The National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka NCCSL Building #450, D R Wijewardena Mawatha, Colombo 10, Sri Lanka. Web: www.nccsl.lk introduction President’s Statement | Anual Report 2012/13

TheThe National Chamber Chamber of Commerce of Commerce of Sri Lanka of(then Sri Ceylon) Lanka was (then Ceylon) was foundedfounded in in 1948, 1948, soon aftersoon the after country the gained country independence gained from independence from BritishBritish colonial colonial rule. rule.Prime objectivePrime objectiveof setting up of the setting Chamber up was the Chamber was to establish a forum for the local business community. The foremost toobjective establish of the aChamber forum at for that the time localwas the business ‘Ceylonisation’ community. of trade as The foremost objectivethe policy climate of the was notChamber conducive atto nationalthat timeinterests. was the ‘Ceylonisation’ of

tradeSubsequently as the incorporatedpolicy climate as wasa limited not conduciveliability company to national interests. in 1955, and charting a course initiated by its twenty-one Subsequentlyfounder members incorporated comprising leading as abusiness limited figures liability from company a in 1955, cross-section of the country’s communities, NCCSL today consists andof 600 charting corporate a members course and initiated is still growing. by its Moretwenty-one importantly founder members comprisingthe Chamber’s leadingassistance tobusiness over 2,500 figuresMicro, Small from and aMedium cross section of the country’sEnterprises, from communities, all parts of the country, NCCSL exemplify today NCCSL’s consists commitment of 600 corporate to achieving equitable development. members and is still growing. More importantly the Chamber’s assistanceThe Chamber hasto now over emerged 2,500 as a leadingMicro, national Small trade and promotion Medium Enterprises, organization in the country providing a variety of services to the Sri fromLankan all business parts community. of the Itcountry, has become exemplify the voice of NCCSL’sbusiness in commitment to achievingSri Lanka. equitable development.

The Chamber has now emerged as a leading national trade promo- VISION tion organization in the country providing a variety of services to the SriTo beLankan the leading business source of servicescommunity. and assistance It hasto businesses become the voice of countrywide for the promotion of domestic and foreign trade with businessspecial emphasis in Sri on Lanka. the development of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises.

VISIONMISSION To provide trade promotion services and assistance required by businesses to function competitively in domestic and overseas markets Toand be to representthe leading them insource matters ofof common services and andindividual assistance interest to businesses countrywideat forums including for discussionsthe promotion and deliberations of domestic convened and by the foreign trade with specialGovernment. emphasis on the development of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises.This will include enhancing the efficiency and competitiveness of enterprises countrywide and strengthening dialogue with the Government in order to maintain a conducive business environment. MISSION

To provide trade promotion services and assistance required by businesses to function competitively in domestic and overseas markets and to represent them in matters of common and individual interest at forums including discussions and deliberations convened by the Government.

This will include enhancing the efficiency and competitiveness of enterprises countrywide and strengthening dialogue with the Government in order to maintain a conducive business environ- ment.

The National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka 7 contEntS

03 Highlights of the Year

04 President’s Statement

06 Secretary General’s Report

08 Chamber Office Bearers

12 The Council

14 54th Annual General Meeting

20 Chamber Activities

44 Chamber Representation in Other Bodies

46 Sustainability Report

47 Corporate Governance

53 Financial Reports

74 Milestones and Key Achievements

79 Our Genealogy

81 Membership AnnuAl RepoRt 2012/13

HiGHLiGHtS oF tHE YEAr 2013

“Ayurveda Expo 2013” SME Development

International Indigenous Five training programmes were held in Healthcare Exhibition and Anuradhapura, Ampara, Ratnapura and Kurunegala. International Symposium on Traditional Medicine. MOUs Organized by the National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka in partnership with the Ministry of MOUs were signed with Czech Republic Chamber of Indigenous Medicine and Ministry of Industry & Commerce, CCPIT Beijing Sub Council, Belarusian Commerce Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Overseas Friendship Association of Hunan Province- China and Bengal National Chamber of Commerce. National Business Excellence Awards 2013

Held on 27 November 2013 for the 10th consecutive Member Support Activities year to benchmark the country’s businesses. NCCSL Members CEO’s Forum

• 11 Monthly trade information bulletins • 3 Quarterly Chamber Newsletters • 6 Seminars 54th Annual General Meeting • 6 Workshops

Held on Thursday, 24 January 2013

Representations Bilateral Trade Promotion Representations were made to: Exporters’ Forum, Ministry 8 seminars were held on bilateral trade between of Finance, Consumer Affairs Authority and Ministry of Sri Lanka and Germany, China, Bangladesh, Liberia, Livestock and Rural Development Korea, Japan, Cuba and Russia. Inward delegations came from China, Estonia, Liberia, Belarus, Sweden, Bengal, Bangladesh, Vietnam & Czech Republic. Outward delegations went to India, Thailand and China. Three business forums were conducted with the visiting delegations from Czech Republic, Bangladesh and Vietnam in November 2013

Thethe Nationalnational Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lankalanka (TNCCS)(nCCSl) 3 AnnuAl RepoRt 2012/13

PrESidEnt’S StAtEMEnt

The services to members in terms Sri Lanka’s economy proved to be resilient overcoming the gloomy global scenario, and grew at 6.4% although it is a drop from the 8.3% recorded an year earlier. The of enhancing their business Euro area remained weak and therefore, significantly affected our exports. The prospects and management US is showing signs of recovery and has recorded higher levels of employment which augurs well for our exports. Although many economists urge Sri Lanka’s capability exporters to focus on Asia and other emerging economies it has not been easy to move substantially away from the US and European markets. The depreciation of the Rupee has helped exporters and coupled with other initiatives has reduced It is with great pleasure that I present, on behalf imports. Many senior economists have commended the economic management of the Council, the Annual Report of the National by the Government although warning of a few areas of concern. Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka containing the financial report for the year ended 31 The recent corporate earnings have been disappointing and have affected March 2013 and a report on the activities up to different sectors in different ways. The drop in international gold prices has end November 2013. In the last couple of years affected many financial institutions requiring them to make provisions for possible we have had the Annual General Meeting in losses. Agriculture and tea plantations have been affected by the vagaries of January, which your Council believed was too weather. Government policy changes relating to duty structures have affected long a period after the end of the financial year, some importers significantly. As a result, the Colombo stock market activity has and decided to gradually advance the Annual been dull, although many believed that it will benefit from the low fixed deposit General Meeting so that it could be held within interest rates, making funds shift to equity investments instead. six months of the end of the financial year in terms of good corporate governance. Therefore, The new budget presented in November has been received well although there for a start, we decided to have the meeting in are concerns about the shift from an export-led growth to import substitution to December this year making it the second AGM protect the local industry. The incentives for acquiring of brands will augur well for for the year.

4 the national Chamber of Commerce of Sri lanka (nCCSl) PRESIDENT’S STATEMENT AnnuAl RepoRt 2012/13

the export industry. The Government’s policy on of foreign delegates. This exhibition gave a tremendous boost to the indigenous infrastructure development, support for research medicinal practices of Sri Lanka. and innovation, and support for professionals are very encouraging. The turnaround of the large The NBEA excellence model was revised substantially this year and a completely state owned utilities, too, is an encouraging sign new evaluation scheme was instituted. This was done by benchmarking some and so is the decision to re-capitalise SriLankan of the elements of the world famous Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award and Mihin Air, a decision which was long overdue. framework of USA and the European Foundation for Quality Management The Government’s commitment to gradually (EFQM) Excellence Award. A first tier desk review panel was instituted and the reduce the budget deficit has to be commended. final panel of judges was expanded and consisted of top professionals. The award ceremony in November was held on a grand scale and was perhaps the best The National Chamber prepared a very ever. The Chamber staff have developed a very high capability to organise this comprehensive set of budget proposals which competition and awards scheme, and the event received many accolades. The was presented to the Government and as the Council has decided to keep on making further improvements every year, and single most important factor suggested that the make it the most sought after excellence award of Sri Lanka. implementation of budget proposals is speedily handled removing all possible obstacles. I am sorry to report that the financials show a significant decline of the surplus of the Chamber for the year ending 31 March 2013. This was partly due to the lower The Government must be congratulated for the interest income owing to the decline of interest rates, the lower level of funds very successful Commonwealth Business Forum available for deposits as result of the building expenses, and higher expenditure (CBF) and the hosting of the Commonwealth including the higher depreciation on account of the new capitalised portion of the Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). The refurbishment. The next year, too, would be challenging financially. The Chamber benefits from these two events are expected events make a significant contribution to enhancing knowledge as well as capacity over time. building of our enterprises and I would believe that supporting Chamber activities will provide great benefits to the nation and therefore, deserve substantial support With regard to Chamber activities the focus during from our members and the business community. the period under review was the enhancement of internal capability. With the improvement I thank the Government and Ministers who supported our events and Secretaries of the physical infrastructure completed in of Ministries and Heads of Departments and other Government officials who January this year with a new Board Room and supported us in numerous ways. Finally, I thank our Past Presidents, staff of a well-equipped auditorium, the Council felt the Chamber and all our members, for the support they have extended to the that your Chamber must be positioned to take Council. A special word of thanks is due to the Secretary General of the Chamber, an important place in the business community. Mr E M Wijetilleke, who will retire at the end of December this year after 20 years Many new initiatives were implemented to of loyal service. His hard work, dedication and the integrity with which he served improve the efficiency of chamber operations the Chamber is greatly appreciated. The Chamber will miss him and we wish him and services, and increase activities. The services a peaceful and rewarding retirement. to members in terms of enhancing their business prospects and management capability were On behalf of the Council I invite all our members to actively participate in also conducted. The Secretary General’s Review Chamber activities, provide suggestions to improve our services to you so that contains more details of our activities. we can make our Chamber an important and prominent institution contributing to the development of the Nation’s economy and enhancing the standard of The Chamber has two mega events during a living of our people. calendar year. One is the Avurvedha or Arogya exhibition which is conducted alternatively very year, and the other is the National Business Excellence Awards (NBEA). This year’s Ayurvedha exhibition was a resounding success. The Mr. Sunil Wijesinha international seminar connected with it had an President - NCCSL unprecedented attendance with a large number

the national Chamber of Commerce of Sri lanka (nCCSl) 5 AnnuAl RepoRt 2012/13

SEcrEtArY GEnErAL’S rEPort

We conducted the NBEA 2013 were invited to interact with those business delegations to enable them to find new markets. We also invited the Ambassadors/High Commissioners of Germany, on 27 November 2013 for China, Bangladesh, Liberia, Republic of Korea, Japan and Cuba to address the the 10th consecutive year to members on business and investment opportunities in those countries. Many members made use of these opportunities effectively. We provided trade enhance competitiveness of information on opportunities for exports, imports and joint ventures through products and services of the the weekly News Bulletin. Information on products and services of member organizations were disseminated to Chambers of Commerce, Trade Promotion member organizations. Organizations and Embassies through the bulletin. Many foreign organizations informed us that they contacted and entered into agreements with the members of the National Chamber of Commerce for mutually beneficial businesses. MArkEt PEnEtrAtion We conducted the NBEA 2013 on 27 November 2013 for the 10th consecutive The Chamber made a special effort to help its year to enhance competitiveness of products and services of the member members to penetrate into new markets and organizations. Criteria for selection of winners were modified this year. NBEA also sustain their present markets. We took benchmarks the organizations and encourages them to improve quality and measures such as providing information on productivity of their products and services. NBEA 2013 was open to businesses new markets, Government policies on trade and ranging from micro to extra large scale so that businesses of any scale could investment, tariff applicable to different products improve their competitiveness and benchmark against competitors. and potential products and services. We received business delegations from China, Estonia, Liberia, Belarus, Sweden and Czech Republic. Members

6 the national Chamber of Commerce of Sri lanka (nCCSl) SECRETARY GENERAL’S REPORT AnnuAl RepoRt 2012/13

HuMAn rESourcE dEvELoPMEnt MEMbEr SErvicES Full day workshops and training sessions were In addition to general services provided to membership, we introduced a novel conducted by well recognized resource persons. concept in the year under review to allow the CEOs of the member organizations These programmes were extended to regional to interact with each other through a National Chamber Member CEOs Forum. Small and Medium Business Enterprises as well We invited the Governor of the Central Bank to deliver the keynote address. with the support of the National Enterprise Members had the opportunity to clarify many issues such as Government’s Development Authority (NEDA), the state agency future development programs and Government policies towards labour market that promotes local entrepreneurs in the country. etc. The CEOs Forum was a good opportunity for the members to discuss among Among the workshops and training sessions themselves business opportunities for mutual benefit. Chamber also conducted conducted were: Introduction to Exporting, an International Exhibition and Symposium on Traditional Medicine which was Developing Business Plans and Exporting to participated by more than seven countries. The international symposium was Europe, Usage of IT in Business, Human Resource an opportunity for the professionals in the traditional medicinal sectors in Sri Management and Courtesies and Etiquettes for Lanka, Germany, India, Thailand, China and Japan to exchange information with Frontline Staff of Business Organizations. regard to their traditional medicinal systems. A number of research papers were presented by the experts from Sri Lanka, India and Thailand.

AwArEnESS crEAtion We conducted many awareness creation rESEArcH ProjEctS seminars to educate membership on the latest The Chamber provided to the membership information on current status of Government policies and their impact on market, international arena, business trends and important economic data business and industry. Seminars conducted pertaining to Sri Lanka and other countries with which we do business. The were: Electricity Tariff, EPF and ETF, Taxes Chamber also undertook a research for SAARC Trade Promotion Network (TPN) and Tax Incentives to Business, Road Map of on value chain analysis of some value chains. Electricity Industry Revival, Exchange Control Regulations and Investing in Shares. In addition, we recommended to the Treasury to introduce workinG witH tHE GovErnMEnt business and industry friendly policies. We During the year under review, Chamber worked very closely with the sent our recommendations for inclusion in the Government. We had a number of meetings with the Ministry of Industry and National Budget Proposals which we thought Commerce, Ministry of the Indigenous Medicine, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Sri would help improve business climate. Lanka Customs, Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Authority to find solutions to business related issues. The Chamber sent 103 members to the business forum that was held in concurrence to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) held in November 2013.

In conclusion, I thank the President, Council Members, Members of the Chamber and my colleagues in the Secretariat for the excellent co-operation and support they extended in concluding another successful year.

E M Wijetilleke Secretary General/CEO

the national Chamber of Commerce of Sri lanka (nCCSl) 7 AnnuANNUALAl RepoREPORTRt 2012/13 cHAMbEr oFFicE-bEArErS

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8 the national Chamber of Commerce of Sri lanka (nCCSl) CHAMBER OFFICE-BEARERS AnnuAl RepoRt 2012/13

1. Mr. SuniL G wijESinHA 3. Mr. SujEEvE SAMArAwEErA President Deputy President

Mr Wijesinha has a multi-disciplinary background Mr Samaraweera counts over 20 years experience in transport, logistics, shipping with qualifications in Engineering, Accountancy and aviation. and Management and holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration. He is presently the Managing Director of two multinational shipping companies, namely Atlas Logistic Lanka (Pvt) Ltd, and Centurion Shipping and Logistic (Pvt) He served as the Chief Executive in many public Ltd, Director of National Institute of Fisheries and Nautical Engineering, Member and private organizations including Dankotuwa of the Governing Council of the Ocean University of Sri Lanka, Governor of Sri Porcelain PLC, Merchant Bank of Sri Lanka PLC, Lanka National Arbitration Centre Board, Member of Sri Lanka Accreditation and as Chairman Employees’ Trust Fund Board. Board, and Committee Member of Sri Lanka Shippers’ Council. Mr Samaraweera He has served on the Boards of Directors of many holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from the UK. companies, corporations and statutory boards. He is currently the Chairman of Employers’ Federation of Ceylon, Watawala Plantations PLC, 4. Mr. ASELA dE LivErA and United Motors Lanka PLC, President of the Honorary Secretary Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Mr Asela de Livera is an Engineer by Profession holding the National Diploma Quality and Productivity, Deputy Chairman of in Technology (Electrical Power) and Diploma in Refrigeration (South Bank Siyapatha Finance PLC and serves on the Boards University, UK). He is also a Member of the Institute of Refrigeration (UK). He is of Directors of several other companies. the Chairman/Managing Director of Koolair Group of Companies having 34 years’ He also serves on the National Labour Advisory experience in the field. Council, the National Administrative Reforms He is also the President of Sri Lanka Bangladesh Business Co-operation Council of Council, and the Senior Ministers’ Advisory the National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka. Mr Livera also represents NCCSL Committee on Science, Technology and Innovation. at the Sri Lanka Energy Managers Association. Mr Wijesinha is an internationally recognized specialist on productivity and quality 5. Mr. H A wEHALLE management who has been honoured twice by the Asian Productivity Organization for his Honorary Treasurer contribution to productivity promotion - in Sri Mr H A Wehalle is a Graduate of the University of Ceylon with a Bachelor of Science Lanka in the year 2000 and in the Asia Pacific degree. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka and is a region in 2005 for his contribution to productivity practicing accountant since his retirement. Mr Wehalle had his secondary education promotion in Sri Lanka and the Asia Pacific region. at St .Thomas’ College, Mt Lavinia.

His career as an accountant spans a period of 45 years having had varied experience 2. Mr. tHiLAk GodAMAnnA in the Government, industry, banking and auditing sectors in Sri Lanka and overseas. Snr. Deputy President He also has considerable experience overseas having worked in Zambia with Coopers & Lybrand as a Chartered Accountant and as Head of Business Studies with Mr. Godamanna is a well-known entrepreneur the University of Malawi. In Sri Lanka he held positions as Finance Director of a leading with over 40 years experience. He is the Chairman, group of companies and retired as the Managing Director of a Merchant Bank. He is Ninehearts Group of Companies. In addition one of the longest serving members on the Council of NCCSL having served for a to his other engagements with the NCCSL, period of 17 years in different positions among them as Honorary Treasurer and Mr Godamanna is Vice-President of the Sri Lanka Deputy President. Bangladesh Business Co-operation Council and was previously a member of the Trade & Tariff Committee of the SME Cluster of the NCED and member of the National Exporters Award Committee of EDB. Mr Godamanna has undergone professional training in photography in Germany and Switzerland and holds a Diploma in Accountancy and a Certificate in Diplomacy and International Relations from Bandaranaike Centre for International Studies.

the national Chamber of Commerce of Sri lanka (nCCSl) 9 AnnuAl RepoRt 2012/13

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10 Thethe Nationalnational Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lankalanka (NCCSL)(nCCSl) CHAMBER OFFICE-BEARERS AnnuANNUALAl RepoREPORTRt 2012/13

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theThe nationalNational Chamber of Commerce of Sri lankaLanka (n(NCCSL)CCSl) 11 AnnuAl RepoRt 2012/13 tHE counciL The following Councillors were present for the Council photograph:

01. 1Mr Sunil G Wijesinha, (President) Dr. D V Seevaratnam 02. Mr Thilak Godamanna Mr. Anura Warnakulasuriya (Senior Deputy President) Mr. Priyanga Gunasekara 03. Mr Sujeeve Samaraweera Mr. Yakooth Nalleem (Deputy President) 04. Mr H A Wehalle, (Hony. Treasurer) oFFicE bEArErS 05. Mr Asela de Livera, (Hony. Secretary) Mr. Sunil G Wijesinha - President 06. Mr Asoka Hettigoda (Immediate Past President) Mr. Thilak Godamanna - Deputy President 07. Mr Nilhan Ekanayake Mr. Sujeeve Samaraweera - Deputy President 08. Dr A S Sabaratnam Mr. H A Wehalle - Honorary Treasurer 09. Ms Renuka Jayamanne Mr. Asela de Livera - Honorary Secretary 10. Mr K Samarasinghe 11. Mr Ramal Jasinha iMMEdiAtE PASt PrESidEnt 12. Eng. R K Asoka W Randeni Mr. Asoka Hettigoda 13. Mr Sarath de Silva 14. Mr Gamini Wimalasuriya cHAirMEn oF StAndinG coMMittEES 15. Mr Sarath C Algama Mr. Sarath C de Silva - Agriculture & Food Processors 16. Mr Mangala P B Yaya Mr. Asoka Hettigoda - Ayurveda 17. Mr Gamini Saparamadu Mr. Nandhika Buddipala - Banking & Financial Services 18. Mr Dudley Thambinayagam Mr. Sunil G Wijesinha - Employment, Education & Training 19. Mr Bandula Dissanayake (DSG) Mr. Asoka Hettigoda - Exporters 20. Mr E M Wijetilleke (Secretary General) Mr. Dudley Thambinayagam - Importers 21. Mr Buddika Mallawaarachchi (SASG) Capt. M G Kularatne - Engineering & Construction Mr. Mohideen Cader - Industries AbSEntEES Mr. Ramal Jasinha - Insurance Mrs Deepa Edirisinghe Mr. Ahsan Refai - Gem & Jewellery Mr. H A Ariyaratne Mr. Sujeeve Samaraweera - Ports, Shipping & Aviation Mr. Ajit E W Abhayaratne Mr. Riyaz M Sangani - Power & Energy Mr Jayantha P Karunaratne Mr. Raja Nagalingam - Trading (Wholesale & Retail) Mr Vijaya Ratnayake Mr. Sarath C Algama - Transport & Automobile Industries Mr. Raja Hewabowala Dr. D V Seevaratnam - Plantation Mr. Nandika Buddipala Mr. Anura Warnakulasuriya - Ceramic & Glassware Capt. M G Kularatne Mr. Priyanga Gunasekera - Information & Communication Technology Mr. M Mohideen Cader Mr Yakooth Naleem - Dairy & Livestock Mr. Ashan Refai Mr. Jayantha Ratnayake Mr. Riyaz M Sangani Mr. Raja Nagalingam

12 the national Chamber of Commerce of Sri lanka (nCCSl) THE COUNCIL AnnuAl RepoRt 2012/13

noMinEES oF tHE rEtirinG counciL Mr. Nilhan Ekanayake - Lanka Canneries Ltd. Mr. Jayantha Ratnayaka - Cargoserv Shipping Ltd. Mrs. Deepa Edirisinghe - Edirisinghe Trust Investments Ltd Mr. K Samarasinghe - Edna Group Mr. Mangala P B Yapa - Colombo Dockyard PLC noMinEES FroM tHE FLoor oF tHE HouSE Mr. H A Ariyaratne - DFCC Bank Mr. Ajit E W Abhayaratne - Fentons Ltd. Dr. A S .Sabaratnam - AS Agri Exports (Pvt) Ltd Ms. M C Renuka Jayamanne - Hospitality Management & Consultancy Mr. Jayantha Karunaratne - Imperial Teas (Pvt) Ltd. Mr. Vijaya Ratnayake - Zodiac Medicals (Pvt) Ltd. Mr. Gamini Saparamadu - KENT Holdings Ltd. Mr. Raja Hewabowala - Silicone Coatings (Pvt) Ltd. Mr. Gamini Wimalasuriya - Akbar Brothers (Pvt) Ltd. Eng. R K Asoka W Randeni - Consulting Engineers & Contractors (Pvt) Ltd.

the national Chamber of Commerce of Sri lanka (nCCSl) 13 AnnuAl RepoRt 2012/13

54tH AnnuAL GEnErAL MEEtinG

Hon. Minister having thanked the Chamber President for inviting him to be the Chief Guest said he was thankful to the business community for its active contribution towards the development of the Sri Lankan economy. He said with the support of the business community, the country manages to maintain the Extract of the speech of GDP growth rate at 7% – 8% at present. When we were talking about this growth, many people of the country felt that it was not a reality, but we have made it a Hon. reality now. He appealed to the Chamber to further develop the entrepreneurship so that the economic growth could be enhanced. He said the Government Dr. Sarath has been constantly having dialogues with the business community and the Chambers. Chambers are consulted especially before preparing national budget Amunugama, proposals seeking their opinions on development of the business, industry and M.P., Senior Minister investment. Many Chambers praise the Government on national budget proposals for the for International reason that most of the proposals submitted by the Chambers are included in the budget proposals. Government is always keen to work with the business Monetary community. With the integration of the North/East, especially the agriculture sector that had been abandoned for 30 years prior to ending the war has Co-operation and performed well. Nobody thought that Sri Lanka would go through the economic progress and the development that are happening now. Everybody knows Deputy Minister of that the Government has invested heavily in infrastructure such as roads, ports, airports, highways and other important infrastructure. In addition the Government Finance & Planning, has invested in education which is now bringing results. With regard to foreign income, the income from our housemaids is substantial. However, our income Chief Guest from foreign countries also consists of the income from Sri Lankan professionals working in various countries which is a result of the large investment made in the education sector. National Chamber, we know, has done much work to improve the Small and Medium Enterprises sector in the country which is an integral part of the Sri Lankan economy, he said. Hon. Minister thanked the President and the Council of the Chamber for the good work done to develop the country’s economy.

