Sri Lanka–Thailand Business Council marks 25 years

The Sri Lanka–Thailand Business Council (SLTBC) will celebrate its 25th anniversary in 2026, marking a milestone in fostering economic cooperation, trade, investment, and friendship between Sri Lanka and Thailand. For a quarter century, the Council has served as a vital bridge connecting the private sectors of both nations, creating opportunities for businesses, facilitating dialogue, and strengthening bilateral ties.

The 25th Anniversary celebrations will be held on 19 June at The Kingsbury Hotel commencing at 6.30 p.m.

Throughout its history, the Council has played a key role in advancing trade and investment relations through business forums, trade missions, networking events, and partnerships with organizations such as Thailand’s Department of International Trade Promotion and the Board of Trade of Thailand. These initiatives have facilitated market access, encouraged knowledge sharing, and strengthened private sector connections.

The Council’s efforts have contributed to growth in bilateral trade across sectors including agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, logistics, healthcare, education, and emerging technologies. By bringing together business leaders and policymakers, it has helped create an environment conducive to sustainable economic cooperation.

Rooted in centuries of Buddhist heritage and cultural exchange, the Sri Lanka–Thailand relationship has evolved into a strong economic partnership. The Council has consistently championed this relationship, recognizing that cultural foundations support deeper business collaboration.

While the 25th anniversary reflects past achievements, it also looks ahead to opportunities in digital transformation, sustainable development, renewable energy, advanced manufacturing, tourism, and services.

The Council is well-positioned to continue supporting businesses, particularly SMEs, in navigating new opportunities and strengthening economic engagement between the two countries.

This milestone is also a tribute to founders, past presidents, executive committee members, corporate partners, and stakeholders whose dedication has shaped the Council’s success.

A 25-member business delegation from the Board of Trade Thailand will attend the anniversary event, underscoring continued engagement between the two countries.

Picture: Dushyanta Basnayake, Immediate Past President, Prangtip Kongridhisuksakorn, Counsellor, Lalitha Kumarage, Past President, Kamil Weerasekara, Vice President, Lionel Fernando, Founder /Past President, Paitoon Mahapannaporn, Ambassador, Rizan Nazeer, Founder /President, A.M. Musajee, Vice President, Yashodha Peiris, Treasurer, Priyantha Kolonnage, Secretary

Standing: Asitha Panabokka, Chandana Nanayakkara, Aasim Mukthar, Sanjeeva Jayasinghe, Rohan Elgiriyawithana, Rienzie Fernando and Abdul Saliheen (committee members), Assistant Secretary, Harendra Abeyesundere, Assistant Treasurer