Business

Why becoming Sri Lanka and Australia Chamber of Commerce member is a profitable idea

Published

2 years ago

2024/01/22

Thilina Walpola

Kalum De Silva

By Sanath Nanayakkare

The following are excerpts from an interview with Kalum De Silva, President of the Sri Lanka and Australia Chamber of Commerce (SLACC). The Chamber’s vision is to be the leading platform for fostering trade and investment between Sri Lanka and Australia with a view to contributing to the economic and social development of both nations. If you are looking for a platform that can help you grow your business, expand your network and access new opportunities in the dynamic markets of Sri Lanka and Australia, here is an interview article that gives you an exclusive scoop.

Q. Why does SLACC think deepening Australia-Sri Lanka ties is vital as our nations drive ahead in a changing global environment?

Australia and Sri Lanka have a long-standing and multifaceted relationship, based on shared interests and values. The two countries cooperate on a range of areas, such as trade and investment, security and defense, development and humanitarian assistance, education and culture, and people-to-people links. Deepening Australia-Sri Lanka ties is vital for both countries, as they face the challenges and opportunities of a changing global environment.

Some of the reasons why Australia and Sri Lanka should strengthen their ties are:

To enhance their economic partnership and mutual prosperity. Australia is one of Sri Lanka’s largest trading partners, with bilateral trade worth over A$1.3 billion in 2020. Australia is also a significant source of foreign direct investment, tourism, and education for Sri Lanka.

To support Sri Lanka’s development and resilience. Australia is a longstanding development partner of Sri Lanka, providing assistance in areas such as health, education, governance, gender equality, and social inclusion. Australia also supports Sri Lanka’s post-conflict reconciliation and peacebuilding efforts, as well as its humanitarian and disaster response capacity.

To foster cultural and people-to-people ties. Australia and Sri Lanka have a vibrant and diverse cultural exchange, with over 145,000 Australians of Sri Lankan origin, and over 15,000 Sri Lankan students studying in Australia.

Q. How many members do you have in SLACC? How many of them are Australian and how many are Sri Lankan?

We are in a rebuilding phase after a few lean years during the pandemic and the well documented economic issues that Sri Lanka underwent. As a bilateral chamber of commerce, we strive to have a 50/50 mix of members on both sides enabling relationships to form.

Q. What are the trade and business opportunities available in Australia for your Sri Lankan members and how does SLACC help them identify and harness those opportunities?

There are many trade and business opportunities available in Australia for Sri Lankan businesses, especially in sectors such as agriculture, retail, infrastructure, and innovation (IT/BPM). Some of the ways that we can help our members identify and harness those opportunities are:

Providing them with access to valuable information, insights, and opportunities in the bilateral market, through events, webinars, workshops, newsletters, and website.

Facilitating connections and collaborations among businesses, policy makers, and stakeholders from both countries, through our network, trade missions, business matching, and advocacy.

Supporting them with guidance and assistance in market research, trade regulations, investment incentives, and other aspects of doing business in Australia, through our experienced and dedicated team and our strategic partners.

Celebrating and strengthening the cultural and people-to-people ties between Sri Lanka and Australia, through our programs, initiatives, and media platforms.We are committed to bridging our two nations and creating a prosperous and harmonious future for both countries.

Q. Are all Sri Lankan members equally entitled to enjoy the opportunities of Australian trade contacts?

Definitely. We focus on key sectors we believe provide the low-hanging fruits for our Sri Lankan members. As such members from different industries may come across different types or even different levels of opportunities but members from within the same industry would certainly have access to the same opportunities.

Q. Are you working with any recognized entities in the two countries to unlock a lot of potential for both parties?

Yes, we do. In Sri Lanka we work closely with the Export Development Board, the National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka, SLASSCOM, the Sri Lanka Australia New Zealand Business Council and others such as CA Sri Lanka. In Australia we work with the regional Chambers of Commerce, trade and investment arms of some states such as Global Victoria and Trade and Investment Queensland. We also work closely with the two High Commissions and the Sri Lankan Consulate in Melbourne.

