The visiting delegation from the Sri Lanka–Canada Business Council (SLCBC) of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce participated in the Business Forum organized by the Canada–Sri Lanka Business Convention (CSLBC). The forum focused on key growth sectors including Tourism, Education, and Food, bringing together leading industry stakeholders for insightful presentations and roundtable discussions.
The event commenced with Opening Remarks by Mr. Kula Sellathurai, President of the Canada–Sri Lanka Business Convention, followed by a Keynote Address by Mr. M.H.K.M. Hameez, President of the Sri Lanka–Canada Business Council.
In his keynote, Mr. Hameez emphasized the vast potential for collaboration between Canada and Sri Lanka across multiple economic sectors. He expressed gratitude to the Canada–Sri Lanka Business Convention for hosting the event and reflected on the progress made since the Council’s previous visit in October 2024. Despite global challenges, he noted, there are growing opportunities for trade and investment partnerships between the two countries.
Highlighting five key sectors for collaboration—Education and Skills Development, Agriculture and Agri-Tech, Tourism, Information Technology and Financial Services, and Women’s Empowerment—Mr. Hameez outlined Sri Lanka’s readiness to engage with Canadian partners for sustainable growth.
1. Education and Skills Development
Mr. Hameez highlighted the potential for Canadian universities to establish joint programs in Sri Lanka, such as 1+2 and 2+1 degree pathways, vocational training partnerships, and scholarship programs. The Sri Lankan delegation included representatives from Thames International, Global Academy of Further Education, Global Guidance, Amazon College International, Mway, and Crown International, all of whom are active in higher education and placement services partnerships.
2. Agriculture, Agri-Tech, and R&D
Addressing challenges in Sri Lanka’s agriculture sector, Mr. Hameez invited Canadian expertise in precision agriculture, climate-smart farming, and sustainable practices. He also noted significant opportunities for joint research and technology transfer.
SLCBC delegates such as Vengadeshwara Agro Industry, which is preparing for a landmark IPO as the first Northern Province company to list on the Colombo Stock Exchange, showcased investment opportunities. Representatives from DFCC Bank were also present to advise interested Canadian investors. Other agri-sector participants included Teemah Biscuits and YNM Agro, exploring export markets and smart-farming partnerships.
3. Tourism
Tourism remains one of Sri Lanka’s strongest growth drivers, with 2.05 million visitors in 2024 generating USD 3.17 billion in revenue. The sector aims to reach 3 million visitors and USD 5 billion by 2025. Mr. Hameez emphasized collaboration with the Canadian market, particularly through diaspora engagement, eco-tourism, wellness tourism, and digital transformation initiatives. He also announced discussions on a special visa scheme for Overseas Citizens of Sri Lanka (OCSL) under the theme “Visit Your Motherland”, designed to encourage diaspora engagement in tourism and investment. Representing the tourism sector in the delegation were Spillburg and Mway.
4. Information Technology, Financial Services, Venture Capital, and Outsourcing
Mr. Hameez highlighted Sri Lanka’s growing IT and fintech ecosystem, powered by a skilled English-speaking workforce. Collaboration opportunities include digital payments, regulatory frameworks, and startup funding. The Sri Lankan government has announced a USD 50 million Venture Fund, launching in January 2026, to attract international venture capital. Delegates such as Infomate and Acentura, leaders in business process management and digital transformation, are exploring partnerships with Canadian counterparts in these sectors.
5. Women in Development and Empowerment
Recognizing that over 53% of Sri Lanka’s population are women, Mr. Hameez underscored the importance of empowering women in economic and social development. The delegation expressed interest in partnerships supporting female entrepreneurship, skills training, and community development programs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Mr. Hameez invited Canadian businesses to view Sri Lanka as a strategic partner for sustainable development. He extended a warm invitation to the Canada–Sri Lanka Business Convention to lead a reciprocal business delegation to Sri Lanka, assuring the Council’s support in facilitating meetings with government and private-sector stakeholders.
He expressed his deep gratitude to the hosts—Mr. Kula Sellathurai (President), Mr. Sugumar Ganeshan (Chairman), and Mr. Elanko Ratnasabapathy (Executive Director, CSLBC Sri Lanka)—for their continued support and hospitality in fostering closer trade and investment ties between the two countries.
The forum concluded with sectoral roundtable discussions, where delegates from both countries shared insights and explored actionable strategies to strengthen bilateral economic relations between Canada and Sri Lanka.