ExtrAct oF tHE SPEEcH oF Mr. ASokA HEttiGodA, outGoinG PrESidEnt oF tHE nAtionAL cHAMbEr Mr. Hettigoda having welcomed the invitees said, he had a work plan when he took over the Chamber Presidency two years back. The plan targeted on skills development & sustainable development of improvement to trade with the Asian region which he said has now been completed. He further said during his tenure, the Chamber provided many added services to the membership. We have introduced a quarterly newsletter giving valuable trade information to the membership, sent many delegations to overseas countries especially Myanmar, Bangladesh & Vietnam, prepared the Annual Report to match international standards which won a World Silver Award. Apart from that we conducted Ayurveda Expo 2011, Indigenous Medical Exhibition which was graced by both H.E. the President and the Hon. Prime Minister. We also conducted “Arogya” exhibition. Many Ambassadors visited the Chamber and met the Chamber members and discussed issues related to trade and investment.

14 the national Chamber of Commerce of Sri lanka (nCCSl) 54TH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING AnnuAl RepoRt 2012/13

Chamber established Sri Lanka Vietnam Business the newly independent country at that time, and our founders represented all Co-operation Council and Sri Lanka Bangladesh Ceylonese of different races and religions. Business Co-operation Council and provided secretarial services to the Chartered Institute Today, after the end of a thirty year war, the expectations are much the same, and of Logistics and Transport. The Chamber was our membership is eagerly looking forward to the leadership of the chamber to also successful in getting the Carbon Neutral deliver their expectations. We stand alongside our members to help contribute status as the first ever Chamber in the country to this new Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka is now poised to leap forward, and it is a time for us to do so. Above all, we managed to upgrade to build a greater state of readiness in time to benefit from the recovery in Europe the physical appearance of the Chamber with a and the US when it finally does come. modern auditorium complex with 240 seating In fact, as Brazil’s President Lula Da Silva said in 2007 when his country was enjoying capacity, Boardroom and President’s room, a boom time, it is the Momento Magico. This is Sri Lanka’s ‘magic moment’. But it with an investment of LKR 32 million and also is equally important that we do not fritter away this moment that we strategize managed to get a plot of land adjacent to the to achieve our goals and that chambers, too, look positively at the opportunities Chamber to provide additional parking facilities that are unfolding. at the Chamber premises. This facility was inaugurated by His Excellency the President My address to you, therefore, will focus on a few points; why the private sector is Mahinda Rajapaksa on 22 January 2013. With the engine of growth and how it should be nurtured, the importance of quality, this physical development, we are trying to productivity and innovation in the transition phase, what our chamber would make the Chamber a “knowledge hub” and also look forward to in Government policy making, and what our chamber’s focus facilitate business organizations and investors would be in the near term. by providing temporary office facilities. We managed to conduct several seminars for Small Fortunately, many of the macro indicators of the economy are very encouraging. and Medium Entrepreneurs in regions with the Although not all will agree, we must place on record the following positive participation of Secretary to the Treasury. We indicators which are conducive to the business sector. There is an exciting achieved many goals which were considered infrastructure drive, addressing longstanding constraints to private enterprise unachievable, he said. activity. Unemployment has declined considerably and poverty alleviation has been impressive. Inflation has been reigned in to single digits. There is a concerted effort to control the budget deficit and build a better Balance of SPEEcH oF Mr. SuniL wijESinHA, Payments situation. Foreign reserves are at comfortable levels and exchange rates incoMinG PrESidEnt oF tHE and interest rates are more stable. Most notably, GDP growth has picked up at a nAtionAL cHAMbEr steady pace – and this is amidst a very difficult global economic scenario where Hon. Sarath Amunugama, Senior Minister for even the emerging giants of India and China have seen their growth falter a bit. International Monetary Co-operation & Deputy The country has a vision to reach a per capita income level of USD 4,000 by 2016. Minister of Finance, Mr Nivard Cabraal, Governor Some say Sri Lanka will become a “Breakout Nation”. In his book - “Break Out of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, Members of Nations; In Search of the Next Economic Miracle” - Ruchir Sharma, a Managing the Diplomatic Corps, Prof. Uditha Liyanage, the Director of Morgan Stanley Investment Bank defines a “breakout nation” as a Keynote Speaker, Past Presidents of the National country that beats expectations and grows faster than other countries in the same Chamber, members of the Chamber, Ladies and per capita income bracket. This, coming from such an emerging markets expert, Gentlemen. is certainly exciting. While we no doubt welcome such an economic miracle, we It is a great privilege to address you as the 30th certainly do not want wide disparities, such as we have seen in some countries President of the National Chamber, a Chamber where economic miracles took place, where one class is spending money lavishly conceived and formed soon after independence in decadent enjoyment while the poor are still in slums barely able to survive. by an eminent group of national business leaders What is needed is more inclusive growth and a more equitable standard of living who had the foresight to establish a chamber for our people. We need to bridge the economic divide. We need to be mindful that represents the true national business of this. We don’t want to leave room for anything like an ‘Occupy Wall Street’ community. There was much expectation in movement to happen here.

the national Chamber of Commerce of Sri lanka (nCCSl) 15 AnnuAl RepoRt 2012/13 54TH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

But sustained economic performance does not fall into the “Middle Income Trap” as we have seen in some countries, like not come by wishful thinking alone. In the mid Malaysia. In the industry I was associated with until recently, labour was never a nineties we were benchmarking alongside the problem in the 1990s. There were thousands who were in the waiting list. Today East Asian Tigers, and declared our intention to it is almost impossible to find new recruits because they want to work in air- become a Newly Industrialized Country, an NIC. conditioned environments mainly in shops and supermarkets even for a lower There was confusion on what an NIC meant. An pay. Many of our chamber members complain that labour shortage is a huge year or two later we had power cuts for over 12 problem and even suggest that the Government should do something about hours, and I remember Hon C V Gooneratne the it. There is nothing that the Government could do. It is a reality that has to be then Minister of Industrial Development saying accepted. The solution is to upgrade the industries which will require more skilled that we have already reached NIC status if NIC people. There is a role for the Government here, in upgrading the skills of our meant a Non Illuminated Country (NIC)! workforce, building a productive and competitive workforce, capable of working with the changing dynamics of the world economy. The example of China We need a coordinated strategic plan for the is a good eye opener. The 2009 documentary “The Last Train Home” shows an country estimated 130 million Chinese taking the train journey home to their villages for Our Chamber is not an economic policy making the New Year holidays. Many wait day and night for a space on the train and some institution and will therefore not be prescriptive, even wear diapers to avoid using the toilet. Many workers do not return after the but we keep abreast of what is happening in the holidays and companies had to resort to various incentives to get them to return. outside world, in terms of how it would impact What was the main insight here? - Hourly wages in China rose twice as fast on Sri Lanka and also in terms of good policies as productivity, forcing companies to increase prices and therefore lose the that seem to have worked elsewhere. price advantage of their exports. In Sri Lanka, too, wage increases that outstrip A recent study on 13+ countries that had productivity increases can be very damaging to competitiveness. We need to be sustained growth of 7% or over for at least 25 proactive. This is why regular consultation is necessary because industries will years continuously had some common features. notice the problems much before they appear on the radar of economists and They were: Government policy makers. The answer is not in higher unemployment figures but in upgrading our industries to the next level of technology, and upgrading • A greater connectivity to the world the skills of our people. economy • Allocating factors of production to The Private Sector their most productive uses The private sector – large and small - is well recognized as the backbone of the • Reduced economic uncertainty and country’s economy. The role of and the contribution that can be made by the volatility private sector is very readily apparent and has been made abundantly clear by • Growth being inclusive and shared by the experiments of some major economies that allocated a prominent role to the all groups of society private sector. Several waves of reforms in these countries have sustained growth for extended periods. Although Sri Lanka liberalized its economy even before These countries weren’t only the ones you might India, the war years constricted growth. Decades of a controlled economy had intuitively think about – Brazil, China, Japan, stifled the private sector creativity. Unfortunately even today the private sector is South Korea, and Singapore. But also countries cautious because of policy uncertainty. like Botswana, Malta and Oman. While there is no guarantee that what worked for others will With a policy objective of achieving GDP growth of 8 per cent or higher, Sri Lanka work for us, it is useful to benchmark and see would need to raise its annual rate of investment from the current level of around what useful lessons we can learn. While we are 26% of GDP to at least 35%. With increasing pressures on the Government budget, proud of our economic achievements there are and public investment likely to be capped at around 6%, it means that this higher also warning signs ahead. We talk with pride investment ratio would need to come almost entirely from private investment. that unemployment is now low. While this A strong private sector with substantial investment going into it can make a achievement is to be lauded, we must realize that significant contribution to the national economy, and this cannot be stressed this causes problems to many manufacturing enough. But this doesn’t happen automatically. While the Government has companies which are labour intensive. We must already provided many incentives and positive policies to encourage the private

16 the national Chamber of Commerce of Sri lanka (nCCSl) 54TH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING AnnuAl RepoRt 2012/13

sector in recent Budgets, much more needs to be Government has been transformative, while others such as Japan have seen done especially in providing a conducive climate the private sector taking the lead after the initial steps by the Government. for the private sector to truly thrive. Some very significant productivity improvement achievements have been made in the public sector of Sri Lanka, as evidenced by the new procedures at Meanwhile, our Chamber is very passionate the Passport Office, the Registrar of Motor Vehicles and the Registrar General’s about the Small and Medium Enterprise – SME Office. Unfortunately these efforts are concentrated in small pockets and still – sector. We believe that SMEs can be the driving relatively inconsistent, while the private sector initiatives have been lukewarm force of this new growth, if given the right at best, except among some industry leaders. The declaration of 2013 as “The environment to thrive. We need to move beyond Year of Excellence in the Public Service” is commendable. Singapore’s Lee Kuan thinking of only concessionary loan schemes as Yew strategically improved the productivity of the public service in the 1980s to the ‘magic bullet’ for SME development. When create a more conducive environment for the private sector. Our survival and you look at the SME development of Asian growth would, to a large extent, depend on our ability to improve productivity countries like Philippines, Malaysia and Thailand of Government services which will facilitate business and in the ability of the – why did their strategies succeed? Because they private sector to adapt effective techniques and greatly improve its quality focused on ALL aspects of SME development and productivity. The concept of productivity at enterprise level is still not – not just loans. They created eco-systems of well understood. I am not talking about Total Factor Productivity measured by business development that helped SMEs unleash economists but enterprise level productivity. Productivity is still often associated their potential - technology transfer, better with just labour productivity and many assume that it means “working harder”. management techniques, helping them become In fact, Frederick Taylor the most famous pioneer of productivity showed over competitive and go on to exports. We can learn a century ago that applying scientific techniques of productivity improvement from these strategies. Our Chamber has done will actually reduce fatigue, while producing more, and affording higher wages. a lot to promote SMEs, and we will continue In a study I carried out for the Asian Productivity Organization a few years ago I to do so. But we need to push further, and the found that the knowledge and application of modern productivity-enhancing Government has a strong role to play. In a recent techniques is woefully inadequate in Sri Lanka compared with other Asian survey of our SME members done by the Institute countries. If we are ‘looking East’ to grow like the Asian Tigers, we must focus on of Policy Studies together with the National productivity enhancement the same way they did. Chamber to identify what SME constraints are and what they want, a significant proportion said The Asian Productivity Organization was created in the 1960s as an inter- that the support from Government institutions governmental organization after realizing that Asian countries were lagging and agencies involved in SME development can behind in economic growth because of low productivity. Although it may be be much better. argued that some Asian countries have achieved rapid economic progress recently without a significant improvement of productivity, it is unlikely that such Quality, Productivity and Innovation growth can be sustained in the long term. Sri Lanka is perhaps the only member Sri Lanka is a transition economy and no longer country of the APO that has no statutory body in charge of productivity, it only has competitive on cheap inputs that helped a secretariat. While Singapore has integrated its quality promotion and standards particularly exports to be competitive in the past. body with its productivity promotion body, in Sri Lanka they still operate in their We now, more than ever, need to compete on own compartments. If we are serious about promoting quality and productivity factors other than price. We need a sustained the first step is a suitable institutional framework and next would be a country- programme from both the private sector and wide plan of action. the Government in creating firstly a national About a decade ago a “National Productivity Policy” was prepared with the culture of quality, productivity and innovation assistance of a USAID consultant. Substantial resources in terms of consultation and secondly a willingness to apply modern took place in conceptualizing the policy. Unfortunately, it subsequently techniques at enterprise level that will improve appeared that the objective was merely preparing the document - once again quality, productivity and innovation. proving that Sri Lankans are weak in implementation. Japan is well known for Some Asian nations such as Singapore, Thailand its Kaizen culture where everybody thinks of improvements all the time. Masaaki and Malaysia are classic examples of where a Imai titled his famous book “Kaizen; The secret of Japan’s Competitive Success”. quality and productivity drive initiated by the Today incremental improvements with Kaizen are considered insufficient and it is Kaizen coupled with innovation that is in vogue. Unfortunately in Sri Lanka

the national Chamber of Commerce of Sri lanka (nCCSl) 17 AnnuAl RepoRt 2012/13 54TH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

change is not popular and therefore Kaizen to the opportunities and obstacles across all sectors in the economy. They are in and innovation are often relegated to a lower the best position to advise Government on appropriate policies that will create position. Sri Lanka desperately needs a new way a conducive enabling environment. Responsible Chambers will never advance of thinking. The productivity programmes in petty interests that will be at the expense of the national interest. The Government Singapore and Malaysia were driven by the Head could well use this huge reservoir of knowledge in formulating policies. More of State. I believe we need something similar discussion and consultation will invariably result in policies that are more here in Sri Lanka. acceptable and even more importantly policies that will spur on faster growth. I am not for a moment saying that there are no consultations now. Particularly in What our Chamber will focus on the preparation of budget recommendations, the consultation process is a good initiative. This must not only be widened, but it must be deepened. It is genuine The National Chamber stands ready to play consultations that really matter. Therefore, I urge the Government to please have an integral part in the exciting new growth regular consultations with Chambers. It will certainly be a win-win result. phase taking shape. Primarily we need to serve our members and assist them to reach higher Finally, I repeat that this is our momento magico – Sri Lanka’s magic moment. levels of growth. We will do this by educational The goal of the Chambers and the goal of the Government is the same. We programmes on management, business impr- need to synchronise our efforts to bring sustained, fast growth to our country ovement techniques, and others related to in an inclusive manner. As I pledge my commitment to the membership of statutory, regulatory and other requirements. We the National Chamber, and we as a Chamber commit to partner the nation to will represent them to the relevant Government achieve the status of “Miracle of Asia”, I must conclude by placing on record my agencies and assist them to overcome obstacles deep appreciation of the contribution made by the outgoing President and the and inhibiting issues they may encounter. We will Council and all those associated with Chamber activities. assist them in promoting their business locally May I now conclude, by wishing every one of you a pleasant evening and a and overseas. productive and happy 2013. Meanwhile, we will always keep in mind our national duty. We will contribute our ideas and ExtrAct oF tHE SPEEcH oF Mr. AjitH nivArd cAbrAAL, insights to Government policy making and synchronize our efforts with the Government’s GovErnor oF cEntrAL bAnk oF Sri LAnkA, GuESt oF economic policy framework. Thanks to our Honour: previous councils led by our eminent Presidents, The Governor having thanked Mr. Sunil G Wijesinha for inviting him for the event our Chamber has been growing steadily over said that the business sector is the engine of the growth of the Sri Lanka economy. the years. I have worked with six Presidents With the active participation of the private sector in economic activities, the during my tenure in the Council and all have country has managed to achieve the economic targets it was planning. Present contributed immensely with great commitment macroeconomic indicators in Sri Lanka are encouraging and we now have and dedication. The immediate past President very good infrastructure facilities. Unemployment has reduced remarkably and Mr. Asoka Hettigoda was determined to enhance inflation is confined to one digit. Our balance of payment is healthy with a high the training and auditorium facilities and created GDP growth rate. We could easily achieve the per capita income target of USD a new auditorium and meeting facilities in record 4,000/- in 2016. I can remember in 1990’s our target was to become a newly industrialized country which could not be realized due to various problems such time. It makes my task much easier to carry out as power cuts and poor infrastructure facilities. We need a proper economic many more programmes for our members in the strategy to develop the economy for which we should get the support of the future in this new facility. private sector. How the Government can benefit from the Our Government has recognized the private sector as a major contributor to the Chamber country’s economic development. We can remember the controlled economy Finally, my speech would not be complete if I that prevailed in the country for decades in the past. With a very slow growth don’t mention the useful role of the Chambers of GDP we should increase the national savings at least up to 30% of the GDP for the Government. All Chambers have a large and increase the investments to achieve our economic targets. Investment and diverse membership and therefore are privy should mainly come from the private sector. Small and Medium Enterprise sector

18 the national Chamber of Commerce of Sri lanka (nCCSl) 54TH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING AnnuAl RepoRt 2012/13

could contribute to the Sri Lanka’s economy in a significant way and I know the National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka has focused in developing the small and medium enterprise sector. Every effort should be taken to improve the quality of products and services, productivity and to innovate new technologies which are now in transit. As in the history, no one can achieve development through cheap factors without employing high technology and innovation. We consider 2013 as the “Year of Productivity”, he said.

the national Chamber of Commerce of Sri lanka (nCCSl) 19 AnnuAl RepoRt 2012/13 cHAMbEr ActivitiES

ExPAndinG AcroSS tHE boundArY Bangsai Agricultural Center Co., Ltd, a hydroponics vegetable farm, Thai Container Co; Ltd, a paper packaging material manufacturer and Thai Agro Exchange buSinESS dELEGAtion to jAPAn LEd Co; Ltd, a fruit and vegetable market. Members also visited the “THAIFEX- bY H. E. tHE PrESidEnt World of Food Asia” food & beverage exhibition. Presentations were made on introduction to fruits and vegetable physiology, post harvest technology and On an invitation by the Ministry of External packaging of fresh fruits and vegetables. Participants were from International Affairs, members of the National Chamber joined Food Stuff Company, Agri Bio - Tech (Pvt) Ltd; Cargills (Ceylon) PLC, Koolair (Pvt) the delegation led by His Excellency Mahinda Ltd; Nidro Supply (Pvt) Ltd; Sadaharitha Agri Farms & Exporters (Pvt) Ltd; and Rajapaksa, the President, to Japan from 12 to Sri Lanka Hadabima Authority. The delegation was coordinated by Mr Buddika 15 March 2013. Chamber members had the Mallawaratchi, Senior Asst. Secretary General of the Chamber. opportunity to participate at the Investor Forum organized by the Board of Investment of Sri Lanka followed by one to one meetings. Members nccSL dELEGAtion At 114tH cAnton FAir in cHinA who joined the delegation were M/s Mr Rohan A 25 member business delegation from the National Chamber of Commerce of Pallewatta, MD, Lanka Harness Co Pvt Ltd, Sri Lanka concluded a successful visit to the 114th Canton Fair held from 15 – 19 Mr Sagara Gunawardena, Chairman/MD, Venora October 2013 in Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China. The delegation was led International, Mr M Y Shihabdeen, MD, Deensons, by Mr. Thilak Godamanna, Senior Deputy President of the National Chamber & Mr. Asoka Randeni, MD, Consulting Engineers Chairman of Ninehearts Group of Companies. The delegation also visited the CCPIT & Contractors Pvt Ltd and Mr A Gangatharan, Guangzhou Provincial Committee and the Sri Lanka Consulate in Guangzhou on MD, Kanan & Co. 18th October 2013. They met the senior officials of Guangzhou CCPIT Subcommittee and Yasoja Gunasekara, Consul General of Sri Lanka. Sri Lankan delegates had the opportunity to establish contacts, source raw materials at competitive prices, gather dELEGAtion to “indiA EnGinEErinG information on new technology and machineries and gain experience on new ways SourcinG SHow” (iESS) of packaging, displaying and showcasing products. A Chamber delegation visited India Engineering Sourcing Show (IESS) held in the Mumbai Representatives of Ninehearts (Pvt) Ltd; Guardian Industrial Solutions, Dexter Exhibition Centre in India from 14 – 16 March International, Sriyamaya Motors, Ned Enterprises, Sigiri Samurdhi Steel Furnitures (Pvt) Ltd; Beehive Mallika Bakery, Torana Music Box, Uniro Paints (PVT) Ltd, 2013. The delegation consisting of 26 members C J P Enterprises (Pvt) Ltd, Mannapperuma Traders (Pvt) Ltd, Jayalath Ref Engineers, was led by Mr Asela de Livera, Hony Secretary of Danaisuru Motors, Rikota Holdings (Pvt) Ltd, Imperial Coatings (Pvt) Ltd; Darshana the Chamber who is also Chairman/Managing Granite Carvings, Hitech Solutions (Pvt) Ltd; Idea Advertising and Lanka Land Director of Koolair Ltd. Exchange (Pvt) Ltd, joined the NCCSL delegation.