Q. Across which sectors can you arrange B2B meetings for Sri Lankan companies with Australian counterparts?

Currently, our sector wide focus is on the IT/BPM industry, value added food and agricultural produce exporters. Having said that, we work with members from other sectors all the time to fulfill specific requirements from Australia counterparts.

Q. SLACC organized a visit of an Australian Trade Delegation to Sri Lanka in September 2023 which explored the possibility of organic food and local fabrics exports to the Australian market. What was the outcome of that mission?

This was a successful visit. At a Global Victoria event held in October 2023 it was announced that trade of over A$700,000 had taken place within the first four weeks after the completion of this visit. The next checkpoint is in February, and we expect this number to increase significantly.

We worked very closely with the Aboriginal Economic Development Group within the Victoria State Government in organizing this delegation. Due to the success of this visit we expect even closer working relationship with indigenous owned businesses in Australia. The Kinaway Chamber of Commerce, the trade chamber for Victoria based Indigenous businesses, recognized this success by awarding SLACC the Global Alliance Award at the Victorian Aboriginal Business Awards in November 2023.

Q. What are your past achievements? What is your forward-thinking and vision for the future?

For a not-for-profit organization run by volunteers, we have been highly active. Some key highlights are as follows.Four trade delegations to Sri Lanka Over 15 events in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and in Sri Lanka for members and partners. Five webinars over a 17-month period during the pandemic.

A national business plan competition for Sri Lankan high school students in partnership with CA Sri Lanka and QUT three years in a row from 2016 to 2018. The winning teams got the opportunity to go to Australia to compete in an Australian Business Plan competition.

Instrumental in getting direct flights between Colombo and Melbourne Our vision is to be the leading platform for fostering trade and investment between Sri Lanka and Australia, and to contribute to the economic and social development of both nations. To achieve this vision, we will:

Provide our members with access to valuable information, insights, and opportunities in each market.

Facilitate connections and collaborations among businesses, policymakers, and stakeholders from both countries.

Advocate for the interests and needs of our members to promote a conducive business environment.

Support the advancement of innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity in the bilateral relationship.

Celebrate and strengthen the cultural and people-to-people ties between Sri Lanka and Australia.

Q. What is the eligibility and registration fee to confer the membership of SLACC?

We have different membership categories with different tiers of fees. Please get in touch with us and we will guide you through the process. As mentioned before, we will assess each application to see whether we could actually add value to someone joining us as a member before accepting an application.

Q. What’s your message to those aspiring to be members of SLACC?

Are you looking for a platform that can help you grow your business, expand your network, and access new opportunities in the dynamic markets of Sri Lanka and Australia? If so, you should join the Sri Lanka and Australia Chamber of Commerce (SLACC).

By becoming a member of SLACC, you will benefit from:

Exclusive access to events, webinars, and workshops that feature prominent speakers, industry experts, and policy makers from both countries.

Valuable insights and information on the latest trends, developments, and opportunities in various sectors, such as agriculture, retail, infrastructure, and innovation (IT/BPM).

Tailored support and guidance from our experienced and dedicated team, who can assist you with market research, business matching, trade missions, and more.Enhanced visibility and recognition for your brand, products, and services, through our website, newsletter, social media, and media partners.

A vibrant and diverse community of like-minded professionals, entrepreneurs, and leaders, who share a common interest and passion for strengthening the bilateral relationship between Sri Lanka and Australia.

“Do not miss this chance to be part of a dynamic and influential organization that can help you achieve your business goals and aspirations. Join SLACC today and discover the benefits of bridging our two nations,” President of SLACC says.

