business Council (SLBBC) of The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce conducted its 30th Annual General Meeting recently, at the Colombo Club, Taj Samudra Hotel.
The outgoing President, Mr. Wijenayake, reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to strengthening trade and investment ties between Sri Lanka and the Benelux nations. He highlighted the importance of promoting responsible business practices and exploring emerging opportunities in renewable energy and sustainable agriculture. He also emphasised the need to organise a long-overdue business promotion mission to the Netherlands, noting that such an initiative would significantly enhance collaboration and investment prospects.
The newly appointed President, Mr. Farhath Amith, outlined the Council’s key priorities for strengthening Sri Lanka–Benelux business relations. He highlighted opportunities to expand trade, tourism, investment, and sectoral partnerships across Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg.
He noted the need for support from the Benelux region in extending the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) SME compliance deadline to December 2026, as many Sri Lankan smallholders require more time to meet sustainability standards. He also identified collaboration potential in floriculture and the revival of Sri Lanka’s cocoa industry through investment and technology sharing.
Sri Lanka is seeking strengthened cooperation with key European partners to support sectoral development and enhance foreign exchange earnings. Belgium, as a leading global producer of value-added chocolate and major importer of cocoa products, is encouraged to explore opportunities to support cocoa cultivation and development in Sri Lanka. Luxembourg, with its strong IT and logistics capabilities, is also invited to consider partnering with Sri Lanka in developing the island as a regional IT hub and supporting growth in port-related infrastructure. Sri Lanka welcomes the partnership and support of these nations to unlock new opportunities and strengthen economic cooperation.
Mr. Amith reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to deepening B2B engagement, supporting SMEs, and enhancing bilateral economic cooperation in the year ahead.
Mr. Shaameel Mohideen (Spillburg Holdings (Pvt) Ltd) was appointed as the Senior Vice President and Mr. P. M. Abeysekara (Vinu International Trading Company (Pvt) Ltd.) was appointed as the Vice President. The Council also elected committee members representing National Technology Development Corporation Society, Universal Travel Bureau, Thames education Consultancy Pvt Ltd, Euroaqua Link Pvt Ltd and Ningbo Marketing Company Pvt Ltd Mr. Sajith Wijenayake from Aitken Spence Travels (Pvt) Ltd. will serve on the committee as the Immediate Past President.
For further details regarding membership of the Council, please contact the Secretariat of the Sri Lanka – Benelux Business Council of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, No. 50, Navam Mawatha, Colombo 2. E-mail: bizpromo@chamber.lk or Tel.: 011 5588829/ 5588800.