StudY tour on “PoSt HArvESt nccSL buSinESS counciLS tEcHnoLoGY And PAckAGinG” Following activities towards the promotion of bilateral business were carried out to bAnGkok by the Business Councils of the National Chamber. A seven member delegation from the National Chamber participated at a training programme on “Post Harvest Technology and Packaging” Sri LAnkA viEtnAM buSinESS co-oPErAtion counciL conducted from 20 to 26 May 2013 in Bangkok. The Business Council disseminated information pertaining to business with The programme was organized by the National Vietnam to its members through special circulars and the NCCSL Trade Chamber in association with Thai Packaging Information Bulletin. The Secretary General and the Deputy Secretary General Centre. Programme included factory, field and of the Chamber participated at the Foundation Stone laying ceremony for the farm visits and lectures on vegetable/ fruit construction of a portrait of H. E. Ho Chi Ming the late great leader of Vietnam at cultivation, harvesting and packing. Field visits the Public Library premises in Colombo on 15 July 2013 on the invitation of H were made to Swift Co Ltd. an exporter of E. Ton Sinh Thanh, Ambassador of Vietnam in Sri Lanka. The Chamber members fresh fruits and vegetables, Royala Chitralada and senior officers also actively participated at many business development and Agricultural Projects, a food processing farm, cultural activities organized by the Embassy of Vietnam.

20 the national Chamber of Commerce of Sri lanka (nCCSl) CHAMBER ACTIVITIES AnnuAl RepoRt 2012/13

Sri LAnkA bAnGLAdESH buSinESS were Hon. Salinda Dissanayake, Minister of Indigenous Medicine, Hon. Rishad co-oPErAtion counciL Bathiudeen, Minister of Industry & Commerce and Hon. Pandu Bandaranaike, Sri Lanka Bangladesh Business Co-operation Deputy Minister of Indigenous Medicine. Principal Sponsor for the event was Council headed by Mr Asela de Livera carried out BARAKA (Bio Extracts Pvt Ltd), Platinum Sponsor - Tree of Life, Gold Sponsors - the following activities:. Janet Real Herbs & Barberyn Ayurveda Resorts. Print Media Sponsors were Daily FT, Daily Mirror, Sunday Times, Virakesari, and Lankadipa. Electronic Media Sponsors • The Members of the Business Council were ITN and Lakhanda radio. Sri Lankan Airlines was the Official Carrier. There paid a courtesy call on H. E. Sufiur were 105 stalls covering Ayurveda, Sidda, Unani & Homeopathy medical sectors, Rahman, newly appointed High nature friendly health food, acupuncture, yoga, meditation, herbal cosmetic Commissioner for Bangladesh on 20 products, health resorts and health spas. Among the stall holders were Indian February 2013 and Chinese companies as well. A total of about 30,000 visitors including 70 • The Council also held a bilateral visitors from China, Japan, Germany, France, Pakistan, India, South Affrica, Nigeria seminar between Sri Lanka and and Thailand visited the three day event. Bangladesh on 3 April 2013 at the National Chamber intErnAtionAL SYMPoSiuM on trAditionAL MEdicinE • The Council received a four member The National Chamber together with the Ministry of Indigenous Medicine delegation from Dhaka Chamber of held an international symposium on “Traditional Medicine” on 13 July 2013 at Commerce on 13 August 2013. the BMICH. About 260 participants including Ayurveda medical practitioners, medical students and others in the sector participated at the symposium. Among Sri LAnkA cHinA buSinESS the participants, there were about 50 Ayurveda practitioners from the North and co-oPErAtion counciL East of Sri Lanka who were offered complimentary participation. Among the Among the important activities of the Sri Lanka foreign participants, there were 15 from Nigeria and 10 from India. Following China Business Co-operation Council in the presentations about research findings on Traditional Medicine and Traditional year was the Business Star Award 2013 held on Medical Practices in different countries were made. 23 September 2013. Business Star Award 2013 Ayurveda Medical System in India - Dr Anupkumar Thakar, Head of Department recognized the business organizations that of Panchakarma Institute of Postgraduate Teaching and Research in Ayurveda, performed well in doing business with China and Gujarat University, India awarded them at a ceremony at Galadari Hotel, Colombo. The event was graced by H.E. Wu Ayurveda Medical System in Germany - Dr Vasantha M. Kuruneru, of European Tianghao, the Chinese Ambassador. Institute for Scientific Research on Ayurveda, Germany

Ayurveda Medical System in China - Mr Fu Yanlin, Dean, International School, SPEciAL ProjEctS Beijing University of Traditional Medicine, China

“AYurvEdA ExPo - 2013” A Review of Current Application of Acupuncture and Moxibustion in China - Mr. Guo Menghu, Lecturer in Acupuncture and Moxibustion, College of Acupuncture, “Ayurveda Expo 2013” International Indigenous Shanghai University of TCM, Shanghai Healthcare Exhibition was held from 12 – 14 July 2013 at the BMICH, Colombo. “Ayurveda Expo Ayurveda Medical System in Thailand - Mr. Tawee Laohapand, Head, Centre of 2013” was organized by the National Chamber Applied Thai Traditional Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol of Commerce of Sri Lanka in association with University Thailand the Ministry of Indigenous Medicine, Ministry of Industry & Commerce, Sri Lanka Gem & Jewellery Aspects of Intellectual Property - Mr. Teemu Puutio, International Trade Division, Authority, Sri Lanka Conventions Bureau and Sri United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, Lanka Export Development Board. The exhibition Bangkok, Thailand was ceremonially declared open by Hon. Basil Rajapaksa, Minister of Economic Development on 12 July 2013. Guests of Honour for the occasion

the national Chamber of Commerce of Sri lanka (nCCSl) 21 AnnuAl RepoRt 2012/13 CHAMBER ACTIVITIES

The symposium comprised of four sessions as Award Ceremony of the NBEA 2013 was held on 27 November 2013 at the given below: Colombo Hilton followed by a gala dinner.

Session1 PrESS briEFinG on nbEA 2013 “Ayurvedic and traditional medical practices in the management of lifestyle”- chaired by Dr. A press briefing on the NBEA 2013 was held on 30 September 2013 at the Newton Peiris, Advisor - Ministry of Indigenous Chamber auditorium. Mr Sunil G Wijesinha, President explained the new Medicine evaluation model of the NBEA introduced this year. Under the new evaluation model more information was called for. “NBEA 2013” model is based on excellence Session 2 in leadership, excellence in corporate governance, excellence in capacity “Ancient wisdom and current research” chaired building, excellence in performance management, excellence in local and global by Dr. R. S .J. Sayakkara, Former Director, Senior market reach, excellence in corporate social responsibility and environmental Lecturer, IIM, University of Colombo sustainability and excellence in business and financial results.

Session 3 conStruction oF A nEw AuditoriuM coMPLEx oF tHE “Ancient wisdom and current issues relating to cHAMbEr precious medicinal plants in Sri Lanka” chaired by Professor Janitha Liyanage, Director, Gampaha The Chamber constructed a new auditorium complex on the 4th floor of the Wickremarachchi Ayurveda Institute, University present Chamber building which could cater to over 200 participants. New of Kelaniya complex was ceremonially opened by His Excellency Mahinda Rajapaksa, the President on 22 January 2013. Event was also graced by Hon Rishad Bathuideen, Session 4 Minister of Industry & Commerce with Senior Government officials, business leaders and the members of the Chamber. “Ancient wisdom and modern applications” chaired by Professor K. K. D. S. Ranaweera, Director, Bandaranaike Memorial Ayurveda MEMbErSHiP dirEctorY Research Institute The Chamber publishes the membership directory once in every two years. The last directory published was in January 2012. The Chamber is now in the process nAtionAL buSinESS ExcELLEncE of compiling the Directory of Members for 2014. AwArdS 2013 National Business Excellence Awards, the SEcrEtAriAL SErvicES to ASSociAtionS national business excellence benchmark competition was launched on 26 June 2013 During the year under review, we provided secretarial services to Sri Lanka China at the Colombo Hilton. NBEA 2013 is the 10th Business Co-operation Council, Sri Lanka Association for Quality and Productivity National Business Benchmark Competition the and Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT). Chamber conducted. The trophy of NBEA 2013 was officially unveiled by Mr. Sunil G Wijesinha, President of the Chamber who is also the “voicE oF buSinESS” cHAMbEr nEwSLEttEr Chairman of NBEA 2013 Steering Committee, This is one of the most effective communication tools where Chamber Prof. Uditha Liyanage, Chairman, NBEA 2013 publishes its activities. The quarterly printed newsletter carries the Chamber Panel of Judges and Mr Thilak Godamanna, activities during the period and the trade and business information of member Senior Deputy President, NCCSL & Co-Chairman, organizations. During the year under review, we have published three quarterly NBEA Steering Committee were present. The issues of the newsletter. Copies were sent to local and overseas Chambers of launch was sponsored by the Colombo Hilton, Commerce, diplomatic missions, other trade promotion organizations and the the official hotel for the 10th consecutive year. government agencies in Sri Lanka.

22 the national Chamber of Commerce of Sri lanka (nCCSl) CHAMBER ACTIVITIES AnnuAl RepoRt 2012/13

MontHLY trAdE inForMAtion 20. Peercore Information Technology (PVT) Ltd buLLEtin 21. Mascons (Pvt) Ltd The Chamber issues a monthly Trade Information 22. Akbar Brothers (Pvt) Ltd Bulletin through which trade information such as 23. Graphic Systems Pvt Ltd products and services to be exported, products 24. Impex Corporation (Pte) Ltd to be imported and for joint venture investment of member organizations are disseminated. This 25. Lanka Special Steels Limited bulletin is sent to the Chambers of Commerce, 26. Nawaloka Polysacks (Pvt) Ltd Diplomatic Missions and other trade promotion 27. Champion Thread Manufacturing Company bodies all over the world. We have issued 11 28. Multichemi International Ltd issues in 2013. Trade information of following member organizations were published in these 29. Mike Flora (Private) Ltd. bulletins. 30. Modern Cold Industrialization Co. LLC 31. Three Sinha industries (Pvt) Ltd Exports/Supplies 32. AP Lanka (Pvt) Ltd 01. Nature’s Beauty Creations Ltd 02. Three Acre Farms PLC (Subsidiary of Imports Ceylon Grain Elevators PLC) 01. Markss HLC (Pvt) Ltd 03. Oriental Ocean Express (Pvt) Ltd 02. SAW Engineering (Pvt) Ltd 04. SAW Engineering (Pvt) Ltd 03. Ceylon Agro Industries Limited 05. Ceylon Agro Industries Limited 04. Boston Foot Wear 06. Sadaharitha Agri Farms & Exporters 05. ABC Trade & Investments (Pvt) Ltd. (Pvt) Ltd 06. Ceat Kelani International Tyres (Pvt) Ltd 07. Straight-Line International (Pvt) Ltd 07. Stassen Exports (Pvt) Ltd 08. Uni World Teas (Pvt) Ltd 08. Revlon Lanka (Pvt) Ltd 09. Associated Ceat (Pvt) Ltd 09. Crosspoint Business Solutions 10. Stassen Exports (Pvt) Ltd 10. Akbar Brothers (Pvt) Ltd 11. Intercom (Pvt.) Ltd 11. Graphic Systems Pvt Ltd 12. Ceylon Machine Twisted Fibre Industries (Subsidiary of Jafferjee 12. Colonial Motors (Ceylon) Ltd Bros. Group of Companies) 13. Lanka Special Steels Limited 13. Lanka Rubberised Coir Pads Mfg, 14. Champion Thread Manufacturing Company Co., (Subsidiary of Jafferjee Brothers 15. Guangdong Fuwa Engineering Manufacturing Co. Ltd. Group of Companies) 16. Three Sinha Industries 14. J.B. Coir Pads (Pvt) Ltd (Subsidiary of Jafferjee Brothers Group of Joint Venture opportunities Companies) 01. SAW Engineering (Pvt) Ltd 15. Sky Line Accessories (Pvt) Ltd 02. Sadaharitha Agri Farms & Exporters (Pvt) Ltd. 16. Saham Travels & Tours 03. Ceat Kelani Holding Pvt Ltd 17. Revlon Lanka (Pvt) Ltd 04. Tritech Engineers (Pvt) Ltd 18. Crosspoint Business Solutions 05. Arch-Triad Consultants (Pvt) Ltd 19. AKLO Information’s Technology Pvt. Ltd 06. Sky Line Accessories (Pvt) Ltd 07. Codegen International – Sri Lanka

the national Chamber of Commerce of Sri lanka (nCCSl) 23 AnnuAl RepoRt 2012/13 CHAMBER ACTIVITIES

08. Graphic Systems Pvt Ltd joint vEnturES & oPPortunitiES in GErMAnY 09. Saham Travels & Tours Mr. Pradeep Jayawardene, Consul General of Sri Lanka in Germany made a 10. Koolair Pvt. Limited presentation on Joint Venture Investment Opportunities in Germany for Sri Lankan business community on 9 January 2013. Chamber members were 11. Impex Corporation (Pte) Ltd provided with information on other business opportunities as well. 12. Clutch Automation Private Limited 13. Three Sinha Industries (Pvt.) Ltd biLAtErAL trAdE bEtwEEn Sri LAnkA & cHinA” Services A presentation/discussion on “Bilateral Trade between Sri Lanka and China” was held on 14 March 2013 at the Chamber Auditorium. Mr Wang Yingqi, Commercial 1. Selco Continental Pvt. Ltd Counsellor of the Embassy of the Peoples Republic of China explained the 2. SAW Engineering (Pvt) Ltd present status of trade between the two countries and the opportunities for 3. ABC Trade & Investments (Pvt) Ltd further expansions. Mr. Zhang Xiaoqiang, Chairman of the Chamber of Chinese Enterprises in Sri Lanka and Mr. C Lal de Alwis, President of Sri Lanka China 4. Arch-Triad Consultants (Pvt) Ltd Business Co-operation Council also made a presentation on present status of 5. Horseman International Colombo trade between Sri Lanka and China. (Pvt) Ltd 6. Neelakandan & Neelakandan biLAtErAL trAdE bEtwEEn Sri LAnkA & bAnGLAdESH 7. Leader Travels & Tours H.E. M. Sufiur Rahman, High Commissioner of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh 8. Hatton National Bank PLC in Sri Lanka made a presentation on “Bilateral Trade between Sri Lanka and 9. SGS Lanka (Pvt) Ltd Bangladesh” on 3 April 2013 at the Chamber Auditorium. H.E. M. Sufiur Rahman 10. AKLO Information’s Technology was assisted by Mr F.M. Borhan-Uddin, Counsellor of the High Commission. He Pvt. Ltd explained about the current business trends, future potential and investment opportunities. He also highlighted that last year Sri Lanka-Bangladesh bilateral 11. EML Consultants Pvt. Ltd trade has increased to US$ 22 million representing an 83% increase over the 2007 12. EM & EN Agents and Secretaries trade levels. (Private) Limited 13. Saham Travels & Tours biLAtErAL trAdE bEtwEEn Sri LAnkA & rEPubLic oF korEA (Manpower Supplier) H.E. Jongmoon Choi, Ambassador of Republic of Korea in Sri Lanka addressed the 14. Koolair (Pvt.) Limited Chamber members on “Bilateral Trade between Sri Lanka and Korea” on 8 May 2013 15. Asha Agencies Limited at the Chamber Auditorium. The Ambassador provided information on current 16. Bureau Veritas Lanka Pvt Ltd business trends, trade potential, opportunities for export, import, investment and 17. Sea Trade Services (Pvt) Ltd other services available for Sri Lankans in Korea. It was highlighted that Korea charges an import duty for coco peat imported from Sri Lanka whereas similar 18. Global Insurance Brokers & Services imports from other destinations are free of import duty resulting in Sri Lankan (Pvt) Ltd products becoming uncompetitive in the Korean market. biLAtErAL trAdE ProMotion biLAtErAL trAdE bEtwEEn Sri LAnkA And jAPAn SEMinArS And diScuSSionS H.E. Nobuhito Hobo, Ambassador of Japan in Sri Lanka addressed the National The Chamber conducts regular programmes Chamber members at an evening forum organized by the Chamber on 4 July where the Ambassadors/High Commissioners 2013 at the Chamber Auditorium. The Ambassador discussed about the present address the Chamber members on bilateral situation of business between Sri Lanka and Japan, trade potential, opportunities trade opportunities and issues. We have for export, import, investment and other services. Participants could clarify issues conducted the following sessions in the year pertaining to business between the two countries from the Ambassador and the 2013. officials of the Japanese Embassy who were present.

24 the national Chamber of Commerce of Sri lanka (nCCSl) CHAMBER ACTIVITIES AnnuAl RepoRt 2012/13

biLAtErAL trAdE bEtwEEn The seminar was addressed by Dr. Tilak Siyambalapitiya, one of the prominent Sri LAnkA And cubA energy consultants in the country. He explained to the participants, the present Ms. Indira Lopez Arguelles, Charge d’ affaires of status of Sri Lanka’s power sector, whether the sector is moving in the correct the Cuban Embassy in Colombo addressed the direction to meet the industry and consumer needs and how the society would Chamber members on ”Bilateral Trade between be deprived of the benefits of transition if the window of opportunities during Sri Lanka & Cuba” on 22 August 2013 at the 2011 - 2017 is missed. He also explained how relief such as lower electricity Chamber. According to Ms. Arguelles there are prices could be realized and how the industry could plan future projects with the many business opportunities for Sri Lankans in expected improvement in the power sector. Cuba especially in the areas of gas, packaging material and energy. She informed that Caribbean tourism has escalated in the past decade which SEMinAr on “tAxES And tAx incEntivES to buSinESS” attributes to investment in tourism infrastructure The Chamber together with KPMG, a recognized audit firm held a seminar on ‘Tax development. Medical tourism sector caters to incentives and issues for SMEs” on 19 March 2013 at the Chamber auditorium. thousands of Europeans and western countries. Taxation matters and tax concessions offered to business were explained. Prof. Tissa Vitharana, President of Sri Lanka Cuba Presenters were M/s Suresh R.I. Perera, Principal, Tax & Regulatory of KPMG, Parliamentary Friendship Association, senior Rohantha Athukorala, Head of National Portfolio Development – Sri Lanka & officials of the Ministry of Health and a Consultant Maldives of UNOPS and Ranjith Hapuarachchi, Deputy Commissioner of Inland Doctor on Cuban medicine also participated on Revenue. In addition S.N. Samarasinghe, Managing Director of Harischandra Mills, invitation. Professor Tissa Vitharana encouraged H.A. Ariyaratne, Executive Vice President of DFCC Bank and Mr. Yasas Hewage, the Sri Lankan business community to make Head of Channels and Retail/SME Business Development, NDB Bank joined the use of the opportunities to promote business panel discussion. between the two countries. biLAtErAL trAdE bEtwEEn Sri SEMinAr on EPF & EtF LAnkA And ruSSiA Two half day seminars on Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) and Employees’ Trust Fund (ETF) were conducted on 27 March 2013 in Sinhala and on 28 March A seminar on Bilateral Trade between Sri Lanka and Russia was held on 7 November 2013 at the 2013 in English at the Chamber auditorium. Speakers were Mr L. K. R. Perera, Chamber Auditorium. Deputy Commissioner of Labour, EPF, Mr J. M. S. B. Udagama, Deputy General Manager of ETF Board and Mr B. Wasanthan, Deputy Commissioner of Labour. H. E. Alexander Karchava, Ambassador of Russian Types of employees and income covered for EPF and ETF, correct procedure Federation addressed the members on the for submissions of returns, remittance procedure and time limits, obligations of opportunities for trade and investment between employers, procedure of claiming benefits, different types of benefits available Sri Lanka and Russia. under the two schemes and the withdrawal procedure were discussed.

SEMinArS SEMinAr on “ExcHAnGE controL rEGuLAtionS” The Chamber conducted the following seminars A Seminar on “Exchange Control Regulations” was held on 30 May 2013 at the which were helpful for the business Community Chamber auditorium. Topics discussed were the new policy measures and to get firsthand information on areas relevant to business and economic progress. practical aspects of Exchange Control Regulations currently in force. Mr Vipula Wickramaratchchi and Mrs. Pavithri Vithanage, Senior Asst. Controllers of Exchange from the Central Bank made presentations on Basic Exchange Control SEMinAr on “roAd MAP oF Concepts, Migration Allowances, Foreign Currency Accounts for residents, ELEctricitY induStrY rEvivAL” Rupee Accounts for Non-Residents, how to receive foreign investments into Sri Seminar on “Five Year Road Map for the Revival Lanka, investment opportunities available for foreigners, Securities Investment of the Electricity Industry in Sri Lanka” was held Account (SIA) and procedures to follow in making overseas investments. A panel on 20 February 2013 at the Chamber Auditorium. discussion and a question and answer session were held.

