The Sri Lanka – Japan Business Council (SLJBC) of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce recently held its 47th AGM, with the Ambassador of Japan and the Patron of the Council, His Excellency Akio ISOMATA, in attendance.
Mr. Athulla R F Edirisinghe – Director, Hirohama Ceylon (Pvt) Ltd, was re-elected as President of the SLJBC for the year 2026/27. Mr. Ruwan Waidyaratne – Managing Director, Hayleys Advantis Ltd, Mr. Shamil Mendis – Managing Director, Spear International (Pvt) Ltd, and Mr. Rohitha Mendis – Managing Director of Prudential Shipping Lines (Pte) Ltd., were elected as Senior Vice President, Vice President and Treasurer of the Council respectively. Mr. Mahen Kariyawasan – Managing Director, Andrew The Travel Company (Pvt) Ltd will continue to serve the committee as the Immediate Past President.
The committee comprises representatives from Amano Lanka Engineering (Pvt) Ltd, BOV Capital (Pvt) Ltd, Brandix Apparel (Pvt) Ltd, Heritage Teas (Pvt) Ltd, Kalhari Enterprises (Pvt) Ltd, Lanka Harness (Pvt) Ltd, Dentsu Grant (Pvt) Ltd, MAC Holdings (Pvt) Ltd, and Vidullanka PLC. By invitation: HVA Foods PLC (subsidiary of George Steuart & Co), Spillburg Holdings (Pvt) Ltd, and Vaughan Chemicals (Pvt) Ltd.
Chief Guest His Excellency Akio ISOMATA, Ambassador of Japan to Sri Lanka, outlined three priorities for deepening bilateral economic relations: an effective and forward-looking trade and investment policy, the promotion of domestic industrial policy, and expanded investment in renewable energy. He noted that Sri Lanka’s ongoing review of its Free Trade Agreement policy would be important in shaping the country’s future negotiating landscape, and encouraged Sri Lanka to look Eastward toward Southeast Asia and Japan, proposing that the country adopt an export-oriented industrial model similar to the “Look East” and “Act East” policies pursued by Malaysia and India. He welcomed the Government’s National Export Development Plan 2026 and National Mineral Policy 2026 as consistent with Japan’s vision of connecting Sri Lanka’s export-related manufacturing sectors with India’s high-growth manufacturing base. On energy security, the Ambassador referred to Japan’s newly launched “Power Asia” initiative, a USD 10 billion financing package extended through JICA, JBIC and NEXI to assist Asian countries — including Sri Lanka — in securing crude oil supplies, building storage infrastructure, and developing biofuel and next-generation solar technologies, with the facility open to direct application by private companies as well as governments. He urged the Sri Lankan business community to overcome complacency and take bold, decisive action to seize the opportunities before them, noting that while Sri Lanka has missed earlier waves of Japanese investment, further opportunities continue to emerge and reaffirming Japan’s commitment to continue working closely with Sri Lanka.
In his address, President Athulla R F Edirisinghe paid a tribute to the Sasakawa Peace Foundation (The Nippon Foundation) and its chairman Mr Yohei Sasakawa for his magnanimous support in establishing this elegant permanent home for the Sri Lankan enterprises affiliated to the Embassy of Japan engaged in promoting Japanese Culture, Education and Bilateral Relations with Japan.
Mr Edirisinghe reflected on nearly seven decades of humanitarian and development support extended by Japan to Sri Lanka that is too numerous to mention . He gave special reference to the support given during the COVID-19 pandemic , the recent economic crisis and Ditwah as exceptional.
However reviewing the history of Japanese investment in the region from the 1970s onward, he observed that Sri Lanka had missed many occasions of attracting Japanese foreign direct investment due to a closed economy of our country, the absence of industrial zones. and periods of political instability. However our neighbouring countries in Southeast Asia benefited.
He also referred to how Sri Lanka lost several opportunities thereafter due to the prevailing war in the country , Financial crises whereas our neighbouring countries benefitted.
He paid a tribut to the
Ministry of Economy Trade and Industry Japan for their proposal in 2025 for a Sri Lanka–Japan Economic Corridor as a timely opportunity to draw on Japanese knowledge, technology, and partnership rather than investment alone, and called on Sri Lankan businesses, industry associations, and the wider community to come together in dialogue with the Government to ensure the country does not miss this opportunity as well.
He stressed on the opportunity we are faced now to enter the major indo pacific supply chains and said we cannot miss out on this opportunity.
The Sri Lanka – Japan Business Council plays an important role in promoting trade, tourism, and investments between Japan and Sri Lanka. Companies interested in joining the membership of the Sri Lanka – Japan Business Council may contact Kiyara at The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce via E-mail: businesscouncils1@chamber.lk or Tel.: 011 5588875/ 5588800.