SL-Russia Business Council appoints new office-bearers
Isuru Samarasinghe was re-elected as the President of the Sri Lanka–Russia Business Council (SLRBC) of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce for the third consecutive year at the 13th Annual General Meeting at the Russian Cultural Centre recently. Priyantha Hapuarachchi and Buddhapriya Ramanayake were elected Vice Presidents for 2016/2017.
Samarasinghe said that plans are underway to bring in changes to the Constitution of the Sri Lanka – Russia Business Council with the approval of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce and once completed, it will help enhance trade and investment between Sri Lanka and Russia. Having worked at Bartleet Group of Companies for 38 years, Samarasinghe is at present the Managing Director of Unitrades Private Limited and a Director of Bartleet Agencies Private Limited and also BC Agro-tronics Private Limited. He also functions as the Chairman of Karagoda Tea Factory Private Limited. He is an old boy of Ananda College and a past President of the Ananda College Old Boys’ Association. Samarasinghe also functions as the Secretary of the Sri Lanka- Ukraine Business Council.
Fin Min consults CCC on Budget
The Minister of Finance Ravi Karunanayake met the committee members of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce recently to ascertain their views on the upcoming Budget.
The discussion was chaired by the Chairman of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, Samantha Ranatunga. During the discussions, each committee member was given an opportunity to express his views on the upcoming Budget and also raise sector related issues with the Minister.
They brought to the attention of the Minister, several issues plaguing the growth of sectors such as agriculture, taxation, real estate, non-banking, transportation, apparel and confectionery among several other areas.
The Minister of Finance said that the government will look into the issues raised by the Chamber’s Committee members and resolve them, if it affects the growth of the mentioned industries.
He also urged the private sector to work closely with the government.
Daraz to launch operations in Sri Lanka
Daraz, an e-commerce platform in South Asia, with operations in Pakistan, Bangladesh and Myanmar will enter Sri Lanka and engage customers through novel ideas, a wide range of genuine products, great prices and seamless services, the company announced at a press conference last week.
Sri Lanka is one of the leading countries in technological advancement, with a rapidly growing Internet penetration rate and consequently experiencing a rise in online shopping trends. Daraz aims to make the most of this trend and become the market leader by providing the Sri Lankan market with genuine products like all other operating markets.
“With the internet penetration rate increasing year-on-year in the country we see Sri Lanka as a developed market with regards to online shopping.
We have high expectations for Sri Lanka, especially since we are merging with a strong brand such as Kaymu. Sri Lankan online shoppers will be in for a treat because in Daraz, we make sure that we provide the best deals for 100% genuine products along with exceptional customer service,” said Co-CEO of the Daraz Group, Dr. Jonathan Doerr.
Country Manager for Daraz Sri Lanka, Saurabh Chauhan said, “Kaymu has been very successful with the online market penetration here in Sri Lanka and merging with Daraz will allow us to offer a secure brand buying experience and free returns as per the Daraz global offering to Sri Lankan customers.”
National Chamber seminar on EPF and ETF
The National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka will hold a half-day seminar on EPF and ETF (in English) on Thursday, October 27 from 1.30 p.m to 5.00 p.m at the National Chamber auditorium.
The seminar will cover EPF Act and related new Acts, issues and benefits of EPF and ETF, electronic payments and sending e-returns, Guidance on type of employees covered, correct submission of payments and returns, obligations of Employers, Directors and procedures of claiming benefits and withdrawals. The Resource persons will be Vasanthan Balasubramaniam, Deputy Commissioner of Labour EPF and A.J.M. S. Jayasundara, Deputy General Manager, ETF Board. It will be an opportunity to clarify any issues with regard to EPF and ETF from the Commissioner of EPF himself and Deputy General Manager of ETF Board.
This seminar will be beneficial for Managers, Accountants and for all the members of the EPF/ETF in general.