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SEMinAr on “MAnAGinG EnErGY SEMinAr on “invEStinG in SHArES” uSE to rEducE ELEctricitY biLL” A seminar on “Investing in Shares” was held on 31 July 2013 at the Chamber A seminar on “Managing Energy use to Reduce Auditorium. Resource person was Mr. Nishantha Hewavithana, Manager-Research Electricity Bill” was held on 20 June 2013 at of Colombo Stock Exchange who briefed the participants on how the stock the Chamber auditorium. Seminar was to market works, purpose of having a share market, investing in listed securities, educate consumers and provide them with benefits and pitfalls/precautions required in investing shares. professional advice and guidance as to how they could manage energy use by using electricity diScuSSion witH Fruit juicE ExPortErS And iMPortErS efficiently with an ultimate target of having a reduced and manageable monthly electricity Chamber as a part of its research being carried out on value chain analysis of fruit bill. Industrialists, agriculturalists, service juice exports and imports had a meeting with the representatives of Sri Lankan providers and the public were benefitted by the companies engaged in exports and imports of fruit juices. The forum was held on information provided. Speaker was Mr. Harsha 6 November 2013 at Hotel Galadari in association with GIZ. Wickramasinghe, Deputy Director General (Operations), Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy trAininG And workSHoPS Authority. Dr Tilak Siyambalapitiya, an energy expert and Mr V K Jayasiri, former Deputy General The Chamber as a part of its Human Resource Development programme, Manager of Ceylon Electricity Board joined the conducted the following training workshops for the benefit of the employees of panel discussion. the member companies:

SEMinAr on ‘EPF & EtF’ workSHoP on “introduction to ExPortinG” A half day seminar on Employees’ Provident Fund One day workshop on “Introduction to Exporting” was held on 21 February 2013 (EPF) and Employees’ Trust Fund (ETF) was held at the Chamber auditorium. on 27 September 2013 at the National Chamber Participants were educated on current export procedures, rules and regulations, auditorium. Participants were provided with the permits and restricted and prohibited goods for exporting. Other areas covered information on EPF & ETF procedures, types of were Customs/SLPA/Air Cargo Procedures, certification, documentations required employees and income covered under the EPF for export, delivery terms (INCOTERMS 2010), methods of settlement of payment and ETF, correct procedure of submissions of and export sales contracts. returns, remittance procedure and time limits, obligations of employers, procedure of claiming benefits, different types of benefits available workSHoP on “dEvELoPinG A buSinESS PLAn And under the two schemes and the withdrawal ExPortinG to EuroPE” procedure. The session was conducted by Mr Workshop on “Developing a Business Plan and Exporting to Europe” organized Lalith Perera, Deputy Commissioner of Labour by the National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka in association with the CBI and Mr. J. M. S. B. Udagama, Deputy General Netherlands and Export Experts Consortium was held on 13 May 2013 at the Manager of ETF Board. Chamber auditorium. Speakers were Ms. Jim Tersteeg and Suresh Fernandez, attached to CBI, the Netherlands. Participants were educated on developing a proper business plan that helps sustainability of the business. Developing a proper business plan, understanding the basics of a good business plan, export marketing, tips to enter the European market and other strategies for successful business were explained. Many failures of businesses that were set up without a proper business plan was one of the topics discussed extensively.

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workSHoP on “APPLE i.t.” an interactive session with industry experts on human resource management. Workshop on “The Very Best Technology is Mr Ajith de Costa is a fellow member of Institute of Personnel Management of Sri Invisible” to explain Apple’s devices of iOS, OS Lanka and a Past President of the Institute. He is a recipient of the Achievers and X, iPhone, iPad and Mac with a demonstration Leadership Award for excellence in talent management in 2010. was conducted on 15 May 2013 at the Chamber. Resource person was Mr. Rayan Mohamad, MotivAtionAL trAininG SESSion an experienced Apple Certified Trainer from Futureworld Lanka Pvt Ltd. Philosophy of Apple A motivational Training Session was held on 3 October 2013 at the Chamber devices was explained with demonstration. auditorium. Trainer Dr. Naomal Balasuriya, a medical doctor turned motivational speaker/corporate trainer conducted the session with live demonstration with unorthodox training style of his own. Areas covered were *Essence of a “True workSHoP on “courtESiES & Leader *Think World Class.*what is “True Success” *Absolute Essentials for Success EtiquEttE For FrontLinE StAFF” and *Developing a “Nothing is Impossible” Attitude. The session was focused One day Workshop on “Courtesies, Etiquette and on improving one’s self confidence, self esteem, developing future leaders of How to Deal with Clients and General Public” was the organization and motivating them to achieve their maximum potential. held on 6 June 2013 at the Chamber auditorium. The trainer conducts workshops in Malaysia, Philippines, Maldives, Bangladesh, Workshop was for the benefit of frontline staff Vietnam, Indonesia, Singapore Jordon and Qatar as well. The session was attended of public and private sector organizations. by CEO’s, Senior and Middle level Managers. Participants were trained on projecting best impression of their organizations, maintaining excellent relations with customers and building cEo ForuM up self-confidence in dealing with different The Chamber during the year introduced the CEOs Forum with a view to allowing situations. Social skills, image and presentation, the Chamber members to network with their co-businessmen. The first forum office grooming and style at work with basic was held on 4 November 2013. Participation was only for Chairmen or CEOs telephone techniques and common courtesies of member organizations. Mr. Ajith Nivard Cabraal, Governor of Central Bank of when dealing with clients were also explained. Sri Lanka made the key note speech at the Forum. Mr. Sunil Wijesinha, President Ms Nedra Wickramasinghe, Executive Director of of the Chamber explained to the CEOs the Chamber activities in promoting their Nedisa Corporate Social Interaction and Founder businesses. About 75 CEOs/Chairmen of member organizations participated. Principal of Nedisha Finishing School conducted the workshop. inwArd buSinESS dELEGAtionS workSHoP on “HuMAn rESourcE dELEGAtion FroM tHE PEoPLE’S rEPubLic oF cHinA MAnAGEMEnt” A business delegation from Guizhou Provincial Agriculture Committee of the A one day workshop on “Facing Competition People’s Republic of China headed by Mr Hu Jicheng, Vice Director of Guizhou through Best Human Resource Management Provincial Agriculture Committee visited the Chamber on 2 January 2013. Practices” was held on 5 September 2013 at the Chamber auditorium. Workshop was conducted A meeting with the senior officials of the Chamber and some members was held. by Mr. Ajith de Costa. Mr. Costa explained basics Delegates were interested in importing Sri Lankan agroproducts including black of human resource management tools for best tea. human resources practices, setting of goals, best employee development practices, best employee engagement practices and best buSinESS dELEGAtionS FroM EStoniA human resource change management practices. A 24 member business delegation from Estonia visited the chamber on 14 Human Resource Managers, Administrative February 2013. A meeting between the Chamber members and delegates Managers, SME owners and the managerial chaired by Mr. Sunil G Wijesinha, President of the Chamber was held. Business staff in Human resource management units of and investment opportunities between the two countries were discussed. companies participated. Workshop also included The delegates represented companies engaged in shipping, transport and

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logistics, trading, construction, freight forwarding, the benefit Sri Lankans will get in investing on above projects in Liberia. Liberia leather and leather products manufacturing and is an agricultural country where rubber, coffee, cocoa, rice, cassava (tapioca), telecommunications. In addition there were palm oil, sugarcane and bananas are well grown. In addition, the country has representatives from the Estonia Government sheep, goats and timber. In the industrial sector, Liberia has industries in rubber and the Chamber of Commerce of Estonia as processing, palm oil producing, timber, diamonds, gold and hydropower. well. It was said that Sri Lanka exports activated carbon, tea, pneumatic tyres, apparel, coconut, rubber, and table and kitchenware to Estonia. buSinESS dELEGAtion FroM cHinA Sri Lanka imports from Estonia: machinery A four member Chinese business delegation from CCPIT, Beijing Sub Council and equipment, plant products, rubber and visited the Chamber on 26 April 2013. The delegation was headed by Ms Xiong rubber products. Delegates were interested in Jiuling, Chairperson and Mr Zhang Haocheng – Vice President of the CCPIT. import and distribution of Sri Lankan products in Commonwealth of Independent States. Mr. Dudley Thambinayagam, Hony. Consul for dELEGAtion FroM bELAruS Estonia in Sri Lanka who is also the Chairman of the Importers Committee of the National A delegation from Belarus visited the Chamber on 29 April 2013. Delegation Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka participated comprised of Mrs. Dubava Tatsiana, Deputy Director General of Foreign Economic at the session. Co-operation, Mrs. Klyshevich Tatsiana, Deputy Chief of the Department of Foreign Economic Co-operation of Belarus Chamber of Commerce and Industry & other senior government officers. buSinESS dELEGAtion FroM cHinA A business delegation from Kunming Broadcasting & Television Company of Yunan dELEGAtion FroM HunAn ProvincE, cHinA Province in China visited the Chamber on 27 A delegation engaged in Agriculture and Agri Business from Hunan Province of March 2013. Members of the delegation were the People’s Republic of China visited the National Chamber on 31 May 2013. The Ms Huang Yu Bo, Ms Li Lin and Mr Li Yun who visit was organized by the Overseas Friendship Association of Hunan Province had a meeting with the Chamber President and co-ordinated by the Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka. The delegation was led and senior officials. The discussion focused on by Ms. Li Wei Wei, Chairperson of Overseas Friendship Association of Hunan bilateral trade between the two countries and Province. Other members of the delegation were: Ms. Liu Quan, Vice Director, also Sri Lanka’s participation at the South Asian Commerce Department of Hunan, Mr. Wu Yueshi, Chairman – Yuan Longping Countries’ Commodity Fair to be held in June 2013 in Kunming City of Yunan Province, China. High-Tech Agriculture Co., Ltd and Ms. Li Chenzi, Translator, Yuan Longping High-Tech Agriculture Co, Ltd. Mr. Sunil Wijesinha, President, Mr Asela de Livera, Hony Secretary, Mr. Lal de Alwis, President – Sri Lanka China Business Cooperation buSinESS dELEGAtion FroM LibEriA Council and representatives from Cargills Ceylon PLC, Trans Grow (Pvt) Ltd. Koolair A four member delegation from Monrovia (Pvt) Ltd and Zam Gems (Pvt) Ltd participated at the meeting with the delegates. Liberia visited the Chamber on 9 April 2013 and had a discussion with Chamber members. The delegation was led by Mr Tokuya Inou, CEO of Try SwEdEn dELEGAtion International Company (Gold Mining & Export A seven member delegation from Sweden Group, a Swedish Company based Inc) who was interested in meeting Sri Lankan in India headed by Mr. Anders Malmstrom, Sweden’s Trade Commissioner in investors willing to invest in gold and diamond India visited the Chamber on 19 June 2013. Delegates had discussions with the mining in Liberia. Mr Inoue made detailed officials of the Chamber. They are involved in manufacture of tools, mining and presentation on investment opportunities and construction industry.

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buSinESS dELEGAtion FroM visited the Chamber on 13 August 2013. Other members of the delegation bEnGAL, indiA were Mr. Humayun Kabir, Chairman Centira ways Company Ltd and Mr. Shahid A 17 member business delegation form Bengal Ullah, Chief Executive, M S International, Bangladesh. Delegates represented National Chamber of Commerce and Industry the areas of power generation machinery, gas transmission items & machinery, visited the Chamber on 15 July 2013. Main hotel/tourism and trade & investment. Mr. Asela de Livera, President of Sri Lanka purpose of the visit was to participate at “Ayurved Bangladesh Business Co-operation Council of the National Chamber chaired the Expo 2013 International Indigenous Healthcare meeting with the participation of other members of the Business Council. Exhibition organized by the National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka. Delegates were cHinESE buSinESS dELEGAtion Mr. Dibyendu Basu, Senior Vice President (Leader A business delegation led by Mr. ZENG Kaizhang, President of China Council of the Delegation) Mr. Sandip Sen, Chairman, for the Promotion of International Trade Guangzhou Subcommittee visited 26th Industrial India Trade Fair, Kolkata, Former the National Chamber on 22 August 2013. A meeting chaired by Mr. Sunil President, Dr. G P Sarkar, Honorary Treasurer, Wijesinha, President of the Chamber was held at the Chamber boardroom. Mr. Mrs. Bani Roy Chowdhury, Chairperson, Thilak Godamanna, Senior Deputy President and Mr. Asela de Livera, Honorary Tourism Standing Committee, Mr. Alok Gupta, Secretary represented the National Chamber at the meeting. A MoU between Chairman, Foreign Trade Standing Committee, China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, Guangzhou Committee Co-Chairman, Tourism Standing Committee, and the National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka was signed at the meeting. Mr. Rajendra Prasad Srivastava, Chairman, Labour & HRD Standing Committee, Mr. Kishori Mohan Dey, Chairman, Consumer Forum ccPit buSinESS dELEGAtion viSitS tHE cHAMbEr Standing Committee, Mr. Subrata De, Executive A business delegation from China Council for Promotion of International Trade Committee Member, Mr. Atanu Dutta, Member, (CCPIT) Tianjin Sub Council of the People’s Republic of China headed by Mr Mr. Pannalal Roy Chowdhury, Member, Mrs. Dong Li Bin, Vice Chairman visited the Chamber on Tuesday, 8 October 2013. Swati Sen, Vice President, Pragati Ladies Wing, Members of the National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka and Sri Lanka China Mrs. Jayashree Basu, Executive Committee Business Co-operation Council had a discussion with the visiting delegates at the Member, Pragati Ladies Wing, Mrs. Ivy De, Chamber boardroom. Mr Dong Li Bin said CCPIT Tianjin promotes international Executive Committee Member, Pragati Ladies trade and economic co-operation between Tianjin province and rest of the Wing, Mrs. Debjani Gupta, Executive Committee world. He further said that China has opened its economy and is now promoting Member, Pragati Ladies Wing, Mrs. Rekha Rani foreign investment into Tianjin province. One of the main purposes of visiting Srivastava, Executive Member, Pragati Ladies Sri Lanka this time was to study the investment environment in Sri Lanka so Wing, Mrs. Ila Dey, Member and Mr. Durga Prasad that the Tianjin business community could invest in Sri Lanka. CCPIT wants to Nag, Secretary General of the BNCCI. promote co-operation between the enterprises in Sri Lanka and Tianjin province Members of the delegation together with especially for import and export. The NCCSL and the Tianjin CCPIT has signed a Mr. Thilak Godamanne, Snr. Deputy President MOU in 2010 where both parties have agreed to promote bilateral trade between of the Chamber met Hon. Rishard Bathiudeen them. Tianjin Province has industries such as petro chemical, marine chemical, Minister of Industry and Commerce, Mr. Anura pharmaceutical, airbus assembling, manufacturing of helicopter/unmanned Siriwardana, Secretary to the Ministry, Mr P D aircrafts, shipbuilding, bicycle and bicycle parts. Mr Dong Li Bin invited the Fernando, Director General of Commerce and National Chamber to send a delegation to Tianjin. Mr Sunil Wijesinha, President the senior officials of the Ministry on the same of the National Chamber and other officebearers participated at the meeting. day afternoon at the Ministry. czEcH rEPubLic dELEGAtion/buSinESS dHAkA cHAMbEr dELEGAtion ForuM/b2b MEEtinGS A delegation headed by Mr. Bashir Ullah Bhuiyan, A business delegation of 20 members headed by H.E. Jan Kohout, Minister of Director of Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic visited the Chamber on 6 November 2013. Industry (DCCI) who is also the Managing Director H.E. Miloslav Stasek, Ambassador of the Czech Republic of Sri Lanka based in of Shadow International Limited, Bangladesh New Delhi also accompanied the business delegation. Delegates were from the

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following companies in Czech Republic: Ms Agile • Mr. M. Ganesa, Regional Director of India visited the chamber on 8 Europe, ANS CZ, Czech Airlines Training Centre, February 2013. Mr. M. Ganesa briefed the Chamber members on Czech Export Bank, Královopolská RIA, MPI Group, forthcoming India Engineering Sourcing Show (IESS) to be held in Olive Hill Development, Prague Investment Mumbai from 14 – 16 March 2013 and explained about the incentive Corporation, ZVU Potez, Vítkovice India Power offered to Sri Lankan businessmen who would participate at IESS PVT, Becker CzechTrade-Ministry of Industry 2013 with other relevant details. and Trade & Poliakoff, Remdox Investment Management, Czech Chamber of Commerce & • Mr. Roland Silalahi, Asst. Manager, International Marketing of Raffles Czech Ministry of Industry & Trade. Hospital, Singapore visited the Chamber on 28 February 2013 and had a meeting with the Chamber officials on promotion of Singapore A Business Forum followed by B2B meetings health service in Sri Lanka. between the delegates and the National Chamber members was held. The Business • Dr. Wolfram Moritz, Commercial Counsellor of Austrian Embassy Forum was graced by Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen, located in New Delhi visited the National Chamber on 18 March 2013. Minister of Industry & Commerce and Hon. Dr. Moritz discussed with the Chamber officials about the promotion Neomal Perera, Deputy Minister of External of bilateral trade between Sri Lanka and Austria. Both sides agreed to Affairs. Senior Officials from Board of Investment exchange Business and Trade information for mutual benefits. of Sri Lanka (BOISL), Ministry of Industry and • H. E. Sumith Nakandala, Sri Lankan Ambassador in Iraq who was on Commerce and Department of Commerce a visit to Sri Lanka visited the National Chamber on 17 April 2013 participated at the business forum. Both BOI and and met the Chamber members engaged in exporting tea and Department of Commerce made presentations table ware. of investment opportunities in Sri Lanka and market opportunities in Sri Lanka respectively. • Mr. I Ansar, Additional Secretary (Economic Affairs) of the Ministry of External Affairs who is designated as the High Commissioner to Malaysia visited the Chamber on 30 April 2013. Mr. Ansar also met the Sri LAnkA bAnGLAdESH Chamber members engaged in business with Malaysia. buSinESS ForuM The Chamber received a 40 member high • Mr. Marco L. Francis, President of the Seychelles Chamber of powered business delegation from Bangladesh Commerce & Industry visited the Chamber on 6 May 2013. Mr. accompanied by H. E. Sufiur Rahman, Sujeiva Samaraweera, Deputy President, Mr. Bandula Dissanayake, Bangladesh High Commissioner in Colombo on Deputy Secretary General and Dr S. G Samarasundera, Chairman of 11 November 2013. A business Forum and B2B (NARA) joined the discussion that focused on promotion of trade, meetings between the delegates and Sri Lankan especially aqua marine related products between the two countries. counterparts were held at the Chamber. Possibilities of investment, training and technical co-operation were also discussed. viSitS oF individuALS FroM • Ms. Ester Kruk, CBI Country Manager for Sri Lanka visited the Chamber on 13 May 2013. A meeting with the Chamber officials to discuss ovErSEAS the co-operation between the National Chamber of Commerce • Mr. Sumith Nakandala, Former of Sri Lanka and the CBI on business promotion was held. CBI Director General/Economic Affairs of Country Manager also agreed to provide information on special CBI the Ministry of External Affairs who programmes to the Chamber for the benefit of its members. has been appointed as the Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to the Republic of Iraq • Major General (Rtd) Qasim Qureshi, High Commissioner of Pakistan in January 2013 visited the Chamber accompanied by Mr Bilal Akram, Head of Chancery paid a courtesy and had a meeting with the members call on the Chamber President on 21 May 2013. A meeting held with engaged in business with Iraq on the Chamber President and other officials was focused on enhancing 17 January 2013 at the Chamber bilateral trade between Sri Lanka and Pakistan. He said there are many Boardroom. Members presented their business opportunities for Sri Lankans in Pakistan and invited the problems in doing business with Iraq. Chamber members to explore them.

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• H. E. Sarath Wijesinghe, Sri Lanka • H. E. Lesego Ethel Motsumi, High Commissioner of Botswana visited Ambassador in Israel visited the the National Chamber on 12 August 2013. The High Commissioner Chamber on 6 June 2013. A meeting was interested in promotion of bilateral trade between Sri Lanka and chaired by Mr Sarath de Silva, Botswana. Present trade volume between the two countries is as low Chairman, Agriculture and Food as US$ 0.57 Mn in 2012 and the balance of Trade was US$ 0.55 Mn in Processors Committee of the Chamber favour of Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka exports to Botswana: rice, tea, nuts, cereals was held to discuss the opportunities preparations, dried fish, textile articles, apparel and jewellery while Sri for Sri Lankans to enter the Israeli Lanka imports from Botswana: electrical transformers, medicaments, market. Member Companies repre- iron, steel, wood articles and wood charcoal. The meeting was chaired sented at the meeting were: Hayleys by Mr. Sunil G Wijesinha, President of the National Chamber. PLC, Union Chemicals, Kannan & Co, Western Agri Business and Lanka • Dr. Ms. Kathrin Peters, Policy Advice and Evaluation of UK accompanied Canneries Ltd. It was informed that by a Senior Officer of National Enterprise Development Authority Israel uses advanced technology (NEDA) visited the Chamber on 19 August 2013. Dr. Ms. Peters is a in their agriculture, dairy farming Consultant to the GIZ. Purpose of the visit was to discuss about and irrigation management. With setting up of a special fund to provide low interest loans to Sri Lankan regard to business & investment industrialists with special reference to Small & Medium Entrepreneurs. opportunities there is high potential • On an invitation extended by Mr Sunil G Wijesinha, President of the for diamonds, tourism & greenhouse Chamber, Ms Suraya Kulop Abdul Rahman, Director of the Strategic agriculture in Israel. It was also said Transformation Unit of SME Corporation of Malaysia visited the that Israel has high calibre agriculture Chamber on 3 September 2013. Ms. Rahman was in Sri Lanka to scientists whose services are available attend the South Asia Economic Summit held in Colombo. She made to Sri Lankans. a presentation about the SMEs in Malaysia, their activities, future plans • Ms. Indira Lopez Arguelles, Charge and strategy for development of Small and Medium Enterprises. The d’ affaires of the Cuban Embassy session was attended by representatives from Commercial Bank, NDB visited the National Chamber on 14 Bank, Bank of Ceylon and SLT Mobitel. June 2013. She discussed with Mr • Ms. Safala Shrestha, Programme Manager, SAARC Trade Promotion Sunil G Wijesinha, President of the Network (SAARC-TPN) from the SAARC SME Work Group working in Chamber the opportunities available Kathmandu, Nepal visited the Chamber on 10 September 2013 to for bilateral trade and investment discuss about the promotion of SAARC Intra Regional Trade and the between the two countries. research undertaken by the National Chamber of Commerce of Sri • A delegation headed by the Director Lanka on value chain of certain agro commodities. of Hong Kong Trade Development • Mrs. Alena Sindelar from Switzerland with two officials from the Council visited the Chamber on 13 Department of Commerce visited the National Chamber on 24 February 2013. The delegates met September 2013. Purpose of the visit was to discuss about “capacity the President and the Senior Officials building” on multilateral and bilateral trade negotiations and of the Chamber at a meeting where agreements. Requirements of capacity building and training by Trade the delegates mentioned that there Chambers in Sri Lanka were discussed. The visit was facilitated by the were many business and investment Department of Commerce in Sri Lanka. opportunities for Sri Lankan business- men in Hong Kong. The members • Mr. Zair N Merchant, Assistant Project Manager, Hong Kong Trade would explore business opportunities Development Council visited the Chamber on 25 September 2013. for mutual benefits. At a meeting chaired by Mr Sunil Wijesinha, President with other Officebearers, Mr. Merchant explained the opportunities for investment between Sri Lanka and Hong Kong. He also invited the Chamber members to participate at upcoming trade and economic events in Hong Kong.

the national Chamber of Commerce of Sri lanka (nCCSl) 31 AnnuAl RepoRt 2012/13 CHAMBER ACTIVITIES

