Business
Trade Finance Association of Bankers celebrates 25th anniversary
Trade Finance Association of Bankers (TFAB) held their 25th Anniversary Celebrations along with the Annual Inter-Bank Trade Quiz and Social at the Grand Ball Room, Hilton Hotel Colombo in grandeur on the 3rd of December 2022 with Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe, Governor, Central Bank of Sri Lanka as the Chief Guest. Several Chief Executive Officers and members of the corporate management of Commercial banks, senior bankers attached to trade departments of banks, members of TFAB along with the senior Government Officers connected to import and export trade graced the occasion.
Consequent to the inaugural address by Lawrian Somanader, President TFAB, the Guest of Honour for the evening, Matthieu Andrieu, Head of Corporate Banking of M/s. Finastra who were the Chief Sponsors for the celebrations, addressed the audience. In his speech he shared valuable insights, market trends and Covid 19 impact on the global economy. He also reiterated the importance of embracing Fintech solutions to Trade Finance banking needs and being delighted in partnering the TFAB celebration.
Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe delivered the Keynote speech where he emphasized that the most important part in International Trade for bankers is to give proper advice to their customers and our ability to provide professional advice depends on our ability to predict, forecast and read the situation and render the correct advise to the client.
As part of the anniversary celebrations the Association re-launched its web site www.tfab.lk with a better look and feel with additional resources. The association also launched its Anniversary volume titled “Navigating International Trade Through Economic Turbulence” First copy of the volume was presented by Eranda Weerakoon, Chairman of the Editorial Committee to the chief guest. Thereafter the Chief Guest presented copies of the volume to each of the writers who contributed articles to the Anniversary volume.
The Chief Guest, Governor, Central Bank of Sri Lanka presented mementoes to the Past Presidents in recognition of their contribution to the Association and to the international trade finance community at large.
The 25th Anniversary Celebrations were flagged off with the annual Inter-Bank Trade Quiz which has been the premier event of the Association and is designed to test and share the knowledge in International Trade Finance among the trade practitioners. The Quiz competition consisted of five rounds, with topics ranging from sports and current affairs to trade finance. Following the completion of each round, the respective winner for that round was also announced. To entertain the rest of the audience, they were also quizzed on a few questions whilst the competition took place.
This year too the Quiz was keenly contested with 27 teams competing for the coveted Trophy was won by Seylan Bank, while Peoples Bank and the Commercial Bank of Ceylon won the 1st and 2nd Runners-up titles respectively. The Trade round was won by Bank of Ceylon.
The organizing committee for the 25th Anniversary Celebrations of the association wishes to convey a special thank you to their sponsors for their generosity and contribution especially during difficult times.
The Association wishes to acknowledge with gratitude the commercial banks operating in Sri Lanka who have always extended their fullest support to the Association for playing a major role in the development of trade practitioners, their staff members and addressing issues affecting trade business.
The Fellowship, Dinner and Social which followed saw the bankers handling trade across commercial banks in Sri Lanka networking to improve connectivity among them. The evening was widely regarded as a success, with over 300 trade professionals attending the event on a Saturday night, to enjoy good music and helped to make the night memorable.
By Sanath Nanayakkare
In a major boost to bilateral economic ties, the Chamber of Construction Industry of Sri Lanka (CCISL) and the Indo–Sri Lanka Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ISCCI) have signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to deepen cooperation in real estate, infrastructure, and urban development.
The agreement establishes a formal framework for both institutions to drive collaborative initiatives, including business delegations, high-level conferences, workshops, B2B matchmaking sessions, and technical site visits. Designed to bridge businesses, government institutions, and project stakeholders across the Palk Strait, the partnership aims to unlock new avenues for cross-border joint ventures and technology transfers.
A focal point of this newly minted partnership is the facilitation of an upcoming trade delegation from the National Real Estate Development Council (NAREDCO) of India. Comprising major Indian players in the real estate and infrastructure sectors, the visiting delegation will engage in targeted business meetings, workshops, and inspection tours of prominent construction projects in Sri Lanka.
Under the terms of the MoU, CCISL will serve as the principal host coordinator in Sri Lanka. In close consultation with ISCCI, the apex construction body will curate itineraries, identify viable projects for engagement, and facilitate high-level dialogues with key government agencies, regulatory bodies, and industry leaders.
With both nations prioritizing sustainable urban growth, modern construction technologies, and infrastructure expansion, industry leaders view the partnership as a timely catalyst for economic rejuvenation. The collaboration is anticipated to accelerate market access, knowledge exchange, and foreign direct investment into Sri Lanka’s burgeoning property and development sectors.
To ensure the success of the upcoming NAREDCO delegation, CCISL has issued an urgent appeal to statutory authorities and relevant project owners to come forward with viable investment proposals. Stakeholders holding projects seeking foreign investment or technical partnerships are invited to submit comprehensive details to the Secretary General and CEO of CCISL via email at secyces@gmail.com.
Both chambers emphasize that translating this foundational agreement into tangible partnerships and robust capital flows will significantly strengthen bilateral connectivity between the construction and real estate sectors of India and Sri Lanka.
Hettich, the globally renowned German manufacturer of furniture fittings and architectural hardware known for its state-of-the-art manufacturing plants and magical interior solutions across the world celebrated a significant milestone in Sri Lanka, marking 10 years of presence in the country with its inaugural Partner Meet in Colombo.
The landmark event brought together Hettich’s key partners, stakeholders and industry leaders to celebrate a decade of growth, collaboration and shared success, while reaffirming the company’s long-term commitment to the Sri Lankan market.
Over the past decade, Hettich has strengthened its presence in Sri Lanka through its focus on German engineering, innovation, quality and functionality, contributing to the creation of contemporary and intelligently designed living and working spaces across the country.
The gala evening was graced by a distinguished delegation of senior leaders, including Dr. Andreas Hettich, Chairman, Hettich Group Advisory Board; S. K. Poddar, Chairman, Hettich India & Adventz Group; Mr. Akshay Poddar, Director, Hettich India; Andre Eckholt, Managing Director, Hettich India, SAARC, Middle East & Africa; Rahul Thakkar, Director – Sales, Hettich India & SAARC; and Dinusha Bhaskaran, Managing Director, Vallibel One PLC.
GS Evo Motors Limited, the authorized distributor of JMEV electric vehicles in Sri Lanka, has officially launched the JMEV EWIND, a next-generation compact electric SUV. The vehicle is designed to offer strong performance, intelligent technology, premium comfort, and high safety standards, marking another milestone in Sri Lanka’s growing electric mobility sector.
The EWIND features a sleek, aerodynamic exterior with penetrating LED daytime running lights, trapezoidal chain-inspired LED tail lamps, 19-inch alloy wheels, and a bold silhouette. Inside, it offers a spacious cabin with a panoramic moonroof and retractable curtain, an ultra-thin suspended instrument panel, a D-shaped multifunction steering wheel, multi-colour ambient lighting, premium finishes, and electrically adjustable front seats.
The SUV is available in single-motor front-wheel drive configurations, producing up to 108 kW and 210 Nm, with 0–100 km/h acceleration in 8.9 seconds.
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