The Sri Lanka-United Kingdom Chamber of Commerce was launched at the Sri Lanka High Commission in London last week. Foreign Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris, the UK Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy to Sri Lanka, Lord Davies of Abersoch, British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Sarah Hulton and officials were present.
Sri Lanka High Commissioner in London, Ms Saroja Sirisena delivering the welcome speech said, “The need for a Chamber of Commerce was long overdue to crystallise this important business relationship.” The UK is the second largest single export market for Sri Lanka and one of Sri Lanka’s top ten investors, she said. Prof Peiris said, “There is no country better than Sri Lanka for Britain to take a long hard look at when it comes to strengthening, deepening and enriching commercial and business relations.” He pointed out the similarities between the two countries and emphasised that British entrepreneurs “feel unreservedly comfortable in Sri Lanka”. Lord Davies expressed his support and commitment to help business thrive between Sri Lanka and the United Kingdom.
Commerce Minister in the High Commission, Dr. Lakmini Mendis said, “Covid-19 prompted the importance of cooperation, coexistence, and collaboration among businesses for survival.” Given the challenges of the pandemic and Brexit, Dr Mendis said, “Assurance for Sri Lankan exports through the UK Global Tariff scheme and the Enhanced Framework under the UK Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP) Scheme,” Sri Lanka will have more potential to enhance GSP utilisation. The Sri Lanka- United Kingdom Chamber of Commerce has already engaged with UK companies that are currently doing business in Sri Lanka and businesses who have shown interest to start a venture in Sri Lanka. A diverse range of sectors has been targeted as they plan to make Sri Lanka a hub for many services in Asia.
HSBC agreed to preside over the chamber and nominated Head of Digital, Product and Propositions, Global Trade and Receivables Finance at HSBC Bank, Shehan Silva to take this responsibility on behalf of HSBC.
He is the most senior Sri Lankan working for HSBC London and will head the board of directors of the chamber. Silva introduced the board of directors and explained the plan for the chamber going forward.