Voice of Business

July, Aug, Sep 2019

With the High Commissioner of Malaysia at the National Chamber

Await! …….. “National Business Excellence Awards (NBEA 2019) ” Friday, 13 December 2019 at the Hilton Colombo www.nationalchamber.lk 2 07 programme on “Business Startups” in Kurunegala

05 13 Ayurveda Expo – 2019 Programme for SMEs in Kurunegala

05 Highlights of the Chamber

SME Training Programs in the 07 regions 10 International Relations 15 Seminars & Traning 17 Trade Information 11 Delegation from Southern Gujarat Chamber

Highlights of the Chamber (3rd Qtr 2019) Ayurveda Expo – 2019 The National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka in partnership with Ministry of Health, Nutrition & Indig- enous Medicine and related organizations conducted “International Health Exhibition 2019” on 26, 27 & 28 July 2019 at the BMICH, Colombo for the 13 occasion. Hon. Dr Rajitha Senaratne, MP Minister of Health, Nutrition & Indigenous Medicine was the Chief Guest. Concurrently a 2 day Medical Symposium was held during this priod.

5 6 SME Development Activities National Chamber conducts programme on “Business Startups” in Kurunegala

The National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka in association with Sampath Bank PLC organized a one day workshop titled “Business Startups” in Kurunegala to familiarize youngsters on business entrepreneurship and guide them to start up their own businesses. This programme was held for the second time, the first being held first in Galle in August 2018. The objective of this workshop was to educate prospective entrepreneurs on how to make the correct decisions when starting a business; to gain profitability and obtain good returns; increase quality and productivity; access the appropriate technology; and how to market a product. This will help increase employment op- portunities for youth and women in the region.

A further attraction at this workshop was a Career Guidance session where the participants were educated as to how they should correctly choose their future career which is in line with their knowledge, capacity and future ambitions.

7 8 National Chamber Capacity Building Training Program for SMEs in Ampara

The National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka is continuing its services for MSMEs through a series of training programmes in the outstations. A one day Regional Training Programme on “Basic Accounting and Record Keeping” was held on 18 July 2019 for the Small to Medium Entrepreneurs in Ampara in association with the Ampara District Chamber of Commerce, supported by the Bank of Ceylon, which was a great success. Contents of the programme were: record keeping, stock control, basic accounting, decision making and taxation. The Resource person was Mr. Sarath Munasinghe (BSc Public Administration (Special) who has over 25 years’ experience in the field. The participants were from different business sectors such as Beautycare, Automobile, Electrical item providers, Guest Houses, Food processors, Printing etc. and the training programme gave an opportunity to them, to gain knowledge, and exposure to current management accounting and tax concepts. In addition to the above, a senior officer from, the Bank of Ceylon Head Office made a special presenta- tion on “Enterprise Sri Lanka Loan Scheme for SMEs”. The participants were satisfied with the programme which met with their expectations. At the conclusion of the workshop, all participants were awarded a certificate for participation by the National Chamber. Programme conducted for the SMEs in Badulla

A programme conducted on “Capacity Building Training - Taxation’ in Badulla on 17 August 2019 with the association of the Uva Chamber of Commerce and supported by the Bank of Ceylon. This was a great success. Mr. Kelum Wijeratne, Deputy Commissioner, Inland Revenue was the Resource Per- son. The contents of the programme were: Brief introduction of the Inland Revenue Department of Sri Lanka and topic covered Value Added Tax (VAT), Simplified Value Added Tax (SVAT), Nation Build- ing Tax (NBT), Withholding Tax, PAYE, Income Tax, Revenue Administration Management Information System (RAMIS) System etc. The participants were Steel items manufacturers, Automobile Industry, Security Service providers, Advertising companies etc. This training programme provided the opportunity to the participants, to gain knowledge, to be well verdsed in taxation and RAMIS System. In addition to the above, a senior officer from the Bank of Ceylon Head Office made a special pres- entation on “Enterprise Sri Lanka Loan Scheme for SMEs”. The participants were satisfied with the programme. At the conclusion of the workshop, all participants were awarded a certificate by the National Chamber.

9 International Relations

A Session with the High Com- missioner of Malaysia at the National Chamber

The National Chamber of Com- 1 merce of Sri Lanka organized a bilateral trade session between Malaysia and Sri Lanka on 24 September 2019. In the photo are HE Tan Yang Thai, Malaysian High Com- missioner receiving a souvenir from Presi- dent, National Chamber Mr Asela de Livera. Mr Deepal Nelson, Deputy President, National Chamber (right) looks on.

Ambassador designate to Kuwait

The National Chamber organized a meeting with Ambassador designate to the State of Kuwait, Mr. Mohammed Jauhar on 2 September 2019. This session was attended by the 2 National Chamber President and members.

10 Mr Asela de Livera had a meeting with Ms Soma Dutta

President, Mr Asela de Livera had a meeting with Ms. Soma Dutta, International Gender Specialist of Asian Development Bank on Gender Gap Assessment.

