The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with the Sri Lanka–Bangladesh Business Council (SLBBC), hosted a high-level business dialogue on 17th June 2025 with a visiting delegation from the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DCCI), Bangladesh. The forum was held at the Hilton Colombo Residences and organised under the auspices of the Sri Lanka High Commission in Dhaka.
The event brought together over 100 Sri Lankan business leaders and 24 delegates representing 22 Bangladeshi companies across key sectors including FMCG, IT, logistics, packaging, agri-processing, apparel, renewable energy, pharmaceuticals, and infrastructure.
Hon. Sunil Handunnetti, Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, graced the occasion as Chief Guest. In his address, he highlighted the importance of fostering regional collaboration through innovation, SME empowerment, and entrepreneurship. “Sri Lanka is open for business,” the Minister said, encouraging Bangladeshi investors to explore opportunities in textiles, pharmaceuticals, shipbuilding, and digital services, underpinned by a renewed focus on transparency and logistical integration.
Ceylon Chamber Chairman Mr. Duminda Hulangamuwa welcomed the delegation, underscoring the Chamber’s strategic intent to deepen commercial ties with Bangladesh. “This dialogue is a testament to our shared vision of expanding market access and building sustainable trade and investment partnerships,” he noted, while also pointing to the untapped potential in bilateral trade and investment.
High-level diplomatic presence included Bangladesh’s High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, H.E. Mr. Andalib Elias, and Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh, H.E. Mr. Dharmapala Weerakkody. Both envoys praised the role of business chambers in fostering cross-border economic engagement.
Dr. Asanka Ratnayake, President of the SLBBC, outlined recent initiatives aimed at enhancing bilateral ties. These included stakeholder discussions around a proposed Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA), co-hosted webinars with BIDA and Ernst & Young, and efforts to position Sri Lanka as an attractive destination for Bangladeshi outbound tourism.
A highlight of the event was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Dhaka Chamber and the Ceylon Chamber, aimed at advancing bilateral trade, investment, and private sector collaboration.
The day concluded with more than 200 B2B matchmaking meetings involving over 90 Sri Lankan companies and their Bangladeshi counterparts, paving the way for new business ventures and partnerships.
For membership inquiries regarding the Sri Lanka–Bangladesh Business Council, contact Tharushika at 011 5588801 or email: commodities@chamber.lk.
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