• H.E. Miloslav Stasek, Ambassador the present situation of the trade between Sri Lanka and Korea and of Czech Republic for Sri Lanka future prospects for trade expansion. HE Choi said that the Korean stationed in New Delhi visited the business community was looking for investments in Sri Lanka. National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka on Thursday, 10 October • Mr. Sunil G Wijesinha, President, Mr Thilak Godamanna, Deputy 2013. At the meeting with the President, Mr Sujeiva Samaraweera. Deputy President and Mr E M Chamber President, the Ambassador Wijetilleke, Secretary General of the Chamber paid a courtesy call on informed that a business delegation H. E Sufiur Rahman, the new High Commissioner of Bangladesh on 20 of 20 members from the Czech February 2013 and had a discussion on bilateral trade and investment Republic representing diversified promotion between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. An invitation by the business sectors would visit Sri Lanka Chamber President to address the Chamber members was accepted in November to have B2B meetings by the Ambassador. with Sri Lankan counterparts. • Mr. Thilak Godamanna, Senior Deputy President, Mr E M Wijetillake, • Mr. Rakesh Darolya, Chairman and Secretary General and Mr. Buddika Mallawarachchi, Senior Assistant Mr. B K Singh, Projects Exports Secretary General met Mr. Manish, Economic & Commercial Head – International Business Counsellor of the Indian High Commission at the High Commission visited the Chamber on 22 October on 5 March 2013 to discuss about the promotion of bilateral trade and 2013 to discuss about the market investment between the two countries. opportunities in Sri Lanka. • Secretary General met Ms. Yu, Third Secretary of Chinese Embassy on • Mr. Beat Ineichen , Senior Consultant 1 August 2013 at the Embassy to discuss the trade disputes between South Asia of Switzerland Global Janatha Steel, a Chamber member company and a Chinese company. Enterprises (SGE) and Mr. Kanishka • President of the National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka Ratnapriya, Political, Trade & Press accompanied by the office bearers and the Secretary General paid a Officer of Embassy of Switzerland courtesy call on H.E. Y K Singh, the new High Commissioner of India visited the Chamber on 28 October in Sri Lanka on 13 September 2013 and had a discussion on current 2013. Purpose of his visit was to trade related issues between the two countries and how the trade establish links and find suitable volume between the two countries could be improved for mutual institutions for SGE’s pool of experts. benefit. Mr. Manish, Commercial and Economic Councillor of the The experts will act as consultants Indian Embassy joined the discussion. and assist Swiss SME’s through SGE, the Swiss Government’s export • Mr. Asela de Livera, President of Sri Lanka Bangladesh Business assistance institution for Swiss SMEs Co-operation Council along with Mr. Sujeeve Samaraweera, Deputy to establish themselves in Sri Lanka in President of the National Chamber and Mrs. V Wijemanne, Secretary the future. to the Council met H. E. Sufiur Rahman, High Commissioner of Bangladesh High Commission in Sri Lanka on 22 October 2013 viSitS And courtESY cALLS bY at the High Commission in Colombo. They discussed about the cHAMbEr MAnAGEMEnt arrangements to be made to hold a business forum in Colombo. • Office-Bearers of the Chamber hosted a farewell to Mr. Manish, • Chamber senior officials met Economic & Commercial Counsellor, of the Indian High Commission His Excellency Jongmoon Choi, on 3 October 2013 at the Colombo Club. Mr. Manish has been Ambassador of Republic of Korea associating with the National Chamber very closely during his period at the Embassy on 30 January 2013. in promoting bilateral trade between Sri Lanka and India. Among the matters discussed were

32 the national Chamber of Commerce of Sri lanka (nCCSl) CHAMBER ACTIVITIES AnnuAl RepoRt 2012/13

Mr Asoka Hettigoda, outgoing President of the National Hon Salinda Dissanayake , Minister of Indigenous Medicine (3rd from left) flanked by President, NCCSL Chamber addressing the gathering at the 54th Annual Mr Sunil G Wijesinha (right ) and Snr. Deputy President, Mr Thilak Godamanna,NCCSL (left) with other General Meeting of the Chamber held at Hotel Taj Samudra, officials, at the launch of Ayurveda Expo 2013 in January 2013

Mr Sunil G Wijesinha, incoming President, NCCSL addressing H.E. Mahinda Rajapaksa, President, Sri Lanka, ceremonially opens the New Auditorium Complex of the the gathering at the 54th Annual General Meeting of the Chamber in January 2013 Chamber held at Hotel Taj Samudra in January 2013

Business Delegation from Bengal with Chamber officials 54th Annual General Meeting of the Chamber held at Hotel Taj Samudra, Colombo in January 2013 along with Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen, Minister of Industry and Commerce

Launch of NBEA 2013 – Mr Sunil G Wijesinha, President, NCCSL Overall Winners of NBEA 2013 – Gold - Access Engineering PLC, Silver - Sri Lanka Ports Authority, flanked by Prof. Uditha Liyanage, Director (PIM) left, Mr Thilak Bronze – Virtusa Pvt Ltd and Global Rubber Industries Pvt Ltd at the Award Night at Colombo Hilton. Godamanna, Snr. Deputy President,NCCSL (right) along with Mr Sunil G Wijesinha, President, NCCSL (centre) other officials

the national Chamber of Commerce of Sri lanka (nCCSl) 33 AnnuAl RepoRt 2012/13 CHAMBER ACTIVITIES

CCPIT Delegation Head exchanging souvenirs with President Overall Gold Winner, Access Engineering PLC , Chairman Mr Sumal Perera receiving the Award from the of NCCSL. Senior Deputy President looking on Chief Guest, Ambassador of Japan, H.E. Nobuhito Hobo

Mr Sunil G Wijesinha, President NCCSL exchanging the MOU Presentation on “Bilateral Trade Between Sri Lanka & China” addressed by Mr Wang YIngqi, Commercial with Ms Li Wei, Chairperson, Overseas Friendship Association Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy ,at the chamber auditorium of Hunan Province of China

Mr Thilak Godamanna, Senior Deputy President of NCCSL National Chamber signs MOU with the Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce at the Business Forum,B2B exchanging the MOU with Mr Zeng Kaizhang, President of Meetings held with the Bangladesh Delegation at the chamber auditorium in November 2013 CCPIT, Guangzhou, China on their visit to the chamber

Mr Sunil G Wijesinha, President, NCCSL and Mr Dudley Business Forum and B2B Meeting with the Czech republic Delegation at the chamber auditorium in Thambinayagam, Hony Consul for Estonia in Sri Lanka in November 2013 conversation with the Estonian delegation

34 the national Chamber of Commerce of Sri lanka (nCCSl) CHAMBER ACTIVITIES AnnuAl RepoRt 2012/13

PArticiPAtion At nAtionAL And nAtionAL cHAMbEr EntErS into An AGrEEMEnt witH Giz intErnAtionAL EvEntS The National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka entered into an agreement with German Development Corporation (GIZ) on 29 August 2013 where the nccSL rEPrESEntS At SAArc – tPn Chamber undertook to conduct an import-export value chain analysis study in Mr. Buddika Mallawaarachchi, Senior Assistant Sri Lanka for selected products to promote intraregional trade in the SAARC. The Secretary General of the Chamber participated National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka was assigned to do a research on at the three day Operation Committee Meeting the value chains namely: Juices exported from Sri Lanka to India, Cumin Seeds of SAARC Trade Promotion Network (SAARC- imported to Sri Lanka from Pakistan and citrus fruits imported to Sri Lanka TPN) held from 29 to 31 January 2013 at the from Pakistan. The research consists of three phases i.e. Desk Research, Field Mount Lavinia Hotel, Colombo. The session was Research and Feedback. Under the Desk research the Chamber has to list the attended by representatives from all eight SAARC potential importers and exporters, assess the trends and market opportunities, countries i.e. Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, prepare value chain map to demonstrate functions performed by different stake Pakistan, Maldives, Nepal, India and Sri Lanka. holders, prepare a description of key importers and other stakeholders and SAARC Trade Promotion Network comprises of assess main advantages and constraints. Under the field research the Chamber 28 key public and private sector institutions and has to develop a concept research programme for the CBI researcher including work towards intra SAARC Trade Development. arranging practicalities, organizing meetings with importers and research stake holders, conducting additional field work and gathering additional data following the visit of the CBI researcher and delivering revised value chain analysis report briEFinG SESSion on” including a description of potential programme intervention area. Mr. Buddhika coMMonwEALtH buSinESS ForuM Mallawarachchi, Senior Assistant Secretary General of the Chamber carries out (cbF)” the survey. A briefing session about the forthcoming Commonwealth Business Forum to be held in biLAtErAL trAdE rELAtionS concurrence with the Commonwealth Heads of The Chamber maintains a very close relationship with many Trade Promotion Government Meeting (CHOGM) was held at the Organizations in the world such as Chambers of Commerce and other Trade Chamber Board Room on 24 July 2013. Meeting Promotion Agencies. These relationships are maintained through Memoranda was chaired by Mr Sunil Wijesinha, President of of Understanding signed between the National Chamber of Commerce of Sri the Chamber. Commonwealth Business Forum, Lanka and the particular overseas organizations. Through such MOUs, the which is scheduled to be held for 3 days from Chamber exchanged Business Delegations and Trade and Business Information. 12-14 November 2013 in Colombo. Chamber The Chamber maintains the following MOUs. members were requested to participate at the 3 day mega event as it is a rare opportunity to • All India Association of Industries meet high powered business delegates from • All India Chamber of Commerce & Industries more than 55 countries. • American Chamber of Commerce (AMCHAM) • Anhui Chamber of International Commerce PArticiPAtion At intELLEctuAL • Associated Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia ProPErtY riGHtS workSHoP • Association of Buying Agencies, New Delhi Mr Thilak Godamanna, Senior Deputy President • Association of Women Entrepreneurs in Karnataka of the Chamber participated at a workshop on Intellectual Property Rights organized by the • Australia-Sri Lanka Business Council Intellectual Property Rights office on 6 August • Austrian Federal Chamber of Commerce 2013. • Bengal National Chamber of Commerce & Industry • Business Information Center of CCPIT Beijing Sub Council • Canada Sri Lanka Business Council • CCPIT – Anhui (Anhui Chamber of International Commerce) • China Chamber of Commerce

the national Chamber of Commerce of Sri lanka (nCCSl) 35 AnnuAl RepoRt 2012/13 CHAMBER ACTIVITIES

• China Chamber of International • Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry Commerce Hunan Chamber of • Latvian Chamber of Commerce & Industry Commerce • Limkokwing University of Creative Technology, Kuala Lumpur, • China Chamber of International Malaysia. Commerce Zhejiang Chamber of • London Chamber of Commerce & Industry Commerce • Nepal Chamber of Commerce • China Council for Promotion of International Trade – Fujian • Organization of Plastics Processors of India • China Council for Promotion of • Sweden Sri Lanka Business Council International Trade – Sichuan • Tamilnadu Small and Medium Industries Mutual Association • China Council for Promotion of • Thai Chamber of Commerce International Trade – Hunan Sub • The Associated Chambers of Commerce & Industry New Delhi, India Council • The Cochin Chamber of Commerce & Industry China Council for Promotion of • • The Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce & Industry International Trade – Jiangsu Sub Turkey Chamber of Commerce and Industry Council • • UK Sri Lanka Business Council • China Council for Promotion of International Trade - Jilin Sub Council • Vietnam Chamber of Commerce & Industry (VCCI) • China Council for Promotion of • China Council for Promotion of International Trade – Sichuan International Trade - Tianjin Sub • The National Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Maldives Council (NCCIM) • China Council for Promotion of • All India Chamber of Commerce International Trade Jilin Sub Council • Engineering Export Promotion Council (EEPC) India • China Council for Promotion of • Institute of Certified Management Accountants of Sri Lanka (ICMASL) International Trade Tianjin Sub • Sri Lanka Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Dhaka Council • China Council for Promotion of in Addition, tHE cHAMbEr EntErEd into tHE FoLLowinG International Trade, Gansu Sub Council nEw Mous durinG tHE YEAr: • Dorset Chamber of Commerce Mou witH ccPit bEijinG Sub counciL • Federation of Andrapradesh Chamber A MOU between the National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka and China of Commerce of Industry Council for Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) Beijing Sub Council was • Federation of Iraqi Chamber of signed on 26 April 2013. Commerce • Franco Sri Lanka Business Council Mou witH bELAruS cHAMbEr oF coMMErcE & induStrY • India-ASEAN-Sri Lanka Chamber of Commerce & Industry A MOU between the National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka (NCCSL) and Belarus Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BelCCI) was signed on 29 April 2013 • Indian Chamber of Commerce at the Chamber office. Mrs. Dubova Tatsiana, Deputy Director General, Minsk • Iran Chamber of Commerce, Industry Department of Belarus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BelCCI) and Mr Thilak & Mines Godamanna, Senior Deputy President of the National Chamber of Commerce of • Karachchi Chamber of Commerce Sri Lanka signed on behalf of the two organizations. and Industry • Karnatak Chamber of Commerce & Industry

36 the national Chamber of Commerce of Sri lanka (nCCSl) CHAMBER ACTIVITIES AnnuAl RepoRt 2012/13

Mou witH ovErSEAS FriEndSHiP LocAL buSinESS ProMotion ActivitiES ASSociAtion oF HunAn ProvincE, The Chamber as part of its activities in promotion of businesses of member cHinA organizations had regular meetings and discussions with the key Government A MOU between Overseas Friendship Association policy makers. During the year under review, following meetings were held: of Hunan Province of the People’s Republic of China and the National Chamber of Commerce MEEtinG witH Hon. MiniStEr oF indiGEnouS MEdicinE of Sri Lanka was signed on 31 May 2013 at the A delegation headed by Mr. Thilak Godamanna, Senior Deputy President met National Chamber of Commerce. The agreement Hon. Salinda Dissanayake, Minister of Indigenous Medicine on 7 February 2013 at was signed by Ms. Li Wei Wei, Chairperson the Ministry. Delegates discussed the arrangements of the proposed “Ayurveda - Overseas Friendship Association of Hunan Expo 2013” International Indigenous Healthcare Exhibition and Symposium to be Province and Mr. Sunil Wijesinha, President of the held from 12 – 14 July 2013. National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka on behalf of the two organizations. The above MOUs paved the way for the two parties to promote MEEtinG witH tHE dirEctor GEnErAL oF coMMErcE trade, business and investment between them. A Chamber delegation headed by Mr. Thilak Godamanna, Senior Deputy President Two parties regularly exchanged trade and met the Director General of Commerce on 13 March 2013 at the Department of business information, business delegations and Commerce. Discussion was on promotion of “Ayurveda Expo 2013” in overseas facilitated holding of trade promotion events in countries through Sri Lankan Commercial Officers there. their respective countries.

MEEtinG witH tHE MiniStEr oF induStrY And coMMErcE Mou witH bEnGAL nAtionAL cHAMbEr oF coMMErcE A delegation headed by Mr. Thilak Godamanna, Senior Deputy President met the Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen, Minister of Industries and Commerce, Mr. Anura A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Siriwardane, Secretary to the Ministry, Mr P D Fernando Director General of between the National Chamber of Commerce Commerce and other senior officials on 15 March 2013 at the Ministry and of Sri Lanka and Bengal National Chamber of discussed about the participation of industrialists engaged in indigenous Commerce & Industry was signed on 15 July healthcare sector at the proposed “Ayurveda Expo 2013” International Exhibition. 2013. Mr Sunil G Wijesinha, President signed on behalf of the National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka (NCCSL) and Mr Dibyendu Basu Senior MEEtinG witH tHE SEcrEtArY to tHE ForEiGn MiniStrY Vice President signed on behalf of the Bengal A Chamber delegation headed by Mr Thilak Godamanna, Senior Deputy President National Chamber of Commerce & Industry. of the Chamber met Mr. Karunatilake Amunugama, Secretary to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on 5 April 2013 to discuss about promotion of Ayurveda Expo Mou witH czEcH rEPubLic 2013. cHAMbEr oF coMMErcE A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) MEEtinG witH tHE cHAirMAn oF tHE conSuMEr AFFAirS between the National Chamber of Commerce AutHoritY of Sri Lanka and Czech Republic was signed on 6 A delegation comprising the members of the National Chamber Livestock November 2013. Committee met the Chairman of Consumer Affairs Authority on 11 April 2013. Purpose of the meeting was to request for an increase of the prices of chicken which is controlled by the CAA as the industry could not survive without such an increase due to high cost of inputs such as electricity, poultry feed and other raw materials. Chicken prices have not been revised to match the increased input prices.

the national Chamber of Commerce of Sri lanka (nCCSl) 37 AnnuAl RepoRt 2012/13 CHAMBER ACTIVITIES

viSit oF Hon. MiniStEr oF cHAMbEr dELEGAtion cALLS on tHE PriME MiniStEr indiGEnouS MEdicinE A delegation headed by Mr Sunil Wijesinha, the President of the National Hon. Salinda Dissanayake, Minister of Indigenous Chamber met Hon. D M Jayaratne, Prime Minister of Sri Lanka on 4 July 2013 at Medicine addressed the Heads of Indigenous the Prime Minister’s official residence. Delegates briefed the Prime Minster about Medical Institutions and Ayurveda Drug the progress made on “Ayurveda Expo 2013 ” International Indigenous Healthcare Manufacturers on 19 April 2013 at the Chamber Exhibition and Symposium to be held from 12 – 14 July 2013 at the BMICH Auditorium. Purpose of the meeting was to explain Colombo. The Prime Minister appreciated the Chamber’s efforts in joining hands the progress and proposed activities with regard to with the Ministry of Indigenous Medicine to promote the Sri Lankan traditional the forthcoming “Ayurveda Expo 2013” International medicine and Ayurveda sector. He reminded that our ancestors had used this Indigenous Healthcare Exhibition to be held from system of treatment with extreme success at lesser cost as most of the medicinal 12 -14 July 2013 at the BMICH, Colombo. herbs grown in villages were used in treating patients.

MEEtinG witH coMMiSSionErS oF MEEtinG witH Hon. MiniStEr oF indiGEnouS MEdicinE AYurvEdA A delegation headed by Mr. Thilak Godamanna, Chairman of the Ayurveda Expo A delegation from the Chamber met the Provincial 2013 Steering Committee met Hon. Salinda Dissanayake, Minister of Indigenous Ayurveda Commissioners on 14 May 2013 at Medicine on 10 July 2013 at the Ministry. Delegates discussed the final arrangements Bandaranaike International Memorial Ayurveda of the Ayurveda Expo 2013 International Indigenous Healthcare Exhibition and Research Institute to discuss about participation Symposium which was to be ceremonially declared open on 12 July 2013. of provincial Ayurveda departments at the proposed “Ayurveda Expo 2013” International Indigenous Healthcare Exhibition. . MEEtinG witH tHE dEPutY MiniStEr oF invEStMEnt ProMotion MEEtinG witH tHE MiniStEr oF A Chamber delegation comprising Mr. Thilak Godamanna, Senior Deputy LivEStock And rurAL coMMunitY President, Mr Asela de Livera, Hony. Secretary, Mr E M Wijetilleke, Secretary dEvELoPMEnt General and Mr. Bandula Dissanayake, Deputy Secretary General participated at A Chamber delegation met Hon. Arumugam a meeting with Hon. Faizer Musthapa, Deputy Minister of Investment Promotion Thondaman, Minister of Livestock and Rural on 13 August 2013. New regulations to be introduced into the legislation of Community Development on 27 June 2013 at giving lands to foreign organizations were discussed. the Minister’s office. The delegates requested the Minister to withdraw the chicken portion products from the control price scheme as it MEEtinG witH H. E. tHE PrESidEnt would adversely affect the industry. They also A Chamber delegation comprising Mr. Sunil Wijesinha, President, Mr. Thilak requested the Hon. Minister to increase the Godamanna, Senior Deputy President, Mr. Sujeeve Samaraweera, Deputy present control price of LKR 380/= per kilo of President, Mr. H A Ariyaratne, Chairman of the National Budget Committee of whole chicken to LKR 430/= as the industry the Chamber and Mr. Sarath Algama, Council Member represented the National cannot manage with the present control price. As Chamber at a meeting chaired by H. E. the President on 5 September 2013 to a permanent solution, the delegates requested discuss the business sector issues and recommendations to be considered in the Hon. Minister to exclude chicken from the preparing National Budget proposals. National Chamber’s recommendations essential food items list so that price control will submitted to the Ministry of Finance on 27 August 2013 were discussed with the not be applicable to chicken. President.