Picture shows Mr de Livera exchanging souvenir with Ms. Dutta and with Ms. Prema Gamage, National Gender Specialist looking on.

Delegation from Southern Gujarat Chamber A high powered 7 member delegation from the Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce & 4 Industry visited the National Chamber on 17 September 2019.

Meeting with Sri Lankan Ambassador designate to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam 5 On 24 September 2019, Mr W G S Prasanna, Sri Lankan Ambassador designate to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam visited the Chamber for a business discussion.

11 12 Programme for SMEs in Kurunegala

The National Chamber of Commerce Sri Lanka with the support of Pan Asia Bank conducted the third consecutive Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) Workshop titled ‘Entrepreneurship & Business Planning’, which was held at Bright Bravo Hotel, Kurunegala on 12 September 2019 to cater to the SMEs based in the North Western Province.

The experienced resource person NIBM, Assistant Director, Mr. Gayan Jayathilake conducted the program and shared valuable insights and provided training to the participants, useful to them planning their own businesses. At the conclusion of the workshop, all participants were awarded Certificates.

Unveiling of Photograph of Mr Sujeeve Samaraweera

Unveiling of the photograph of Mr Sujeeve Samaraweera, Immediate Past President of the National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka took place on 21 August 2019 at the Chamber Board Room with the participation of Office Bearers and Secretariat Staff.

NBEA 2019 Introduction Seminar

An Introductory Seminar on “National Business Excellence Awards 2019” was held on 19 August 2019 at National Cham- ber Auditorium.

Seminars/Workshops Workshop on “Import Procedures & A corporate workshop on “VAT/SVAT & Documentation” NBT”

Seminar in progress Seminar in progress

The National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka conducted The National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka organized a One day Workshop on Import Procedures and Documenta- the above workshop on ‘VAT/SVAT & NBT’ for the business tion on 1 August 2019 at the Chamber Auditorium for the community in Colombo on 22 August 2019 from 8.30 a.m. business community. The workshop was conducted by Mr. to 12.30 p.m. at the National Chamber Auditorium in col- T Raviendrarajah, Director Customs who has served over 36 laboration with the Inland Revenue Department Sri Lanka. years at Sri Lanka Customs. The workshop created an opportunity for participants to The workshop was designed for those who are involved in obtain an in-depth knowledge with regard to VAT/SVAT & importing, buying and sourcing from overseas, including NBT. It was focused on the Calculation Methodology and sales, purchasing, production. It also provided a good over- the Operational Issues of taxes. view necessary for senior managers who delegate respon- sibilities to staff. Ms. Dushani Chandrasiri - Deputy Commissioner - Tax Policy & Legislation and Ms. Chandramali Arachchige - As- It also provided a good overview necessary for sen- sistant Commissioner - RAMIS Change Management of ior managers who have to delegate responsibility. The the Department of Inland Revenue participated as the Re- workshop provided an overview of the principles in- source persons. volved in successful importing, tips on how to avoid prob- lems and ensure smooth running of contracts, profitably.

The Contents were: Introduction to Imports, Planning, Deter- mining Imports Requirements, Introduction to International Trading, Sales Contracts, Import Restrictions, Terms of Sale, Incoterms - Purpose and Scope, Payment Terms with regard to Imports: Agreement of Payment Terms: a review of the impact of each type (including Letter of Credit and Document Collections) on import payments, Customs Import Proce- dures and Documentation, Classification of Imports Docu- ments, Clearance of Commercial Cargo through Customs - Sea Cargo and Air Cargo, Free Trade Agreements, WTO Goods Valuation Agreement, WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA), Goods Classification and Harmonized Systems. A valuable Certificate was issued to each participant at the end of the session. 15 16 Trade Information WANT TO EXPORT/SUPPLY/SELL Organization: Nature’s Beauty Creations Ltd Contact person: Ms. Shamindi Kumarasinghe 1 Products: Address: 64/3, Kindelpitiya, Puswelhena, Products H.S. Code Millewa, Horana. SRI LANKA. Black Pepper – 0904 Tel: +94 34 2253302 White Pepper Fax: +94 34 2253300 Cinnamon – 0906 Email: [email protected] Cardamom – 090831 Web: www.naturessecrets.lk Cloves – 0907 Nutmeg – 090811 4. Products: Porcelain Tableware Mace – 090820 HS Code : 6911.10 Automotive Batteries – 85071000, Quantity: Customized products as per customer 85072000 requirement Radiators - 87112090 Organization: Dankotuwa Porcelain PLC Quantity: Multiples of 20ft/ 40ft Contact person: Ms. Shyana Jayalath container loads Address: Kurunegala Road, Dankotuwa. Organization: Brown and Company PLC SRI LANKA. Contact person: Mr. Prasanna Ganegoda Tel: + 94 31 5500 500 Fax: +94 31 5500599 Address: No 34, Sir Mohamed Macan Marker Email: [email protected] Mawatha, Colombo 03. SRI LANKA. Web: www.dankotuwa.com Tel: +94 773157100 Fax: +94 11 2307391 Email: [email protected] Web: www.brownsgroup.com WANT TO IMPORT/ PURCHASE

