The delegation from the Sri Lanka–Canada Business Council (SLCBC) of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce attended a distinguished networking reception organised by the Canada–Sri Lanka Business Convention (CSLBC) in Toronto, Canada. The event featured the soft launch of the “Sri Lanka Gateway to Asia” Expo (10–12 September 2026) — a ‘Fast Growing Asian Economies Expo’ with partner countries Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines — followed by cocktails and networking with honourable members of the provincial legislature, CSLBC members, the diplomatic corps, and invited guests.
The evening commenced with remarks from the SLCBC delegation highlighting the growing engagement between the SLCBC and CSLBC since their last visit in October 2024. The delegation included 16 delegates from diverse sectors, such as education, manufacturing, IT-enabled services, finance, agriculture, tourism, and investment consultancy.
The delegation underscored the strong diplomatic and economic relations between Sri Lanka and Canada. Canada’s contributions to Sri Lanka’s sustainable development, particularly in education, agriculture, healthcare, research and development, transportation, and renewable energy, were acknowledged with appreciation.
The SLCBC highlighted the confidence of Canadian corporates in the Sri Lankan economy, with Fairfax Holdings and Blackstone Group cited as examples. The delegation encouraged additional Canadian investment in Sri Lanka, noting the country’s strategic position in the Indo-Pacific region and its attractive fiscal and non-fiscal incentives for foreign investors.
Key Announcements and Collaborative Initiatives
During the reception, SLCBC President Mr. M. H. K. M. Hameez announced several initiatives:
Overseas Citizens of Sri Lanka (OCSL) Visa Scheme – A proposal is being formulated to allow diaspora members to visit, work, and invest in Sri Lanka more easily.
Asia’s Emerging Economies Expo 2026 – A major trade and investment event to be hosted in Toronto, bringing together emerging economies from Asia.
SLCBC Premier Regional Awards Ceremony – The 2nd edition of this awards ceremony is planned for early next year to support the development of SMEs and micro-SMEs in Sri Lanka’s northern region.
The delegation also celebrated a milestone for Venkadeshwara Agro Industries Ltd, from Sri Lanka’s Northern Province, which is preparing for an Initial Public Offering (IPO) on the Colombo Stock Exchange — the first SME from the region to do so. Delegates and interested parties were encouraged to engage with the founder, Mr. Suganthon, for further details.
President Hameez and the SLCBC were honoured with a scroll of recognition for leadership and partnership from the Legislative Assembly of Ontario, presented by Andrea Hazell, MPP Scarborough–Guildwood. The delegation expressed sincere gratitude to CSLBC leadership, including Mr. Kula Sellathurai, President, Mr. Ganeshan Sugumar, Chairman, and the CSLBC Secretariat team, particularly Mr. Elanko Ratnasabapathy and Ms. Dinara Jayaratne, for their support in making the visit a success.
The reception concluded with renewed commitments to strengthen bilateral business ties and collaboration across sectors. SLCBC extended a warm invitation to the Sri Lankan diaspora to “visit your motherland” and engage with Sri Lanka’s evolving economy, reinforcing the council’s dedication to fostering partnerships and sustainable development.
