Commonwealth Business Forum to be held on CHOGM sidelines

Members of the Chambers of Commerce in Sri Lanka participated in a meeting at the External Affairs Ministry on Wednesday to make detailed arrangements for the Commonwealth Business Forum which will be held on the sidelines of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Colombo (CHOGM) in November this year.

Mahendra Amarasuriya who with External Affairs Deputy Minister Neomal Perera, functions as Co-Chair of the Organising Committee, was present, together with representatives of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, the National Chamber of Commerce, the Federation of Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Chamber of Young Lankan entrepreneurs.

The Chambers were represented by Susantha Ratnayake, Bandula Dissanayake, Kumar Mallimarachchi and Dr Rohitha Silva.

Prof Peiris, who presided, explained that the forum's purpose is to stimulate interest in investment into Sri Lanka as well as the development of the country as a knowledge, shipping and manufacturing hub.

Leading entrepreneurs from more than 80 countries are expected to participate.

Prof Peiris said participation will not be confined to countries of the Commonwealth, and that countries in different geographical regions with strong trade and economic ties with Sri Lanka will be invited to participate.

Dr. Mohan Kaul, Co-Chair of the Commonwealth Business Council, with whom Minister Peiris had discussions in London recently, will visit Sri Lanka next week to discuss with Sri Lankan authorities the arrangements being made for the Forum.

A series of launch events are being planned.