The visiting delegation of the Sri Lanka–Canada Business Council (SLCBC) of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce was hosted by Dr. Ruben Rajkumar in Saskatoon, with the participation of prominent business leaders and government officials. The event featured a keynote address by Hon. Rob Norris, former Canadian politician and retired Government Relations Officer, and a presentation by Dr. Terry Fonstad, Vice President of Research at the University of Saskatchewan, who highlighted that agriculture, energy, and minerals specially Magnetite deposits are potential areas Sri Lanka may consider for future collaboration.
Addressing the gathering, Mr. M. H. K. M. Hameez, President of the SLCBC, outlined the significant economic and structural reforms currently underway in Sri Lanka aimed at strengthening governance, fiscal discipline, and investor confidence. He elaborated on key reforms including the Independence of the Central Bank, the Public Finance Management Act, the Public Debt Management Act, Cost Reflective Pricing Policies, and Anti-Corruption Measures. Mr. Hameez further emphasized the Government’s progressive initiatives such as advancing the Digital Economy, promoting Blue Economy Transformation, and establishing a Ministerial Consultative Committee headed by H.E. the President to fast-track project approvals.
He also referred to the IMF-supported austerity programme, underscoring Sri Lanka’s commitment to achieving macroeconomic stability and fostering a resilient and transparent business environment.
During the event, the Council appointed Dr. Ruben Rajkumar as the Goodwill Ambassador for Saskatchewan, in recognition of his outstanding efforts to strengthen bilateral relations and promote collaboration between Sri Lanka and Canada. The event concluded with an engaging exchange of views between Sri Lankan and Canadian participants, exploring new avenues for cooperation in trade, education, and technology sectors.