SLACC president can be reached via kalum@srilankaaustralia.com

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Business

Foreign Minister defends India pacts, sidesteps transparency demand

Published

11 hours ago

2026/01/6

Sahan Weerasooriya

The press conference held at the Foreign Ministry in Colombo yesterday. From left:Arun Hemachandra, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Vijitha Herath, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Tourism and Prof. Ruwan Ranasinghe, Deputy Minister of Tourism

In a press conference marked by both clarity and pointed omission, Foreign Affairs and Tourism Minister Vijitha Herath, yesterday offered a robust defence of two controversial bilateral agreements with India but conspicuously avoided committing to tabling their full texts in Parliament.

The minister’s appearance, billed as a year-opening briefing, took a sharp turn when questioned on the strategic implications of the India-Sri Lanka Defence Cooperation Agreement and Sri Lanka’s acceptance of the Indian Pharmacopoeia.

“No Indian military camps on our soil”

Responding in Sinhala to a question posed in English, Minister Herath moved first to allay what he suggested were widespread misapprehensions about the defence pact.

“This agreement is especially for data and information exchange purposes regarding drug trafficking, drug mafias, human trafficking, and any terrorist activities that could threaten regional security and peace,” Herath stated.

He emphasised that it would also facilitate “various support related to the defence sector.”

In his most definitive assertion, aimed at quieting a persistent national anxiety, the Minister declared: “We must clearly say that there is no plan or possibility of setting up Indian defence camps on Sri Lankan soil.” He categorised the pact not as a “defence agreement” but a “defence cooperation agreement in its real sense,” claiming it creates an “advantageous position” for Sri Lanka.

He linked recent post-‘Ditwah’ cyclone disaster support from India, as well as U.S. aerial support during recovery efforts, to the frameworks established by such cooperation agreements, arguing they have proven beneficial.

Indian Pharmacopoeia: A reputation-based advantage

On the equally contentious acceptance of the Indian Pharmacopoeia – a standard synopsis for drug manufacturing – Minister Herath framed it as a logical step that formalises existing practice.

“We already import a significant share of medicines from India,” he noted. The agreement, he explained, signifies the acceptance of medicines exported by a “reputed Indian pharmaceutical company” approved by its national regulators.

He assured the public that Sri Lanka’s National Medicine Regulatory Authority (NMRA) will continue to remain the monitor. “By entering into this, no disadvantage will happen to us. Only an advantage will happen… it will only be beneficial to us,” he emphasised.

The unanswered question

Despite the detailed assurances, the Minister pointedly ignored the final and arguably most critical part of the question posed by The Island Financial Review : whether the government would table the full text of the two agreements in Parliament for transparent debate and discussion.

This omission is likely to fuel further controversy, as opposition parties, civil society groups, and independent analysts have repeatedly demanded full parliamentary scrutiny, arguing that agreements touching on sovereignty and public health mandate the highest level of public transparency.

Tourism Pride

Shifting to his tourism portfolio, Minister Herath struck an optimistic note, citing record tourist arrivals and foreign remittances in 2025 as a sign of resilient recovery post-Ditwah.

The conference also touched on global affairs. When asked about the U.S. arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, Herath presented a nuanced governmental position. He stated that while his party, the JVP, condemns the action, the government’s official stance is to urge respect for national sovereignty in line with the UN Charter – a reflection of the coalition’s delicate balancing act between ideological roots and diplomatic pragmatism once in governance.

Minister Herath’s explanations provide the government’s clearest public rationale yet for the India agreements, directly confronting fears over militarisation and pharmaceutical quality. However, the deliberate sidestepping of the transparency query left a communication deficit at the heart of the press conference.

High-stakes diplomacy

It reflected a perception that while the administration is willing to defend its policy outcomes, it remains reluctant to subject the processes of high-stakes diplomacy to the full glare of parliamentary and public scrutiny. As these agreements continue to shape Sri Lanka’s strategic and health landscape, the call for their full disclosure is now accompanied by a louder question about the government’s commitment to open governance.

by Sanath Nanayakkare

Business

‘Vehicle-Testing Can Save Lives’

Published

11 hours ago

2026/01/6

Sahan Weerasooriya

Dharmasiri Gamage, Director, Presidential Secretariat, (4th from left), receiving the proposal from Prasanna De Zoysa (2nd from left), AAC Sectoral Chairman, Road Safety and Devapriya Hettiarachchi (3rd from left), Secretary, AAC at the Presidential Secretariat.