38 the national Chamber of Commerce of Sri lanka (nCCSl) CHAMBER ACTIVITIES AnnuAl RepoRt 2012/13

MEEtinG witH tHE trEASurY • Meeting with the Director General of Commerce to discuss about the oFFiciALS Development of Trade between Sri Lanka and Pakistan & Pakistan Sri A meeting between the Treasury Officials and Lanka Free Trade Agreement (PSFTA) at the Ministry of Industry and tea machinery manufacturing companies was Commerce – 18 February 2013 held on 27 September 2013. The Chamber made • Meeting to discuss the Development of Trade between Sri Lanka and a request to the Government to look into the Pakistan & Pakistan Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement (PSFTA) at the possibility of developing the local tea machinery Ministry of Industry and Commerce – 18 February 2013 industry. The Chamber pointed out that Sri Meeting with the Chairman of Bank of Ceylon – 19 February 2013 Lankan private sector manufactures a number • of machinery items required by the tea industry. • Meeting with the Hon. Minister of External Affairs on CHOGM – This sector, in addition to catering to the local 20 February 2013 tea industry, also exports their machinery to • Meeting with UN on “Building Disaster Resilient Coastal Cities Project”- other countries. The Chamber pointed out that 20 February 2013 the local tea machinery sector has to compete with the imported machinery and requested the • Meeting with the Chairman of Gem and Jewellery Authority on Government to support the sector. The Chamber Ayurveda Expo 2013 – 1 March 2013 also pointed out that the local plantation • Meeting at the Ministry of Traditional Industries & SME Development engineering firms are required to pay duties and to discuss about the formulation of a common definition for SMEs of taxes on raw material and machinery parts which Sri Lanka – 04 March 2013 have resulted in increased cost of production of machinery manufactured by the Sri Lankan • Expo Organizing Committee meeting with the Director General of Companies. Department of Commerce on 6 March 2013. • Meeting at the Central Bank to discuss about export market rEPrESEntAtivES oF tHE cHAMbEr development. – 11 March 2013 MAnAGEMEnt PArticiPAtEd At • Meeting with Director General of Commerce on Ayurveda Expo 2013 - tHE FoLLowinG MEEtinGS witH 13 March 2013 GovErnMEnt oFFiciALS • Meeting with National Enterprise Development Authority (NEDA) on • Meeting with Colombo University SME development – 13 March 2013 officials – 3 January 2013 • Meeting with officials of the CIMA, Sri Lanka Division at Cinnamon • A number of meetings at the External Grand – 13 March 2013. Affairs were attended to discuss the • National Workshop on Preparation of a National Implementation Plan arrangements for business forum to for the Sound Management of Chemicals in Sri Lanka and updating be held in November in concurrence the National Chemical Profile of Sri Lanka at the Central Environmental to the Commonwealth Heads of Authority of Sri Lanka – 20 March 2013 Government Meetings (CHOGM ) in November • Meeting with the Department of Commerce about “World Expo” – 20 March 2013 • Meeting with the IHRA Director and Coordinator of the Colombo • Meeting at the Ministry of Traditional Industries – 20 March 2013 University – 9 January 2013 • Meeting with Secretary, Ministry of Indigenous Medicine on Ayurveda • Meeting with UN on “Building Disaster Expo 2013 – 22 March 2013 Resilient Coastal Cities Project” – • Meeting with Hon. Salinda Dissanayake, Minister of Indigenous 28 January 2013 Medicine – 3 April 2013 • Meeting with the Minister of • Meeting with the Chairman of the Sri Lankan Airlines Ltd on Ayurveda Indigenous Medicine on – 07 February Expo 2013 – 05 April 2013 2013

the national Chamber of Commerce of Sri lanka (nCCSl) 39 AnnuAl RepoRt 2012/13 CHAMBER ACTIVITIES

• Central Bank Seminar on 2012 Annual • Meeting with the Minister of Industry & Commerce and Secretary to Report – 10 April 2013 the Ministry of Industry & Commerce on Pakistan Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement – 08 May 2013 • Meeting with the Secretary of External Affairs to discuss about a preparatory • Meeting with Director IHRA of the Colombo University - 8 May 2013 meeting of 3rd Joint Commission • Meeting with the Advisor to the Minister of Indigenous Medicine – between Sri Lanka & Thailand – 10 April 9 May 2013 2013 • Meeting with Ayurveda Commissioners of the regions at Navinna – • Thai Sri Lanka Joint Committee 14 May 2013 Meeting at the Ministry of External Affairs – 11 April 2013 • Meetings at the Ministry of Industries - 16 May 2013 • Meeting with DG Commerce to • Meeting with the Director General of SLEDB on Ayurveda Expo 2013 – discuss anti dumping regulations in 16 May 2013 Sri Lanka – 18 April 2013 • Meeting with the Chairman of the SLBC – 21 May 2013 Meeting with the Deputy • • Meeting to discuss about food security at the Ministry of Industries Minister of External Affairs Ministry - and Commerce – 6 June 2013 23 April 2013 • Meeting at the EDB about organizing a business delegation to • Meeting with the Secretary to the Turkey – 10 June 2013 Ministry of Industry & Commerce on Pakistan Sri Lanka Free Trade • Meeting with the DG Commerce to discuss about the Anti Dumping Agreement – 23 April 2013 regulations – 11 June 2013 • Meeting with the Assistant Director • Meeting with Chairman of the Gem and Jewellery Authority - of Commerce – 24 April 2013 12 June 2013 • Meeting with Secretary, Ministry of • Meeting with the Chairman, National Gem & Jewellery Authority - Indigenous Medicine – 29 April 2013 12 June 2013 • Meeting between the Private Sector • Meeting at the Ministry of Indigenous Medicine – 21 June 2013 Industries and the Government to • Meeting with the Secretary to the Ayurveda Ministry – 21 June 2013 discuss about the impact of Electricity Tariff Increase on Industries with the • Meeting with the Chairman of NEDA re. signing of the SME regional Minister of Industry & Commerce – programme agreement – 25 June 2013 26 April 2013 • Meeting at the Ministry of Indigenous Medicine – 26 June 2013 • Meeting on Sri Lanka’s participation • Meeting at the Petroleum Resource Development Secretariat – at MAGIC 19 - 21 August 2013 to be 27 June 2013 held at Mandalay Bay Convention Center, Las Vegas, United States of • Meeting with Provincial Ayurveda Commissioners – 27 June 2013 America at EDB – 02 May 2013 • Meeting with the Secretary, Ministry of Indigenous Medicine – 9 July 2013 • Sri Lanka Thailand Joint commission meeting held at the Ministry of • Meeting chaired by Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen and addressed by Dr. P B External Affairs – 2 May 2013 Jayasundera on National Budget • Meeting with the Secretary to Ministry • Meeting chaired by Hon. Basil Rajapaksa, Minister of Economic of Minor Export Crop Promotion – Development – 17 July 2013 02 May 2013 • Meeting to discuss Norway GSP plus at the Ministry of Industries and Commerce – 24 July 2013

40 the national Chamber of Commerce of Sri lanka (nCCSl) CHAMBER ACTIVITIES AnnuAl RepoRt 2012/13

• Meeting to discuss the SME develop- PArticiPAtion At GovErnMEnt ForuMS ment activities at NEDA – 31 July 2013 The National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka contributed in many ways to the Government’s efforts in developing business and industry in Sri Lanka. • Briefing Session on National Green Reporting System of Sri Lanka organized Chamber sent its proposals, made representations to the Government on by the Ministry of Environment at The behalf of members, helped Government in implementing policies and actively Centre for Banking Studies (CBS) of the participated at dialogues with the Government. The Chamber during the year Central Bank of Sri Lanka – 06 August was engaged in following activities towards this. 2013 • Workshop on Green Economy: How ExPortErS’ ForuM can SME be more competitive while The Chamber has got many business related issues of its member organizations conserving the environment? Inputs resolved at the Exporters Forum organized by the Sri Lanka Export Development for the Sri Lankan SME Development Board. Exporter’s Forum was effective where the business community could Policy and Action Plan organized present their business and industry related issues that could not be settled by by GIZ Sri Lanka at Kingsbury Hotel, relevant Government agencies. The Chamber participated at the 4th Exporters Colombo – 07 August 2013 Forum chaired by Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen, Minister of Industry and Commerce on 19 March 2013 where following issues of the Chamber member organizations • Meeting at GIZ on SME policy dialogues – 7 August 2013 were discussed: • Workshop on Private Sector • Permission of the Department of Animal Production and Health to Participation in TVET Sector organized import Special Cuts of Pork that are used as raw Material to process by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Skills Bacon for export under the TIEP scheme facility offered by Sri Lanka Development & Asian Development Customs. Bank (ADB) at Cinnamon Grand Hotel, • Payment of duty rebate claims by Sri Lanka Customs. It was confirmed Colombo – 08 August 2013 that a major part of the Claims have already been finalized and sent • Meeting with the Director General for payment. of Commerce at the Department • Requests to waive off penal interest on delayed export proceeds from of Commerce to discuss matters Iran, Libya and other Middle Eastern countries. pertaining to the issues under the South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA) • Request for payment of outstanding VAT refunds faced by Sri Lankan exporters – • Request to repair the access roads to Kalutara Industrial park 12 August 2013 • Request for a grace period of six months by a member organization • Thematic Workshop on SME to settle a loan taken from the People’s Bank Technology Transfer organized by GIZ – SME Development Programme • Non presence of Sri Lankan banks in Iran to accept Letters of Credit at Kings Court, Cinnamon Lakeside – (LC) with regard to Sri Lankan exports to Iran. 26 August 2013 • Advisory Committee Meeting on PrESEntAtion At PubLic HEArinG on ELEctricitY tAriFF “Quality Management System” at Mr. Sunil G Wijesinha, President of the Chamber made a presentation on the SLSI – 9 September 2013 proposed electricity tariff increase at the Public Hearing organized by the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) on 4 April 2013. The presentation was • Meeting at Ministry of Industry and on behalf of the Joint Chambers Forum. Some of the recommendations he Commerce to discuss about reflection of Sri Lanka – 17 September 2013 made are to categorize hotels and agriculture sectors under industry tariff and to minimize losses in CEB by increasing productivity. • Meeting at Ministry of Industry and Commerce to discuss about reflection of Sri Lanka – 2 October 2013 • Meeting at Agri Business Centre – 11 October 2013

the national Chamber of Commerce of Sri lanka (nCCSl) 41 AnnuAl RepoRt 2012/13 CHAMBER ACTIVITIES

SME dEvELoPMEnt And rEGionAL explained the scheme to the SME owners engaged in tourism related industries. buSinESS ProMotion ActivitiES Grants are to cover 50% of the cost of some selected sub projects in the tourism The National Chamber of Commerce during sector. The scheme aims at encouraging small scale tourism entrepreneurs to the year under review assisted many of its SME generate employment opportunities in the sector and provide youth with skills member organizations throughout the country development opportunities. and the members of District and Regional Chambers of Commerce to develop their workSHoP on “tEAM buiLdinG” business activities. Assistance was mainly in the form of: taking their issues to Government One day workshop on “Team Building” was held on 8 June 2013 in Ratnapura. authorities for settlement, providing market Trainers were: Mr. W. A. Dhanapala, MBA, Former Engineer, IDB and Mr. Sanjeewa information, organizing meetings between the Samarakoon, Trainer, Techno Action, Kurunegala. Mr. Buddika Mallwarachchi, SMEs and visiting foreign delegations, inviting Senior Assistant Secretary General represented the National Chamber. them to exhibit their products and services at international exhibitions organized by the SME rEGionAL workSHoP in AMPArA Chamber, providing library facilities for SME members at the Chamber Business Centre, One day workshop on “Team Building” organized by the SME Development Unit assisting them in obtaining VISA for business of the National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka was held on 8 August 2013 at visits and providing training for the SMEs and Ampara District Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Programme was arranged their employees in their respective regions. together with Ampara District Chamber of Commerce and Industry for the benefit Following training workshops were conducted of the Small and Medium Entrepreneurs in Ampara. Resource persons were: Mr. W during the year. M M B Weerasekara Deputy Commissioner of Local Govt. NWP and Mr. Sanjeewa Samarakoon from Techno Action, Kurunegala. Mr Bandula Dissanayake, Deputy Secretary General represented the National Chamber. cbi workSHoP in AnurAdHAPurA Workshop on “Developing a Business plan and Exporting to Europe” was held on 16 May 2013 SME workSHoP on bASic AccountinG at Anuradhapura District Chamber of Commerce, One day workshop on “Basic Accounting, Record Keeping and Taxation” was Industry & Agriculture. Workshop was organized held on 15 August 2013 at Anuradhapura District Chamber of Commerce, by the National Chamber in partnership with Industry & Agriculture. Program was arranged together with Anuradhapura CBI Netherlands and Export Experts Consortium District Chamber of Commerce, Industry & Agriculture. Resource persons (XXC). Logistical support was provided by were Mr. Sarath Munasinghe, Senior Manager of Board of Investment and Mr. Anuradhapura District Chamber of Commerce, Sanjeewa Samarakoon of Techno Action, Kurunegala. Mr. Tissa Ruberu, Manager Industry & Agriculture. – Administration represented the Chamber. briEFinG SESSion on MAtcHinG SME workSHoP on GrAntS ScHEME “HuMAn rESourcE MAnAGEMEnt” A briefing session to explain the Matching One day workshop on “Human Resource Management” was held on 16 August Grant Schemes offered by the World Bank for 2013 at Anuradhapura District Chamber of Commerce Industry & Agriculture. tourism sector Small and Medium Entrepreneurs Topics discussed were: assessment of human resource needs, recruitment, labour implemented under the Ministry of Economic relations and practical approach to human resource development. Resource Development was held on 18 July 2013 at the persons were: Mr. W. M. M. B. Weerasekara, Commissioner of Local Govt. NWP Chamberboard Room. Senior officials from the and Mr Sanjeewa Samarakoon of Techno Action, Kurunegala. Mr. Tissa Ruberu, Ministry of Economic Development met and Manager – Administration represented the National Chamber at the seminar.

42 the national Chamber of Commerce of Sri lanka (nCCSl) CHAMBER ACTIVITIES AnnuAl RepoRt 2012/13

SEMinAr on “tEAM buiLdinG” workSHoP on MArkEtinG A seminar on “Team Building” was held on A workshop on “Marketing” was held on 26 September 2013 at Anuradhapura 24 August 2013 in Kurunegala. The seminar District Chamber of Commerce, Industry & Agriculture. Trainer was Mr. Sanjeewa was organized by the National Chamber of Samarakoon - Lead Trainer. Commerce of Sri Lanka in association with the Wayamba Chamber of Commerce. Speaker The National Chamber of Commerce worked closely with the National Enterprise was Mr. A G S Senadeera, Director of Institute Development Authority (NEDA) in developing the SME sector in the country. We of Business Management Consultants (Pvt) actively participated at SME policy making discussions organized by NEDA. Most Ltd. The full day seminar included lectures and of the regional seminars and training workshops were organized by the National demonstrations where the participants were Chamber of Commerce in association with the NEDA. trained on teamwork and team building. cErtiFicAtES on ‘EntrEPrEnEurSHiP MAnAGEMEnt’ workSHoP in HAMbAntotA Mr. Gotabaya Rajapaksa (PSC) Secretary to the Defence and Urban development One day workshop on “Human Resource ministries was the Chief Guest at the Ceremony to award certificates to small Management” was held on 14 September and medium entrepreneurs who successfully completed the Certificate Course 2013 at the Hambantota District Chamber in ‘Entrepreneurship Management’ conducted by the Institute of Human of Commerce and Industry. Trainers were Resources Advancement (IHRA) of the Colombo University organized by the Mr. W. M .M. B. Weerasekara, Commissioner of National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka. Award ceremony was held on 18 Local Government in North Western Province January 2013 at the Colombo Hilton where certificates were awarded to 36 small and Mr. Sanjeewa Samarakoon - Lead Trainer entrepreneurs and their children. with 7 years Experience in training. otHEr ActivitiES Nine newly recruited Assistant Directors of the Department of Commerce visited the National Chamber on 01 August 2013. Purpose of the visit was for them to familiarize with the business promotion activities carried out by the National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka. A presentation explaining Chamber activities was made. They were given the opportunity to visit different units of the Chamber Secretariat and interact with respective officers with regard to the work of such units. They were also briefed about the Chamber’s international activities and the MOUs signed with different Chambers of Commerce in the world by the National Chamber.

the national Chamber of Commerce of Sri lanka (nCCSl) 43 AnnuAl RepoRt 2012/13 cHAMbEr rEPrESEntAtion in otHEr bodiES

Mr. Sunil G Wijesinha - President - Council for Business with Britain - BIMSTEC Chamber of Commerce and Industry

The following Mr. Thilak Godamanna - Deputy President members of the - Wages Board for Retail and Wholesale Trade - Industry Inventor Interaction Committee of Sri Lanka Inventors Chamber are Commission represented in other Mr. Sujeeve Samaraweera - Deputy President - Consumer Consultative Committee of PUCSL bodies, committees - Ocean University - Sri Lanka Shippers’ Council and Boards of - Employers’ Federation of Ceylon - National Arbitration Centre various Government - National Institute of Fisheries and Nautical Engineering - Sri Lanka Accreditation Board agencies. Mr. Asoka Hettigoda – Immediate Past President - Duty Rebate Committee - SME Cluster of the National Council for Economic Development (NCED) - Trade & Tariff Cluster of the National Council for Economic Development (NCED) - Committee for diversification of export market for Sri Lanka products

Mr. Niranjan Weerasooriya - Member - Wages Board for Retail and Wholesale Trade

Mr. D A T A Senerath Yapa - Member - Committee of the Sri Lanka Code for Promotion, Protection and Support for Breastfeeding and Marketing of Designated Products

Mr. Nilhan Ekanayake - Council Member - Duty Rebate Committee

Mr. Asoka Randeni - Council Member - Industry Inventor Interaction Committee of Sri Lanka Inventors Commission

Mr. Nandhika Buddipala – Council Member - Expert Group of Development of Commerce Subject Ministry of Education

44 the national Chamber of Commerce of Sri lanka (nCCSl) CHAMBER REPRESENTATION IN OTHER BODIES AnnuAl RepoRt 2012/13

FoLLowinG APPointMEntS wErE induStrY, invEntor, intEGrAtion coMMittEE MAdE durinG tHE YEAr. Mr. Asoka Randeniya and Mr. Thilak Godamanna were nominated to the industry, inventor, and integration with effect from 3 May 2013 which is governed by Sri bioEnErGY coMMittEE Lanka Inventor Council. Mr. Asela de Livera, Hony. Secretary of the National Chamber was nominated on 17 June Sri LAnkA EnErGY MAnAGErS 2013 to the National Mirror Committee on ASSociAtion (SLEMA) sustainability criteria for bioenergy - ISO/PC 248 coordinated by the Sri Lanka Standards Mr. Asela de Livera, Hony. Secretary of the National Chamber of Commerce of Institution (SLSI). Members of the National Sri Lanka was nominated as a member of the Council of distinguished advisors Mirror Committee (NMC) are supposed to advise of Sri Lanka Energy Managers Association for the year 2013/14. Nomination was SLSI on standardization related to this area for made on 3 September 2013. SLEMA is a professional association involved in international and national standards setting. The energy management and conservation in the country. The membership of the NMC will also advise the SLSI on matters related to SLEMA consists of professionals from a broad range of disciplines which includes the specific areas of concern including priorities, scientists, engineers, managers and economists. promotion and implementation of standards. SLcPPSbMdPM coMMittEE Sri LAnkA SHiPPErS’ counciL Mr. Senarath Yapa, Technical Director of MILCO (Pvt) Ltd. was re-nominated to Mr Sujeeva Samaraweera, Deputy President was the Sri Lanka Code for Promotion, Protection and Support of Breastfeeding and nominated as the Chamber representative for Marketing of Designated Products Monitoring Committee (SLCPPSBMDPM) Shippers’ Council in June 2013. Mr Tissa Ruberu for 2013 on 10 September 2013. SLCPPSBMDPM aims at contributing towards was nominated as the alternative representative. the provision of safe and adequate nutrition for infants and young children by protection, promotion and support of breastfeeding and by ensuring proper use of infant formulae. The appointment was given by the Hon. Minister of Health. coMMittEE to dEvELoP coMMErcE StrEAM SubjEctS Mr. Nandika Buddhipala, Council Member, National Chamber was appointed as a member of the committee to develop the Commerce Stream subjects. Appointment was made by the Ministry of Education in August 2013.

the national Chamber of Commerce of Sri lanka (nCCSl) 45 AnnuAl RepoRt 2012/13

SuStAinAbiLitY rEPort

EMPLoYEES nccSL rEPrESEntAtion At tHE SAArc trAdE ProMotion nEtwork in kAtHMAndu LAbour PrActicES Mr Buddika Mallawaarachchi, Senior Assistant Secretary General of the Chamber As a leading Trade Promotion Organization in participated at the SAARC TPN WG SME Co-ordination Meeting held in Nepal the country having 600 corporate members, the from 6 – 7 March 2013. At the meeting, a decision was taken to carry out research National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka is by member nations on different value Chains vis-à-vis Juices to be exported by committed to set an example by upholding Bhutan, Nepal and Sri Lanka to India; Cumin seeds to be exported by Afghanistan exemplary labour practices as governed by to Pakistan and Pakistan to Sri Lanka; Citrus fruits from Pakistan to Sri Lanka and the Shop and Office Employees Act. Chamber Afghanistan and garments from India to Bangladesh and Nepal. Secretariat employs a total of 23 staff as at 30 November 2013 out of which 14 are females. In terms of employee contracts, 17 are full trAininG ProGrAMME on PrEPArAtion oF time permanent staff while 6 are on contract, GrEEnHouSE GAS (GHG) invEntorY probation or part time. Retirement age is 55 years Mrs. V Wijemanne, Finance Manager participated at a training programmme on and any employee completing at least 5 years of Preparation of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Inventory on 15 October 2013 at Distance service is entitled to a payment of gratuity as per Learning Centre Ltd in Colombo. the Shop and Office Act.

StAFF wELFArE trAininG And dEvELoPMEnt The Chamber rewards its employees in other ways, too. Staff members of the Chamber Secretariat who had completed one year of service were granted an nccSL rEPrESEntAtion At ex-gratia payment equal to 2 months’ salary. In addition, they also enjoy the SAArc – tPn benefits of a medical scheme. Mr. Buddika Mallawaarachchi, Senior Assistant Secretary General of the Chamber participated SociEtY at the three day Operation Committee Meeting of SAARC Trade Promotion Network (SAARC- Chamber as a part of its Corporate Social Responsibility Program, initiated a TPN) held from 29 to 31 January 2013 at the CSR Project through which we support a needy school in the vicinity. Chamber Mount Lavinia Hotel, Colombo. The session was has allocated a fund of LKR 587,000/= donated by its member organizations attended by representatives from all (8) SAARC to effect repairs to toilets and the classrooms of the school. The project will be countries. SAARC Trade Promotion Network implemented in the near future. In addition the Chamber has also initiated a comprises of 28 key public and private sector programme to create awareness on values and norms of the society among the institutions responsible for trade related issues children of the school which will be a continuous programme for some time. from all 8 SAARC member countries, SuStAininG Micro, SMALL And MEdiuM buSinESSES The Chamber made a special emphasis on the development of MSME sector in the country. It conducted training programmes on Basic Accounting, Record Keeping & Taxation, Human Resource Management, Team Building, and Marketing & Customer. Seminars were held in Anuradhapura, Kurunegala, Ampara and Hambantota for the benefit of the SMEs in those regions. These programmes were conducted in association with District Chambers of Commerce of respective regions.

