Sri Lanka – China marks 50 years’ relationship

The Sri Lanka-China Business Council will commemorate 50 years of diplomatic relations with China, with a series of activities to mark the occasion. Established in 2001, it is an affiliate of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce and was formed at the request of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with the main objectives of promoting trade, investment, services and tourism between Sri Lanka and China.The Council currently has a membership of 125 and is headed by Shamil Mendis, President, who is a Director of Delmege Forsyth, while the two Vice Presidents are Ranjan De Silva, Deputy Managing Director Associated Motorways and Lasantha Wickremesooriya, CEO Sifang Lanka [Pvt] Ltd.

According to the President, some of the activities scheduled for the 50th year include a commemorative banquet and trade exhibitions [scheduled for mid year] to be held in Sri Lanka which are being conducted by Chinese Trade Chambers. “In fact several Chambers have indicated a strong interest in coming to Sri Lanka and promoting their products, while we plan to conduct similar trade exhibitions in China of Sri Lankan products as well,” said Mendis.

The Council intends to hold an event in the form of a ‘China Week’ which includes cultural performances, a food festival and other activities, together with a trade exhibition. For the year 2004, exports amounted to China totaled Rs 1742 million, while imports were Rs 45,946 million. In 2005 exports were Rs 2853 million, while imports were Rs 63,370 million. Between January and June of 2006, exports were Rs 1361 million while imports were Rs 34,997 million.