Global Commerce Excellence awards on December 13

The global commerce excellence awards and medals will be presented to selected categories of Sri Lankan entities and individuals on December 13.

The Export Development Board, Sri Lanka Ports Authority and the Shippers' Academy Colombo have been instrumental with the concept with guidance and technical assistance coming from the Central Bank of Sri Lanka.

The criteria behind the awards and medals are to recognise the contribution made by the business community at large and those who supported global commerce in Sri Lanka during the past three decades since liberalizing the economy.

The Sri Lankan economy had an average growth of 5% GDP whilst fighting the obstacles of brutal and deadly terrorism that was attempting to cripple the country until 2009.

The organising committee is of the view that while Sri Lanka is now moving to a new era with greater economic growth it is always good to remember the past and honour those who helped the country with dedication and commitment during the hard times in whatever the way they could do.

The event organising committee chairman Shippers' Academy Colombo CEO Rohan Masakorala expressed gratitude to the CBSL Governor, EDB Chairman and the SLPA Chairman for their fullest support along with other institutions who has come forward to help this first time event.

The awards and medals are themed as 'recognising the big and the bold' and will cover the five categories that were selected after research and analysis done on 6 fundamental areas to support the effort, they included, turnover, employment, national importance, innovativeness and uniqueness together with support for global commerce.