The Sri Lanka–Italy Business Council (SLITBC) of The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce held its 27th Annual General Meeting recently, electing a new leadership team for the year ahead and reflecting on the Council’s longstanding role in strengthening business ties between Sri Lanka and Italy.
Ms. Dushy Jayaweera of the Acorn Group was elected President, while Mr. Shamil Mendis of Spear International was appointed Senior Vice President and Ms. Anika Williamson of JAT Holdings was elected Vice President, while Mr. Daminda Mulgama, outgoing President of the Council, will continue to serve as the Immediate Past President.
The AGM saw the participation of five of the Council’s 13 past presidents, a notable presence that reflected its 27-year history and the contributions of successive leaders in promoting trade, investment and commercial cooperation between Sri Lanka and Italy.
The Council’s Patron, H.E. Damiano Francovigh, Ambassador of Italy to Sri Lanka, and Dr. Alberto Arcidiacono, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Italy, also attended the AGM. Their presence reflected the continued support of the Italian Embassy for the Council’s work and the importance of maintaining close engagement between the two countries’ business communities.
The keynote address was delivered by Mr. Timothy O’Reilly, Managing Director of Taprobane Seafoods, who shared his company’s journey and experiences in business development in Sri Lanka and Italy, while drawing on lessons in entrepreneurship and the opportunities available to Sri Lankan businesses in Italy.
Members also reviewed the Council’s activities over the past year and discussed future priorities for expanding bilateral trade, investment and business partnerships.
The evening continued with an Italian-themed dinner, providing members and guests an opportunity to network and connect with representatives of the Sri Lankan and Italian business communities.
Through its work under The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, the Sri Lanka–Italy Business Council continues to support business engagement between the two countries, working with the Italian Embassy, trade promotion institutions and the wider business community to identify opportunities for stronger commercial ties.