Automobile Association of Ceylon (AAC), in collaboration with the Federation Internationale de L’ Automobile (FIA) and under the UN Decade of Action for Road Safety has been consistently engaging in road safety enhancement programs for all citizens of Sri Lanka.

Current data indicates that while over 08 million vehicles are registered in the country, only heavy vehicles (less than 20% of the vehicle population) are subjected to compulsory road-worthiness tests.

Fatal accidents due to technical failures in vehicles are on the rise and the damage to lives and property is severe.

We also understand that there is a death every three hours and eight deaths per day in road accidents. This amounts to nearly 3000 deaths in road accidents per year.

AA of Ceylon has launched the “Vehicle Testing can Save Lives” project with the advice and support given to execute our campaign by the Minister of Transport, chairman, National Council for Road Safety (NCRC), Deputy Inspector General of Police (Traffic Division), Dr. Indika Jagoda, Deputy Director (Accident Service), National Hospital, president, Lions Club of Boralasgamuwa, Metro(Lions Club International – District 306 D 2) and other stake-holders to find a workable, low / cost solution for mandatory vehicle testing in Sri Lanka.

Therefore, this project aims to educate the public on the necessity of checking essential safety features in all vehicles and the benefits of same to all road users.

AAC has therefore respectfully requested Anura Kumara Dissanayake, President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, to consider implementing the proposal we have submitted to him, to minimize fatal accidents, injuries to people and damage to vehicles and property due to road accidents and to also implement a rule to have compulsorily road-worthiness checking of all vehicles. (AAC)

Business

INSEE Lanka appoints new Chief Executive Officer

Published

11 hours ago

2026/01/6

Sahan Weerasooriya

Eng. Thusith C. Gunawarnasuriya

Siam City Cement (Lanka) Limited (INSEE Lanka) has announced the appointment of Eng. Thusith C. Gunawarnasuriya as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective 01 January 2026. He succeeds Nandana Ekanayake, who will continue to serve as Chairman, ensuring leadership continuity and strategic stability for the organisation.

A long-standing contributor to INSEE’s journey, Thusith has worked with the company through its evolution under Holcim (Lanka) Ltd, LafargeHolcim and INSEE, playing pivotal roles that influenced both operational progress and strategic direction.

Rejoining INSEE Lanka in January 2025 as Chief Operating Officer, he has since demonstrated exceptional leadership, driving topline growth, improving EBITDA performance, and strengthening talent development initiatives that enhanced organisational capability and business outcomes.

His expertise in business strategy, operations excellence, and supply chain transformation is well-recognised, supported by over 25 years of multi-industry and multi-country leadership experience. His career includes senior positions at Lion Brewery (Ceylon) PLC, Hemas Manufacturing, Fonterra Brands Lanka, GlaxoSmithKline, MAS Active, and DMS Software Engineering. His international exposure spans India, Bangladesh, and Thailand.

Thusith is a proud alumnus of Dharmaraja College, Kandy, and holds a BSc (Hons) in Electrical & Electronic Engineering from the University of Peradeniya, an MBA from the University of Colombo, and an MSc in Business & Organizational Psychology from Coventry University, UK. He has completed executive leadership programs at IMD (Switzerland) and the National University of Singapore. He is also a member of IEEE (US), CILT (UK), ISMM (Sri Lanka), and IESL (Sri Lanka).

Chairman’s Quote – Nandana Ekanayake:

“Thusith’s deep understanding of our business, strong operational mindset, and proven leadership make him the ideal successor to lead INSEE Lanka into the next phase of growth. His experience within INSEE and across multiple industries, positions him well to deliver on our long-term ambitions and uphold the values that define the organisation.”