The newly formed Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Sri Lanka (CanCham SL) has expressed concern and disappointment to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Government of Sri Lanka over the non-appointment of a High Commissioner for nearly one year.
“This post fell vacant after the change of government and following the retirement of the former High Commissioner almost a year ago. However, a successor has not yet been appointed for reasons best known to the government,” said CanCham member Mohamed Hameed.
He noted that this delay is a significant stumbling block to the growth of bilateral trade, which currently averages around USD 660 million, as well as to investments and other economic opportunities between the two countries.
He added that there is strong enthusiasm among Canadian entrepreneurs to invest in Sri Lanka, particularly in technology transfer, tourism, and related sectors.
During a recent meeting, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney reportedly announced Canada’s commitment of CAD 500 billion towards strengthening its economic engagement with the Indo-Pacific region over the next decade. Canada has also established a sovereign wealth fund with an allocation of CAD 25 billion to support long-term strategic and international economic initiatives in the region.
“With proper government intervention and an active Canadian High Commission, Sri Lanka can reap significant economic benefits,” he said.
He further noted that Canada has the largest Sri Lankan diaspora among foreign countries, and a permanent High Commissioner could help mobilise diaspora investment into Sri Lanka.
Although the absence of a direct flight between Canada and Colombo remains a constraint, he said that with proper promotional efforts Sri Lanka could still attract Canadian tourists via connecting flights, including routes transiting through New Delhi.
He urged the Sri Lankan government to expedite the appointment of a permanent High Commissioner to strengthen diplomatic and economic engagement with Canada. The last high commissioner for Canada was Ahmed Jawad. (Shirajiv S.)
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