The Sri Lanka – Japan Business Council (SLJBC) was established in 1979 by the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce as the Sri Lanka – Japan Business Co-operation Committee (SLJBCC). The Council was formed following a Memorandum of Understanding with the Japan – Sri Lanka Business Co-operation Committee (JSLBCC) of the Japan Chamber of Commerce & Industry (JCCI).
Since its establishment, SLJBC has played a vital role in strengthening economic and business relations between Sri Lanka and Japan. Over the years, the Council has facilitated numerous initiatives to promote collaboration between the private sectors of both countries.
To date, a robust series of joint meetings and business forums have been successfully held across Sri Lanka and Japan, providing a vital platform for dialogue, networking, and trade promotion. Highlighting our continued momentum, the most recent major milestone was the Sri Lanka-Japan Business Forum, successfully hosted in Tokyo in September 2025.
SLJBC also holds the distinction of being the first bilateral business council established under the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, highlighting its long-standing contribution to international business cooperation.
The functions of the Business Council shall be to do all such things as may be necessary to achieve the objective of the Committee, including the following-
We partner with the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI) to drive direct networking, joint ventures, and enterprise growth between both nations.
We accelerate business growth through bilateral trade forums, market intelligence, and strategic introductions to key agencies like the BOI, EDB, and Sri Lanka Tourism.
President
Hirohama Ceylon (PVT) LTD.
Senior Vice President
Hayleys Advantis Limited
Vice President
Spear International(Pvt)Ltd
Treasurer
Prudential Shipping Line(Pvt) Ltd
Immediate Past President
Andrew the Travel Company (Pvt)Ltd.
Committee member
Amano Lanka Engineering (Pvt)Ltd
Committee member
BOV Capital Pvt Ltd
Committee member
Brandix Apparel (Pvt) Ltd
Committee member
Heritage Teas (Pvt) Ltd
Committee member
Kalhari Enterprises (Pvt) Ltd
Committee member
Lanka Harness Co (Pvt)Ltd
Committee member
Vidullanka PLC
Committee member
Dentsu Grant (Pvt) Ltd
Committee member
MAC Holdings (Pvt)Ltd
Committee member
Venora International Projects (Pvt) Ltd
Committee member
Spillburg Holdings (Pvt)Ltd
Committee member
Vaughan Chemicals (Pvt) Ltd
Committee member
HVA Foods PLC (subsidiary of George Steuart & Co)
Honarary Member
Honarary Member
Honarary Member
Honarary Member
President
Immediate Past President
Vice President
Vice President
Member
Member
Member
Member
In 1951, Sri Lanka played a historic role during the San Francisco Peace Treaty, when J.R. Jayewardene delivered a remarkable speech supporting Japan.
His famous words, “Hatred ceases not by hatred, but by love,” helped shape a lasting friendship between the two nations.
This moment laid the foundation for the strong diplomatic and economic relationship that exists today between Sri Lanka and Japan.
