Sri Lanka - Thailand Business Council Celebrates 25 Years of Strengthening Bilateral Trade and Friendship
The Sri Lanka - Thailand Business Council (SLTBC) celebrated its 25th Anniversary, marking a significant milestone in its longstanding commitment to strengthening trade, investment, economic cooperation, and friendship between Sri Lanka and Thailand. The Silver Jubilee celebration commemorated a quarter century of dedicated efforts to promote meaningful business partnerships and deepen the economic relationship between the two nations.
Held at The Kingsbury Hotel in Colombo, the prestigious event brought together government representatives, diplomats, senior business leaders, investors, entrepreneurs, and members of the Sri Lanka–Thailand business community. The celebration provided an opportunity to reflect on the Council's achievements over the past 25 years while exploring new avenues for collaboration and future growth.
Welcoming the distinguished guests, Mr. Rizan Nazeer, President of the Sri Lanka–Thailand Business Council, reflected on the Council's remarkable journey in strengthening bilateral trade and business relations. He noted that over the years, the Council has consistently connected business leaders, investors, and institutions from both countries, helping to build trust and encourage meaningful economic engagement.
Mr. Nazeer highlighted that the Council's success has been driven by the collective efforts of its members and stakeholders, who have worked together to strengthen commercial ties through trade missions, business forums, networking events, and strategic partnerships. These initiatives have created valuable opportunities for businesses in both countries while contributing to the steady growth of bilateral trade.
Reaffirming the Council's vision for the future, he emphasized its continued commitment to strengthening economic ties between Sri Lanka and Thailand. He noted that the Council remains focused on advancing trade, encouraging innovation, facilitating investment, and promoting mutually beneficial partnerships that support sustainable growth and create new opportunities for businesses in both markets.
Adding further significance to the evening, H.E. Paitoon Mahapannaporn, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Royal Thai Embassy in Colombo, highlighted the steady progress in bilateral relations. He noted that trade between Sri Lanka and Thailand has increased by nearly 48 percent in recent years while investment ties continue to strengthen.
Marking the Council's Silver Jubilee, the Ambassador announced that the Royal Thai Embassy had facilitated the visit of a delegation of 27 Thai business representatives to Sri Lanka. The delegation participated in business forums, networking sessions, business-to-business meetings, and site visits aimed at strengthening partnerships and identifying new investment opportunities.
Looking ahead, Ambassador Mahapannaporn identified the implementation of the Sri Lanka–Thailand Free Trade Agreement as a key milestone in expanding bilateral trade and investment. He expressed confidence that the agreement would strengthen regional supply chains, create greater business opportunities, and further enhance economic cooperation between the two countries.
The gathering also heard from Ms. Prim Jitcharoongphorn, Deputy Secretary General of the Board of Trade of Thailand and Chief of the Working Committee on South Asia of the Board of Trade of Thailand. She reaffirmed the importance of continued collaboration and stronger people-to-people connections in supporting long-term economic growth. She noted that lasting partnerships are built not only through trade and investment but also through mutual understanding and sustained engagement between the business communities of both countries.
A special video presentation showcased the contributions and future aspirations of the Thailand Board of Investment, the Board of Investment of Sri Lanka, and the Sri Lanka–Thailand Business Council. The presentation highlighted the diverse investment opportunities available in both countries while reaffirming their shared commitment to supporting cross-border partnerships and sustainable economic development.
Speaking on behalf of the Principal Sponsor, Mr. Thusith Gunawarnasuriya, Chief Executive Officer of INSEE Cement, emphasized the importance of regional partnerships in driving sustainable economic progress. He noted that collaboration between neighbouring countries creates opportunities for innovation, long-term investment, and shared prosperity while delivering lasting value to businesses and communities.
The highlight of the evening was the address by the Chief Guest, Hon. Vijitha Herath, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism of Sri Lanka. Congratulating the Sri Lanka–Thailand Business Council on its Silver Jubilee, the Minister commended the Council for serving as a vital bridge between the business communities of Sri Lanka and Thailand and for making a valuable contribution to strengthening bilateral relations.
Highlighting the steady growth in trade between the two countries, the Minister observed that significant untapped potential remains in sectors such as tourism, logistics, technology, manufacturing, and sustainable development. He noted that continued collaboration, stronger private sector engagement, and the effective implementation of the Sri Lanka–Thailand Free Trade Agreement would further unlock opportunities for trade and investment.
The Minister reaffirmed the Government's commitment to supporting stronger economic cooperation with Thailand and emphasized that continued dialogue and partnership between the public and private sectors would be essential in creating sustainable growth and expanding commercial opportunities for both nations.
The celebration also featured the presentation of tokens of appreciation to individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to strengthening Sri Lanka–Thailand relations over the years. The recognition reflected the Council's appreciation for the commitment and dedication of its members, partners, and stakeholders in advancing bilateral cooperation.
As the Sri Lanka–Thailand Business Council celebrates its Silver Jubilee, it reaffirms its commitment to serving as a trusted bridge between the business communities of Sri Lanka and Thailand. The Council remains dedicated to fostering meaningful partnerships, facilitating trade and investment opportunities, promoting innovation, and contributing to the long-term economic prosperity of both nations.
The 25th Anniversary celebration not only honoured the Council's achievements over the past quarter century but also marked the beginning of a new chapter focused on expanding trade, encouraging investment, strengthening regional cooperation, and creating lasting opportunities for businesses and future generations in both Sri Lanka and Thailand.