46 the national Chamber of Commerce of Sri lanka (nCCSl) AnnuAl RepoRt 2012/13

corPorAtE GovErnAncE

APPLicAbLE GuidELinES The National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka was established for the objects mentioned in the Memorandum of Association. This includes policy We have taken a special advocacy, legal and international business promotion, certifying commercial documents and other activities effort to improve that help promote businesses of member organizations. Chamber is governed by the regulations contained in competiveness, the Articles of Association. enhance productivity StAkEHoLdErS and introduced Our stakeholders include primarily the member organizations. Other stakeholders are: affiliated new markets while associations, regional Chambers, product associations, affiliated business councils, trade promotion sustaining the organizations with which we signed MOUs, employees, suppliers, customers and users of our service, prevailing markets Government agencies and NGOs. The Chamber engages in discussions, meetings, seminars, workshops, and developing and issues publications, makes representations and carries out other activities required for business promotions. promoting rural

MEMbErSHiP entrepreneurship. The members of the Chamber are: corporate entities, The Chamber partnerships, proprietors and associations. Enrollment of members is done after screening by the membership management is development committee. In addition to the general membership, we also have a special membership fully committed to category called SME membership which does not have voting rights but could enjoy other member services. good governance, counciL accountability and Council is the policy making body of the Chamber and is headed by the President. The Council is selected for creating value to a term of one year at the AGM. The Council comprises Office-bearers, Chairmen of Standing Committees, 5 be followed by the nominees by the retiring council, 10 persons nominated from among those present at the AGM and all the Past Chamber stakeholders. Presidents of the Chamber. The Chamber is a non- profit making organization depending on member subscriptions and income from certain special projects to meet its financial needs. The council is empowered to determine the annual membership subscription and the entrance fee.

the national Chamber of Commerce of Sri lanka (nCCSl) 47 AnnuAl RepoRt 2012/13 CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

coMMittEES AGMs are held each calendar year to- Executive Committee is the administrative body i. Receive the Annual Report of the Council of the Chamber. The Executive Committee maintains Chamber’s office and is directly ii. Receive the Audited Financial Statements for the preceding financial responsible for the management of all income year ending 31 March and expenditure. It is empowered to make iii. Elect Office-bearers policy decisions subject to covering approval by iv. Nominate ten members from the meeting to the Council, and elect the Council. The Executive Committee assigns the Council duties to Hony. Secretary and Hony. Treasurer to v. Appoint independent Auditors, and manage the day to day activities of the Chamber. It may also assign specific functions to other vi. Consider any other business for which due notice has been given. Committees. The Secretary General/CEO maintains the minutes of proceedings of all meetings Executive Committee advises the President, of the Chamber, Council, Executive Committee, Standing Committees and any Two Deputy Presidents, Hony. Secretary, Hony. other Committee and these minutes are available to Chamber members for Treasurer and the Chairmen of Standing reference. Committees. coMMittEE ActivitiES durinG tHE YEAr StAndinG coMMittEES There are 18 standing committees each headed ExEcutivE coMMittEE And tHE counciL by a Chairman, a businessman engaged in The Executive Committee and the Council met 09 times during the calendar year business in the particular field. In addition under review. Policy matters, chamber administration and member issues were ad-hoc advisory committees are set up as and discussed. In addition the Chamber Finance & Management Committee headed when required by the council. by the Hony. Treasurer met on 09 occasions to discuss finance-related issues. All major expenses were approved by the Finance & Management Committee. oFFicE-bEArErS The Office Bearers consist of the President, two SPEciAL counciL MEEtinG Deputy Presidents, Hony. Secretary and Hony. A special meeting of the Council was held on 14 August 2013 to discuss the issue Treasurer. of ownership of land and properties to foreigners.

MEEtinGS StAndinG coMMittEE ActivitiES The Executive Committee and the Council The Chamber business promotion activities are carried out through its 18 meet every month. Unless otherwise specified, Standing Committees. All the Standing Committees met and prepared the decisions are arrived at by a simple majority of recommendations pertaining to their respective sectors for consideration by the members present and voting. Government in preparing the national budget proposals for 2014. In addition, some Standing Committees met to discuss the special issues faced by the sector.

AYurvEdA coMMittEE Meeting of the Ayurveda Committee was held where the issues of the indigenous medicinal sector was discussed.

48 the national Chamber of Commerce of Sri lanka (nCCSl) CORPORATE GOVERNANCE AnnuAl RepoRt 2012/13

dAirY And LivEStock PowEr And EnErGY coMMittEE Sub coMMittEE Power and Energy Committee met on 21 March 2013 and discussed the The Committee met on 21 March, 25 July and proposed electricity tariff increase. Members were concerned about the high 29 August 2013 to discuss the issues pertaining electricity tariff prevailing at present and pointed out that further increase would to price control of chicken by the Consumer affect the industry and exports adversely. Many members expressed their views Affairs Authority (CAA). Committee members that already they spend a very high amount on electricity which has become met the Chairman of Consumer Affairs Authority a significant component of the cost of production. With the subsidies given by on 11 April 2013 and explained the difficulties the neighbouring countries to their industrialists and exporters, Sri Lankans will faced by the poultry manufacturers due to low have to face a severe competition. Members pointed out that alternative energy chicken prices enforced by the CAA. On 27 sources should be introduced and the private sector is encouraged to generate June 2013 the Committee members met Hon. energy by providing low interest rate loans for investment in such projects. Arumugam Thondaman, Minister of Livestock Rural Development together with the Ministry AGricuLturE coMMittEE Secretary who were briefed about the difficulties. Agriculture Committee of the Chamber met on 31 January and 7 March 2013 at the Chamber Boardroom. Following issues the sector faces currently were ExPortErS’ coMMittEE discussed: A meeting of the Exporters’ Committee was held • Non-availability of high yielding planting and seeds materials. on 27 February 2013 at the NCCSL Boardroom and following issues were discussed. • Quarantine regulations imposed in importation of planting material • Taxes that affect the competitiveness of the local beverages industry • Delays in getting Government • Competition due to cheap imported products approval for private sector project proposals and releasing Government • High prices of raw materials (sugar) lands for such projects, • Imposition of VAT for locally grown fruits and vegetables when they • Impact of the new international are sold to the local industry as against the zero VAT on produce like airport at Mattala on perishable cargo rice. especially with regard to airfreight • Prevailing 12% VAT for locally produced bee honey which will affect charges and the livelihood of bee honey producers. • Regulations imposed by Health • Imposition of 12% VAT on Supermarkets which is passed down to the Authorities on usage of fruits, pulps consumer. and other raw materials in the food • Necessity of protecting agriculture to assure continuous supply of industry agricultural raw material for the food industry. • Difficulties faced by the commercial enterprises in obtaining induStriES coMMittEE Government lands for commercial agriculture. Meetings of the Industries Committee were held • Rs. 15/- CESS per kilo of rubber and need to introduce a floating CESS on 12 February and 10 April 2013 where sector by way of a percentage applicable to the price of rubber. issues were discussed. • Wages increase in the plantation sector • Non availability of coconut husk for coco peat industry. inSurAncE coMMittEE • Availability of garlic and ginger in the Eastern Sri Lanka and the need Insurance Committee met on 27 February to find markets for these products. 2013. Members observed that the Insurance Association does not address the issues of inForMAtion And tEcHnoLoGY coMMittEE Chamber members and therefore, the Insurance A meeting of the committee was held on 8 February 2013. Upgrading the Committee decided to support the Chamber knowledge of SME owners on the usage of ICT in their business was discussed. members in taking their issues to the Authorities.

the national Chamber of Commerce of Sri lanka (nCCSl) 49 AnnuAl RepoRt 2012/13 CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

cErAMic And GLASSwArE 10. Blue Ocean Residencies (Pvt) Ltd. coMMittEE 11. Trade Solutions Lanka (Pvt) Ltd. A meeting of the Ceramic and Glassware 12. Siba Healthcare (Pvt) Ltd. Committee was held on 4 April 2013 where 13. Access Natural Water (Pvt) Ltd. following issues were discussed: 14. Pon Pure Chemical Lanka (Pvt) Ltd. • Impact of electricity tariff increase on 15. Yuming International (Pvt) Ltd. ceramic and glassware manufacture. 16. Dexter International • VAT refunds to be set off against the 17. D Peiris & Co. (Pvt) Ltd. other taxes payable 18. Mike Flora (Private) Ltd. • Absence of proper procedure for 19. Dip Products Katuwawala (Pvt) Ltd. mines licensing and leasing of mining 20. Authorised Money Changers Association of Sri Lanka lands 21. M S Samsudeen Lebbe 22. Nestle Lanka PLC nAtionAL cHAMbEr budGEt 23. Ernst & Young coMMittEE MEEtinG 24. J R Enterprises A meeting chaired by Mr. H A Wehalle, Hony. Treasurer with the participation of Mr. H A 25. Borneo General Trading (Pvt) Ltd Ariyaratne, member of the committee, Mr. E M 26. Lallans Sports Goods Manufacturers (Pvt) Ltd Wijetillake, Secretary General and Heads of the 27. Puwakaramba Agencies (Pvt) Ltd Chamber units was held on 23 April 2013. The Chamber budget for the financial year 2013/14 AdviSorY coMMittEE was discussed with unit heads. Committee also reviewed income and expenditure of different nAtionAL budGEt coMMittEE units of the Chamber Secretariat. National Budget Committee of the Chamber headed by Mr. H A Ariyaratne met on 8 August 2013 at the Chamber Boardroom. The Committee discussed its MEMbErSHiP dEvELoPMEnt recommendations to be submitted to the Treasury for consideration in preparing coMMittEE National Budget Proposals for 2014. Recommendations of the National Chamber of Commerce consisted the following: Membership Development Committee headed by Mr. Thilak Godamanna met 9 times during • Setting up of an Inter - Ministerial Committee comprising representatives the year to interview the new members joining from Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Indigenous the Chamber. During the year, following Medicine, Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Power & Energy, Sri Lanka organizations were enrolled as members. Customs and the private sector to effectively implement the Government policies towards agricultural development in the country. 01. Horseman International Colombo (Pvt) Ltd. • Measures to be taken by the Sri Lanka Customs to avoid underinvoicing which leads to unfair competition for genuine 02. Lanka Serenities (Pvt) Ltd. importers. 03. Seatrans International (Pvt) Limited • Expediting customs duty clearance by the importers. 04. Global Insurance Brokers and Services (Pvt) Ltd. • Increasing the thresholds of the life insurance premium as qualifying payment for income tax purposes. 05. Merbok MDF Lanka (Pvt) Ltd. • To address the issue of unplanned increase of utility cost especially 06. Logiexpo International electricity that adversely affects the export sector. 07. Darley Butler & Co. Ltd. • Re-visiting the conditions of the Indo Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement 08. Clutch Automation Private Limited that have adversely affected the local industry. 09. Fonterra Brands Lanka (Pvt) Ltd.

50 the national Chamber of Commerce of Sri lanka (nCCSl) CORPORATE GOVERNANCE AnnuAl RepoRt 2012/13

• Introduction of anti-dumping regulations Ms. Maryse de Costa • Maintaining a stable and reasonably Coordinator cum Secretary predictable exchange rate Ms. Nirmani Fernando • Re-introduction of Export Incentive Telephone Operator/Receptionist Scheme previously operated by Sri Lanka Export Development Board Mr. D Somaratne Office Aide • Government intervention on price controls Mr. Saman Kumara • Entering into new Trade Agreements Driver/Office Aide with friendly countries Mr. Sandanam Saththiwelu • Discouraging exportation of raw Driver/Office Aide material by introduction of a CESS The Division is responsible for the overall administration of the Chamber • Industry friendly labour laws and Secretariat, including monitoring of activities of other Divisions. In addition, it scarcity of skilled workers. handles Standing Committee activities, liaison with Government organizations • Delays of fertilizer supply to agriculture and member services. The Division maintains a close relationship with the and plantation sectors Standing Committee Chairmen and arranges meetings for such Committees. • Reviewing and developing more conducive labour laws. coMMErciAL docuMEntAtion diviSion

Mr. Tissa Ruberu tHE SEcrEtAriAt Manager Administration The Council appoints the Secretary General/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and other employees. Mrs. Indrani de Silva Confidential Secretary/Admin. Assistant The Secretary General/CEO heads the Chamber Secretariat, which comprises six divisions. Details Mr. Ajith Senaratne of their composition and key functions are given Documentation Executive below: Ms. Suharshani Ratnayake Project Assistant SEcrEtArY GEnErAL/cHiEF ExEcutivE oFFicEr The Division certifies commercial documents such as certificates of origin, commercial invoices, cargo measurement certificates and other related Mr. E M Wijetilleke certificates that are needed by the business community in their export and import activities. AdMiniStrAtion diviSion FinAncE & PErSonnEL diviSion Mr. Bandula Dissanayake Deputy Secretary General Mrs. G V Wijemanne Manager Finance & Personnel Ms. K T D Merly Personal Assistant to Secretary General Mrs. Priyangani Amaraweera Accountant (Head of the Accounts Unit) Mrs. Nilmini Jayasekera Secretary Ms. K T D Jayakamani Assistant Accountant Mr K B B S Darshana Web Master Ms. Dilesha Abeywickrama Accounts Assistant

the national Chamber of Commerce of Sri lanka (nCCSl) 51 AnnuAl RepoRt 2012/13 CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

The Division prepares budgets, monthly accounts SME, SkiLLS dEvELoPMEnt & otHEr ProjEctS diviSion and final accounts of the Chamber. It also handles the finances of affiliated member organizations Ms Nishanthi Dilrukshi such as business councils, and is responsible Projects Assistant for the human resource management activities SME Development & Special Projects of the Chamber Secretariat, including matters The Division undertakes SME development activities and conducts workshops pertaining to recruitment, leave and staff welfare. and training programmes for the benefit of the member organizations. In addition, the Division provides other services such as match-making between SMEs and large corporates for marketing the products and services of the SME intErnAtionAL rELAtionS & trAdE sector. inForMAtion diviSion

Mr. Buddika Mallawaarachchi nccSL convEntionS diviSion Senior Assistant Secretary General Ms. Indra Devi Emmanuel Mrs. M Fouad Event Coordinator (Head of the Unit) Personal Assistant Ms. Poornima Nugawela Mrs. Thushari Manel Project Assistant Secretary The Division focuses on organizing international exhibitions and business The Division performs research on trade benchmarking competitions in Sri Lanka and in assisting foreign organizations information and disseminating them among to hold exhibitions in Sri Lanka. It also arranges buyer-seller meetings for the member companies, including compilation benefit of members. of trade information bulletins and the Chamber Newsletter. It also organizes outward delegations from the Chamber, receives foreign delegations and arranges business meetings between visiting delegation and Chamber members.

52 the national Chamber of Commerce of Sri lanka (nCCSl) AnnuAl RepoRt 2012/13

FINANCIAL REPORTS >>

the national Chamber of Commerce of Sri lanka (nCCSl) 53 AnnuAl RepoRt 2012/13 independent auditoRS’ RepoRt

Eanst & Young Tel : +94 11 2463500 Chartered Accountants Fax Gen : +94 11 2697369 201 De Saram Place Tax : +94 11 5578180 Email : [email protected] Building a better P.O. Box 101 working world Colombo 10 Web : ey.com Sri Lanka

independent auditoRS’ RepoRt to the ShaReholdeRS oF the national chambeR oF commeRce oF SRi lanKa

RepoRt on the Financial StatementS An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting We have audited the accompanying financial statements of The the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka which comprise audit also includes assessing the accounting policies used and the statement of financial position as at 31 March 2013, and the significant estimates made by Council, as well as evaluating the statement of comprehensive income, statement of changes in overall financial statement presentation. equity and cash flow statement for the year then ended, and a We have obtained all the information and explanations which summary of significant accounting policies and other explanatory to the best of our knowledge and belief were necessary for notes. the purposes of our audit. We therefore believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion. council’S ReSponSibility FoR the Financial StatementS opinion The Council is responsible for the preparation and fair In our opinion, so far as appears from our examination, the presentation of these financial statements in accordance with Chamber maintained proper accounting records for the year Sri Lanka Financial Reporting Standards for Small and Medium ended 31 March 2013 and the financial statements give a true Enterprises. This responsibility includes: designing, implementing and fair view of the Chamber’s financial position as at 31 March and maintaining internal control relevant to the preparation 2013 and its financial performance and cash flows for the year and fair presentation of financial statements that are free from then ended in accordance with Sri Lanka Financial Reporting material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error; selecting Standards for Small and Medium Enterprises. and applying appropriate accounting policies; and making accounting estimates that are reasonable in the circumstances. RepoRt on otheR legal and RegulatoRy RequiRementS Scope oF audit and baSiS oF opinion In our opinion, these financial statements also comply with the Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial requirements of Section 151(2) of the Companies Act No. 07 of statements based on our audit. We conducted our audit in 2007. accordance with Sri Lanka Auditing Standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance whether the financial statements are free from material misstatement. 29 October 2013 Colombo AL/AHR/TW

Partners A D B Talwatte FCA FCMA M P D Cooray FCA FCMA R N De Saram ACA FCMA Ms. N A De Silva ACA Ms. Y A De Silva FCA W R H Fernando FCA FCMA W K B Fernando FCA FCMA A P A Gunasekara FCA FCMA A Herath FCA D K Hulangamuwa FCA FCMA LLB (Lond) H M A Jayasinghe FCA FCMA Ms. A A ludowyke FCA FCMA Ms. G G S Manatunga ACA N M Sulaiman ACA ACMA B E Wijesuriya A C A ACMA

A member firm of Ernst & Young Global Limited

54 the national Chamber of Commerce of Sri lanka (nCCSl) AnnuAl RepoRt 2012/13

income Statement

2013 2012 For the year ended 31st March Note Rs. Cts. Rs. Cts.

Revenue 3 15,130,541 15,234,819

Other Operating Income 4 44,134,727 42,926,824

LEss: ExpEnsEs Administrative Expenses (29,451,013) (21,880,561) Other Operating Expenses (22,491,793) (18,053,795) Finance Costs - (2,712) surpLus bEfOrE tAxAtiOn 7,322,462 18,224,575 Income Tax Expense 5 (1,128,161) (1,579,627) surpLus fOr thE YEAr 6,194,301 16,644,948

The Accounting Policies and Notes from pages 6 to 17 form an integral part of the Financial Statements.

the national Chamber of Commerce of Sri lanka (nCCSl) 55 AnnuAl RepoRt 2012/13 balance Sheet

2013 2012 As at 31st March Note Rs. Cts. Rs. Cts. AssEts non-Current Assets Property, Plant & Equipment 6 48,602,797 17,237,747 Non-Current Financial Assets 7 89,222 125,723 48,692,019 17,363,470 Current Assets Trade and Other Receivables 8 2,905,846 5,805,693 Other Current Assets 9 3,072,270 1,474,040 Income Tax Refund due 1,067,463 - Short -Term Investments 10 17,765,975 44,632,239 Cash in Hand and at Bank 11.1 4,467,511 2,723,920 29,279,065 54,635,892 total Assets 77,971,084 71,999,362 funDs AnD LiAbiLitiEs funds Accumulated Fund 53,997,593 47,803,292 Other funds Building Donations Fund 285,776 312,368 Other Funds 5,392,766 5,325,870 59,676,135 53,441,530 non-Current Liabilities Deferred Income 12 7,130,810 7,743,050 Retirement Benefit Obligations 13 3,447,100 2,776,650 Deferred Tax Liabilities 1,320,606 1,047,808 11,898,516 11,567,508 Current Liabilities Trade and Other Payables 14 6,168,915 5,841,941 Income Tax Payable - 158,682 Bank Overdraft 11.2 227,518 989,701 6,396,433 6,990,324 total funds and Liabilities 77,971,084 71,999,362

The Accounting Policies and Notes from pages 6 to 17 form an integral part of the Financial Statements.

The Treasurer certifies that the Financial Statements have been prepared in compliance with the requirements of the Companies Act No. 7 of 2007.

Hony. Treasurer

The Council is responsible for the preparation and presentation of these Financial Statements. Signed for and on behalf of the Council by:

President Executive Committee Member 28th October 2013 56 the national Chamber of Commerce of Sri lanka (nCCSl) AnnuAl RepoRt 2012/13

caSh Flow Statement

2013 2012 For the year ended 31st March Note Rs. Cts. Rs. Cts. CAsh fLOws frOm / (usED in) OpErAting ACtivitiEs

Surplus before Tax 7,322,462 18,224,575

Adjustments for Depreciation 2,092,602 2,069,144 Rent Received in Advance (612,240) (1,487,240) Interest Income (5,173,398) (3,286,409) Provision for Defined Benefit Obligation 857,840 382,475 Provision for Bad Debts (1,971,921) 120,000 Interest charge - 2,712 (Profit)/Loss on Disposal of Property, Plant & Equipment - 48,667 Building Donations Fund & Deferred Income Written Back (26,592) (26,592) Bad Debts Written Off / (Written Back) (134,335) 209,370 Operating profit before working Capital Changes 2,354,418 16,256,703 (Increase)/Decrease in Trade and Other Receivables 3,444,374 (2,365,390) Increase/(Decrease) in Trade and Other Payables 326,974 1,235,900 Cash generated from Operations 6,125,766 15,127,214 Gratuity paid (187,390) - Tax Paid (2,081,508) (998,651) net Cash from/(used in) Operating Activities 3,856,868 14,128,563

CAsh fLOws frOm / (usED in) invEsting ACtivitiEs

Acquisition of Property, Plant and Equipment (33,457,652) (689,550) Disposal of PPE - 580,357 Sale of Financial Assets Net of investments 27,034,640 (13,835,028) Interest Received 5,005,022 3,406,409 net Cash flows from/(used in) investing Activities (1,417,990) (10,537,811)

CAsh fLOws frOm/ (usED in) finAnCing ACtivitiEs

Lease Instalments Paid - (151,581) (Decrease)/Increase in Other Funds 66,896 (1,564,996) net Cash flows from/(used in) financing Activities 66,896 (1,716,577) net increase/(Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents 2,505,774 1,874,174 Cash and Cash Equivalents at the beginning of the year 1,734,219 (139,956) Cash and Cash Equivalents at the end of the year 4,239,993 1,734,219

The Accounting Policies and Notes from pages 6 to 17 form an integral part of the Financial Statements.

the national Chamber of Commerce of Sri lanka (nCCSl) 57 AnnuAl RepoRt 2012/13

Statement oF changeS in equity

Building Accumulated Donations For the year ended 31st March Fund Fund Other Funds Total Rs. Cts. Rs. Cts. Rs. Cts. Rs. Cts.

Balance as at 1 April 2011 31,158,344 338,960 6,890,866 38,388,170 Surplus for the year 16,644,948 - - 16,644,948 Transfer to Income Statement - (26,592) - (26,592) Interest Income - - 402,352 402,352 Payments - - (1,967,348) (1,967,348) Balance as at 31 March 2012 47,803,292 312,368 5,325,870 53,441,530 Net Profit for the Year 6,194,301 - - 6,194,301 Surplus for the year - - - - Transfer to Income Statement - (26,592) - (26,592) Interest Income - - 616,956 616,956 Payments - - (550,060) (550,060) balance as at 31 march 2013 53,997,593 285,776 5,392,766 59,676,135

The Accounting Policies and Notes from pages 6 to 17 form an integral part of the Financial Statements.