1. Products: 2. Products : Tractors – 87011090, 87019010 Product H.S. Code Automotive Batteries – 85071000, Hair Oil - 3305 900 85072000 Face Cream, Scrub, } Radiators – 87112090 Body Lotion, Toner, Cleanser} - 3304 9900 Tools – 84678900, Shampoo - 3305 1000 82089000, 82031000, 82034000, Face Wash - 3401 1190 82029100, 84144000, 84672100, Soap – 3401 1990 84672900 Quantity: 100,000 per month Generators - 85013180 Organization: Sanjeewaka Ayurvedic Quantity: Multiples of 20ft/ 40ft container loads Products (Pvt) Ltd Organization: Brown and Company PLC Contact person: Mr. Dominic Tony Contact person: Mr. Prasanna Ganegoda (Manager – Exports) Address: No 34, Sir Mohamed Macan Marker Address: 11/1, Farm Estate, Kolawatta, Mawatha, Colombo 03. SRI LANKA. Veyangoda, SRI LANKA. Tel: +94773157100 Fax: +94112307391 Tel: +94 33 2289203 Fax: +94 33 2287073 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Web: www.brownsgroup.com Web: www.chandanalepa.lk 2. Products: Cosmetic packaging such as tube, 3. Products: bottles & jars: Products: HS code Creams, Shampoos, Body & Facial 3923.90.90, 3923.30.20 Cleansers, Soaps, Perfumes, Oils, Baby Quantity: Depends on the packaging variant Care products Organization: Nature’s Beauty Creations Ltd HS Codes: 3401.11.30, 3401.11.90, Email: [email protected] 3401.30.90, 3304.99.00, Address: 64/3, Kindelpitiya, Puswelhena, 3305.10.00, 3307.10.00 Millewa, Horana. SRI LANKA. Quantity: Depends on product & formulation

17 3. Products: Cosmetic packaging such as tube, SERVICES bottles & jars: HS code 3923.90.90, 3923.30.20 1. Services: Development of software, quality as- Quantity: Depends on the packaging variant suring, managing or supporting applications Organization: Nature’s Beauty Creations Ltd Organization: Creative Software Contact person: [email protected] Contact person: Mr. Kanchana Ranasinghe Address: 64/3, Kindelpitiya, Puswelhena, Address: No. 29, Deal Place, Colombo 03, SRI Millewa, Horana. SRI LANKA. LANKA. Tel: +94 34 2253302 Fax: +94 34 2253300 Tel: +94 11 250 5889 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Web: www.naturessecrets.lk Web: www.creativesoftware.com

4. Products: Pharmaceuticals – HS Code 3004.90.90 2. Providing Consultancy services on – Environ- Quantity: Depending on the potential of the ment and Natural Resource Management product Water supply and sanitation Organization: MARKSS HLC (PVT) LTD., Urban infrastructure development Contact person: Mr. Sajeevan Wickremasinghe Capacity Building and livelihood development – Director,Commercial and Monitoring, evaluation and social safeguards. Administration/ Organization: EML Consultants (Pvt) Ltd Ms Nanduni Godellage – Contact person: Mr. D.L. Kumaradasa – Manager, HR & Legal Affairs Director Operations Address: 153/3, Nawala Road, Address: No. 6/10 Raja Maha Vihara Road, Narahenpita, Colombo 5 SRI LANKA. Pita Kotte. SRI LANKA. Tel: +94 11 2368686 Fax: +94 11-2368267 Tel: +94 11 5535880 Email: [email protected]/ [email protected] Fax: +94 11 2854762 Web: www.marksshealthcare.lk Email: [email protected] Web: www.emlconsultants.com

LOOKING FOR VENTURE PARTNERS 3. Services: inspection, verification, testing and certification related services providing 1. Nature of Joint Venture: for exporters, importers, manufactur To set up manufacturing facilities in Sri Lanka ers, agents, retailers, traders, through joint ventures on Industrial products and governments and institutions to export Organization: SGS Lanka (Pvt) Ltd Organization: Brown and Company PLC Contact person: Ms. T Tharani Contact person: Mr. Prasanna Ganegoda Address: 140, Vauxhall Street, Colombo 02, Address: No 34, Sir Mohamed Macan Marker SRI LANKA. Mawatha, Colombo 03. SRI LANKA. Tel: +94 11 5376280 Fax: +94 11 5376281 Tel: +94773157100 Fax: +94 11 2307391 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Web: www.sgs.lk Web: www.brownsgroup.com

The Secretary General/CEO The National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka 450 D.R. Wijewardena Mawatha, Colombo -10 Tel : +94 11 4741788 / +94 11 2689600 Fax: +94 11 2689596, email: [email protected], www.nationalchamber.lk