The Sri Lanka–Canada Business Council of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening bilateral trade, investment and private-sector cooperation between the two countries, as businesses seek to identify new opportunities amid a changing global economic environment.

The Council reiterated its focus on facilitating business linkages and expanding commercial engagement between Sri Lankan and Canadian companies at its 35th Annual General Meeting (AGM), held recently at the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce.

The meeting was attended by Canadian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka and Maldives Isabelle Martin, Council members, office bearers and business representatives.

Mohamad Hameez, Managing Director of Spillburg Holdings (Pvt) Ltd, was re-elected President of the Council for the 2026/27 term. M. Irshad Razack, Managing Director of Global Academy of Further Education, was re-elected Senior Vice President, while Pemith Paaris, Associate Vice President of Acentura Inc., was appointed Vice President. Hiran De Silva of the Asian Institute of Business and Science (Pvt) Ltd was re-elected Treasurer.

The Council also appointed its Executive Committee for 2026/27, comprising representatives from companies spanning sectors including banking, tourism, manufacturing, trading, food production and business services.

Addressing the post-AGM business session, High Commissioner Martin stressed the importance of continued engagement between the Sri Lankan and Canadian business communities and closer cooperation in developing bilateral economic relations.

A keynote presentation by Dr. George I.H. Cooke, Senior Lecturer in International Studies at the University of Kelaniya, focused on “Canada–Sri Lanka Economic Relations in a Changing Global Order: Opportunities for Business, Investment and Trade.”

The presentation examined the changing global economic landscape and the potential for Sri Lanka and Canada to expand commercial ties through increased trade, investment and business partnerships.

The Council said it would continue to support initiatives aimed at promoting bilateral trade and investment, creating business linkages and strengthening private-sector cooperation, while advancing the interests of its membership.

The renewed focus comes as Sri Lanka seeks to diversify export markets, attract investment and deepen economic partnerships with international markets, while Canadian businesses look for opportunities for greater engagement with the Sri Lankan economy