58 the national Chamber of Commerce of Sri lanka (nCCSl) AnnuAl RepoRt 2012/13

noteS to the Financial StatementS

1. coRpoRate inFoRmation 2.1.1 going Concern The Council has made an assessment of the Chamber’s ability to 1.1 geneRal continue as a going concern and they do not intend either to The National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka is a limited liquidate or to cease trading in the foreseeable future. liability Company incorporated under the companies Ordinance No. 51 of 1938 as ‘Ceylon National Chamber of Commerce’ on 3rd 2.1.2 use of judgement and estimates November 1955, amended by Act No. 15 of 1964 as The National The preparation of financial statements in conformity with Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka on 5th June 1974 and re- Sri Lanka Accounting Standard for Small and Medium-sized registered under the New Companies Act No. 07 of 2007 and Entities requires Council to make judgements, estimates and domiciled in Sri Lanka. The registered office of the Chamber is assumptions that affect the application of accounting policies located at No. 450, D R Wijewardena Mawatha, Colombo 10. and the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, income and expenses. 1.2 pRincipal activitieS and natuRe oF opeRationS Judgements The Chamber is a Trade Promotion Organization. Judgements made by Council in the application of Sri Lanka Accounting Standard for Small and Medium-sized Entities that have a significant effect on the financial statements are 1.3 date oF authoRization FoR iSSue mentioned below. The Financial Statements for the year ended 31st March 2013 were authorized for issue by the Council on 28 October 2013. Estimates The estimates and underlying assumptions are based on 2. baSiS oF pRepaRation and historical experience and various other factors that are believed SummaRy oF SigniFicant to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis of making the judgements about the carrying accounting policieS amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. 2.1 baSiS oF pRepaRation The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an statement of compliance ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised These financial statements have been prepared in accordance in the period in which the estimate is revised if the revision with the Sri Lanka Accounting Standard for Small and Medium- affects only that period or in the period of the revision and future sized Entities issued by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of periods if the revision affects both current and future periods. Sri Lanka. 2.1.3 income tax & Deferred tax presentation currency The Chamber is subject to income taxes. Significant judgement These financial statements are presented in Sri Lanka Rupees (Rs.) is required in determining the provision for income taxes. There which is the Chamber’s presentation currency and all financial are many transactions and calculations for which the ultimate tax information presented in Sri Lankan Rupees has been rounded to determination is uncertain. The Chamber recognises liabilities the nearest rupee, except when otherwise indicated. for anticipated tax audit issues based on estimates of whether additional taxes will be due. Where the final tax outcome of these The preparation and presentation of these financial statements is matters is different from the amounts that were initially recorded, in compliance with the Companies Act No. 07 of 2007. such differences will impact the current and deferred income tax assets and liabilities in the period in which such determination is made.

the national Chamber of Commerce of Sri lanka (nCCSl) 59 AnnuAl RepoRt 2012/13 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

2.1.4 Comparative information c. imputation of tax credit on interest income Previous year’s figures and phrases have been re-arranged from treasury bills wherever necessary to conform to the current year’s presentation. Interest Income from Tresury Bills is grossed by the addition of the tax credit imputed to 10% withholding tax on discounts allowed 2.1.5 Changes in accounting policy at the time of issue. This imputation credit is 1/9th of net income. The Chamber has consistently applied its accounting policy as in the previous year except for the effect of change in the following d. Other gains and Losses policies: (Nature, amount of adjustment including prior period an Net Gains and losses of a revenue nature arising from the explanation if impracticable. disposal of property, plant & equipment and other noncurrent assets including investments are accounted for in the income statement, after deducting from the proceeds on disposal, the 2.2 FoReign cuRRency tRanSlation carrying amount of the assets and related selling expenses. All foreign exchange transactions are converted to Sri Lanka Rupees, which is the Chamber functional currency, at the rates Gains and Losses arising from activities incidental to the main of exchange prevailing at the time the transactions are effected. revenue generating activities and those arising from a group Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies of similar transactions which are not material are aggregated, are translated to Sri Lanka Rupee equivalents at the end of each reported and presented on a net basis. reporting period using the closing spot rate. e. Other income Non-monetary assets and liabilities measured at historical cost are translated using exchange rates that existed when the values Other Income is recognized on an accrual basis. were determined. f. turnover based taxes Non-monetary assets and liabilities measured at fair value are Turnover Based Taxes include, Value added Tax (VAT), Nation translated using the exchange rate that existed when the fair Building Tax (NBT). The Chamber pays such taxes in accordance values were determined. with the respective statutes. The resulting exchange difference is recognized in the profit or loss for the period. 2.4 expendituRe Recognition Expenses are recognized in the income statement on the basis of 2.3 income Statement a direct association between the cost incurred and the earning of specific items of income. All expenditure incurred in the running of 2.3.1 revenue recognition the business and in maintaining the property, plant & equipment in Revenue is recognized to the extent that it is probable that a state of efficiency has been charged to income statement. the economic benefits will flow to the Chamber and the revenue and associated costs incurred or to be incurred can be For the purpose of presentation of the Income Statement the reliably measured. Revenue is measured at the fair value of the “function of expenses” method has been adopted on the basis consideration received or receivable net of taxes. The following that it represents fairly the elements of Chamber’s performance. specific criteria are used for the purpose of recognition of revenue. 2.5 taxation a. members’ subscription Members’ Subscription is recognized on an accrual basis. a) Current taxes The tax expense for the period comprises current and deferred b. interest income tax. Tax is recognised in profit or loss, except that a change attributable to an item of income or expense recognised as Interest income is recognized as interest accrues, taking into other comprehensive income is also recognised directly in other account the effective yield of the asset. comprehensive income.

60 the national Chamber of Commerce of Sri lanka (nCCSl) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AnnuAl RepoRt 2012/13

The current income tax charge is calculated on the basis of tax When significant parts of property, plant and equipment are rates and laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted required to be replaced at intervals, the Chamber recognises by the reporting date and generate taxable income. such parts as individual assets with specific useful lives and depreciates them accordingly. Likewise, when a major inspection b) Deferred taxation is performed, its cost is recognised in the carrying amount of the plant and equipment as a replacement if the recognition criteria Deferred tax is recognised on differences between the carrying are satisfied. amounts of assets and liabilities in the statement of financial position and their corresponding tax bases. Depreciation is charged so as to allocate the cost of assets less their residual values over their estimated useful lives, using the Deferred tax liabilities are recognised for all temporary differences straight-line method. Depreciation for an asset begins when it is that are expected to increase taxable profit in the future periods available for use and ceases when the asset is derecognized. The as a result of past transactions or events. following annual rates are used for the depreciation of property, Deferred tax assets are recognised for all temporary differences plant and equipment: that are expected to reduce taxable profit in the future periods as a result of a past transaction or events, and carry forward of Assets Useful lives Years unused tax losses and unused tax credits. Deferred tax assets are Building Over 26.67 measured at the highest amount that, on the basis of current Over 4 or estimated future taxable profit, is more likely than not to be Computers & Printers (Up to 96/97 – Over 10) recovered. Furniture & Fittings Over 10 The net carrying amount of deferred tax assets is reviewed at each Office Equipment Over 10 reporting date and is adjusted to reflect the current assessment Library Equipment Over 10 of future taxable profits. Any adjustments are recognised in profit or loss. Neon Name Board Over 05 Leased Motor Vehicles Over 04 Deferred tax is calculated at the tax rates that are expected to Leased Computers Over 04 apply to the taxable profit (tax loss) of the periods in which it expects the deferred tax asset to be realised or the deferred tax If there is an indication that there has been a significant change liability to be settled, on the basis of tax rates that have been in depreciation rate, useful life or residual value of an asset, the enacted or substantively enacted by the end of the reporting depreciation of that asset is revised prospectively to reflect the period. new expectations. Deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities are offset, if a The carrying values of property plant and equipment are reviewed legally enforceable right exists to set off amounts and it intends for impairment when events or changes in circumstances to settle on a net basis or to realize the asset and settle the liability indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. simultaneously and relate to the same taxable entity and the same taxation authority. An item of property, plant and equipment is derecognized on disposal or when no future economic benefits are expected from its use or disposal. The gain/loss on derecognition of an item of 2.6 valuation oF aSSetS and theiR property, plant and equipment is included in profit or loss in the meaSuRement baSeS year the asset is derecognized. 2.6.1 property, plant and Equipment All items of property, plant and equipment are initially recorded at cost. Subsequent to initial recognition, property, plant and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment in value.

the national Chamber of Commerce of Sri lanka (nCCSl) 61 AnnuAl RepoRt 2012/13 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

2.6.2 investment properties group of related assets) is estimated and compared with its carrying Investment properties are measured initially at cost, including amount. If estimated recoverable amount is lower, the carrying transaction costs. Subsequent to initial recognition, investment amount is reduced to its estimated recoverable amount, and an properties whose fair value can be measured reliably without impairment loss is recognised immediately in profit or loss. undue cost or effort is measured at fair value at each reporting date with changes in fair value recognized in profit and loss. All 2.6.5 financial Assets and financial Liabilities other investment properties are accounted as property plant and A financial asset or a financial liability is recognized only when equipment using the cost, depreciation & impairment model. the Chamber becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument. Transfers to and from investment property are made only when the property meets or ceases to meet the definition of A financial asset or a financial liability is recognized initially at the investment property. Circumstances where the fair value is no transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes in effect a longer reliable will necessitate the property to be transferred financing transaction in which case financial asset or financial from investment property to property plant and equipment at liability is measured at the present value of the future payments the carrying amount of the investment property. discounted at a market rate of interest for a similar instrument.

2.6.3 Leases subsequent measurement finance Lease Debt instruments Leases are classified as finance leases whenever the terms of the Debt instruments are measured at amortized cost using lease transfer substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership the effective interest rate method at each reporting date. In of the leased asset to the Chamber. All other leases are classified measuring the amortized cost, the amount at initial recognition, as operating leases. minus any repayments of the principal, plus or minus the cumulative amortization derived through the effective interest The rights of use and obligation under finance lease are rate method minus any reduction for impairment in the case of recognized as assets and liabilities at the fair value of the leased financial asset. property and if lower, the present value of the minimum lease payments determined at the inception of the lease. Subsequent to initial recognition, minimum lease payments is apportioned impairment of financial Assets between the finance charges and reduction of the outstanding At the end of each of reporting period, Chamber assesses whether liability using the effective interest method so as to achieve a there is objective evidence of impairment of any financial constant rate of interest on the remaining balance of the liability. assets that are measured at cost or amortized cost which loss is recognized in profit or loss. The property, plant and equipment acquired under finance leases is depreciated over the period the Chamber expects to If in a subsequent period, the amount of an impairment loss benefit from the use of leased assets (i.e shorter of the useful life decreases to the extent that it can be related objectively to of the asset and the lease term. the previously recognized impairment loss, then the previously recognized impairment loss shall be reversed in the profit or loss Operating Lease directly. Lease payments made under operating leases is recognized as an expense on a straight-line basis. Derecognition of financial assets A financial asset is derecognized when: 2.6.4 impairment of non financial Assets • The contractual rights to the cash flows from the At each reporting date, property, plant and equipment are reviewed financial asset expire or are settled or to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have • The Chamber transfer to another party substantial all suffered an impairment loss. If there is an indication of possible of the risks and rewards of ownership of the financial impairment, the recoverable amount of any affected asset (or asset or

62 the national Chamber of Commerce of Sri lanka (nCCSl) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AnnuAl RepoRt 2012/13

• The entity, despite having retained some significant The provisions are measured at the best estimate of the amount risks and rewards of ownership, has transferred control required to settle the obligation at each reporting date. When of the asset to another party and the other party has the effect of time value of money is material the provisions are the practical ability to sell the asset in its entirely to measured at the present value of the future amount required to an unrelated third party and is able to exercise that settle the obligation using a pre-tax rate reflecting the current ability unilaterally and without needing to impose market assessment of the time value of money and specific risks additional restrictions on the transfer in which case relevant for the obligation. The increase in provision due to time i) Derecognize the asset passage is recognized as a finance expense in the profit or loss. ii) Recognize separately any rights and obligations All contingent liabilities are disclosed as a note to the financial retained. statements unless the outflow of resources is remote. Derecognition of financial liability Contingent assets are disclosed, where inflow of economic Financial liabilities are derecognized only when the obligation in benefit is probable. the contract cancels or expires.

2.6.6 trade and Other receivables 2.7.3 Employee benefits

At the end of each reporting period, the carrying amounts of trade a) Defined benefit plan – gratuity and other receivables are reviewed to determine whether there is Full provision has been made on account of retiring gratuity from any objective evidence that the amounts are not recoverable. If the first year of service of the employees in conformity with the so, an impairment loss is recognized immediately in profit or loss. Section 28 of the Sri Lanka Accounting Standard for Small and Medium-sized Entities -“Employee Benefits” at half (1/2) month’s 2.6.7 Cash and Cash Equivalents salary for each year’s service. Cash and cash equivalents are defined as cash on hand, However, according to the Payment of Gratuity Act No. 12 of demand deposits and short-term highly liquid investments, 1983, the liability for gratuity payment to an employee arises only readily convertible to known amounts of cash and subject to after the completion of 5 years of continued service. insignificant risk of changes in value.

For the purpose of cash flow statement, cash and cash equivalents The liability is not externally funded nor actuarially valued. The consist of cash on hand and deposits in banks net of outstanding item is grouped under Non-Current Liabilities in the Statement bank overdrafts. Investments with short maturities i.e. three of Financial Position. months or less from the date of acquisition are also treated as cash equivalents. b) Defined Contribution plans – Employees’ provident fund & Employees’ trust fund 2.7 liabilitieS and pRoviSionS A defined contribution plan is a post-employment benefit plan under which an entity pays fixed contribution into a separate 2.7.1 trade payables entity and will have no legal or constructive obligation to pay Trade payables are recognised initially at the transaction price further amounts. Obligations for contribution to Employee and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective Provident and Employee Trust Funds covering all employees are interest method. recognized as an expense in profit or loss as incurred. The Chamber contributes 12% and 3% of gross emoluments 2.7.2 provisions, Contingent Assets and of employees as Provident Fund and Trust Fund contribution Contingent Liabilities respectively. Provisions are recognized when the Chamber has a legal or constructive obligation as a result of past events at the reporting date, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefit will be required to settle the obligation and the amount of obligation can be estimated reliably.

the national Chamber of Commerce of Sri lanka (nCCSl) 63 AnnuAl RepoRt 2012/13 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

2.8 tRanSition to the SRi lanKa accounting StandaRdS FoR Small & medium-Sized entitieS (SlFRS FoR Sme) FRom SRi lanKa accounting StandaRdS The Chamber’s financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2013 are its first annual financial statements prepared under accounting policies that comply with the SLFRS for SMEs.

The National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka’s transition date is 1 April 2012. The Chamber prepared its opening SLFRS for SMEs statement of financial position at that date.

In preparing these financial statements in accordance with the SLFRS for SMEs, the Chamber has applied all the mandatory exceptions and certain of the optional exemptions from full retrospective application of the SLFRS for SMEs.

64 the national Chamber of Commerce of Sri lanka (nCCSl) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AnnuAl RepoRt 2012/13

3. REVENUE

2013 2012 For the year ended 31st March Rs. Cts. Rs. Cts. Members' Subscription 7,379,975 7,433,083 Certificate of Origin 6,917,574 6,891,974 Admission Fees 581,400 686,250 Miscellaneous Documents 251,592 203,611 Business Registration Income - 19,901 15,130,541 15,234,819

4. OTHER OPERATING INCOME

2013 2012 For the year ended 31st March Rs. Cts. Rs. Cts. Net Income from National Business Excellence Award Programme 10,983,547 9,647,566 Ayurveda Exhibition 8,283,949 12,583,431 Rent Income 1,584,403 1,561,843 Interest Income 5,173,398 3,286,408 Building Donation Fund & Deferred Income Written back 26,592 26,592 Overseas Trade Delegation 10,586,250 7,831,451 Secretarial service 1,775,589 81,000 NEDA-Regional seminars 1,168,366 - Motor Vehicle Donation Fund & Deferred income Written back - 875,000 Others 4,552,632 7,033,533 44,134,727 42,926,824

5. INCOME TAX EXPENSE

The Chamber is liable for Income Tax under Section 101 (2) of the Inland Revenue Act No. 10 of 2006 on either Investment Income or Business income whichever is higher at 10%.

2013 2012 For the year ended 31st March Rs. Cts. Rs. Cts. Current Income Tax Current Income Tax charge (5.1) 172,537 1,649,432 Under/(Over) Provision of current taxes in respect of prior years 682,826 71,856 855,363 1,721,288 Deferred Income Tax Deferred Taxation Charge/(Reversal) (5.2) 272,798 (141,661) Income tax expense reported in the Income Statement 1,128,161 1,579,627

the national Chamber of Commerce of Sri lanka (nCCSl) 65 AnnuAl RepoRt 2012/13 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENT

5.1 RECONCIlIATION bETwEEN INCOME TAX EXPENSE ANd THE ACCOUNTING SURPlUS

2013 2012 For the year ended 31st March Rs. Cts. Rs. Cts. Surplus Before Tax - 18,224,575 Investment Income 5,173,398 - Rental Income 1,088,513 - 6,261,911 18,224,575 Tax Effect on Chargeable Surplus - 1,822,456 Tax Effect on Income 626,191 - Tax Effect on Excluded Income (453,654) (186,979) Tax Effect on Deductions Claimed - (90,159) Tax Effect on Non Deductible Expenses - 104,114 172,537 1,649,432 Under Provision of Income Tax - Prior Year 682,826 71,856 Current Tax Expense 1,027,900 21,595,295

5.2 dEFERREd TAX EXPENSE

2013 2012 For the year ended 31st March Rs. Cts. Rs. Cts. Deferred Tax Arising from Accelerated Depreciation for Tax Purposes 339,843 (103,413) Retirement Benefit Obligations (67,045) (38,248) Deferred Tax Charge / (Reversal) 272,798 (141,661)

66 the national Chamber of Commerce of Sri lanka (nCCSl) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENT AnnuAl RepoRt 2012/13

6. PROPERTY, PlANT & EQUIPMENT

Balance As at Balance As at For the year ended 31st March 01.04.2012 Additions Disposals 31.03.2013 Rs. Cts. Rs. Cts. Rs. Cts. Rs. Cts. CoST Building 33,319,049 32,151,847 - 65,470,896 Bridge 1,332,945 - - 1,332,945 Computers & Printers 1,724,888 276,750 - 2,001,638 Furniture and Fittings 1,050,987 999,500 - 2,050,487 Office Equipment 1,765,932 29,555 - 1,795,487 Electrical Fittings 1 - - 1 Library Equipment 11,050 - - 11,050 Neon Name Board 103,300 - - 103,300 Motor vehicle 1,190,379 - - 1,190,379 Leased Computers 306,705 - - 306,705 Leased Motor Vehicles 2,996,939 - - 2,996,939 Total Value of Depreciable Assets 43,802,175 33,457,652 - 77,259,827

Balance As at Charge for Balance As at For the year ended 31st March 01.04.2012 the Year Disposals 31.03.2013 Rs. Cts. Rs. Cts. Rs. Cts. Rs. Cts. DepreCIATIon Building 18,906,776 1,499,507 - 20,406,283 Bridge 145,781 - - 145,781 Computers & Printers 1,535,730 105,938 - 1,641,668 Furniture and Fittings 863,276 112,866 - 976,142 Office Equipment 1,437,796 76,697 - 1,514,493 Electrical Fittings - - - - Library Equipment 11,050 - - 11,050 Neon Name Board 103,300 - - 103,300 Motor vehicle 257,075 297,594 - 554,669 Leased Computers 306,705 - - 306,705 Leased Motor Vehicles 2,996,939 - - 2,996,939 Total Depreciation 26,564,428 2,092,602 - 28,657,030 Total carrying amount of Property, Plant & Equipment 17,237,747 48,602,797

The building has been constructed on land at No. 450, D R Wijewardena Mawatha, Colombo 10 obtained on a 30 year lease ending in 2023. A characteristic of land is that it normally has an indefinite economic life and the title of the land is not expected to pass to the Chamber at the end of the lease term. Therefore, the Chamber does not receive substantially all of the risks and rewards incidental to ownership. Hence, the lease of the said land is recognised as an operating lease in the books of account of the Chamber.

The land & building at No. 450, D R Wijewardena Mawatha, Colombo 10 has been valued as at 31 March 2010 by an independent professional valuer Mr. H R de Silva on 31 January 2011 and the value to The National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka of the land (on lease) and building (up to another 30-year lease, and reversion to nominal value after the period (20% of present value) is determined as Rs. 68 Mn.

the national Chamber of Commerce of Sri lanka (nCCSl) 67 AnnuAl RepoRt 2012/13 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENT

7. NON-CURRENT FINANCIAl ASSETS

2013 2012 For the year ended 31st March Rs. Cts. Rs. Cts. Staff Loan 89,222 125,723 89,222 125,723

8. TRAdE ANd OTHER RECEIVAblES

2013 2012 For the year ended 31st March Rs. Cts. Rs. Cts. Trade Debtors 2,254,877 2,168,962 Less: Allowances for Doubtful Debts (1,068,181) (255,000) 1,186,696 1,913,962 Other Receivables 1,719,150 3,891,731 2,905,846 5,805,693

9. OTHER CURRENT ASSETS

2013 2012 For the year ended 31st March Rs. Cts. Rs. Cts. Advances & Deposits 901,326 986,984 Prepayments 509,312 487,056 VAT receivable 1,534,378 WHT Receivable 127,254 3,072,270 1,474,040

10. SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS

2013 2012 For the year ended 31st March Rs. Cts. Rs. Cts. Treasury Bills 4,597,599 5,301,956 Fixed Deposits 13,168,376 39,330,283 17,765,975 44,632,239

68 the national Chamber of Commerce of Sri lanka (nCCSl) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENT AnnuAl RepoRt 2012/13

11. CASH ANd CASH EQUIVAlENTS IN THE CASH FlOw STATEMENT 11. 1 Favourable Cash & Cash equivalents Balances

2013 2012 For the year ended 31st March Rs. Cts. Rs. Cts. Cash In Hand 10,000 10,000 Cash at Bank 4,457,511 2,713,920 4,467,511 2,723,920

11. 1 Unfavourable Cash & Cash equivalents Balances

Bank Overdraft (227,518) (989,701) (227,518) (989,701)

Total Cash & Cash equivalents for the purpose of Cash Flow Statement

Favourable Cash & Cash Equivalents Balances 4,467,511 2,723,920 Unfavourable Cash & Cash Equivalents Balances (227,518) (989,701) Favourable Cash & Cash Equivalents Balances 4,239,993 1,734,219

12. dEFERREd INCOME RENT RECEIVEd IN AdVANCE

2013 2012 For the year ended 31st March Rs. Cts. Rs. Cts. Ceylon Shipping Lines (pvt) Ltd Balance on 1st April 7,218,050 7,830,290 Transfer to Income Statement (612,240) (612,240) Balance on 31st March 6,605,810 7,218,050

Market Value of Motor Vehicles Capitalised Balance on 1st April 525,000 1,400,000 Transfer to Income Statement - (875,000) Balance on 31st March 525,000 525,000 7,130,810 7,743,050

the national Chamber of Commerce of Sri lanka (nCCSl) 69 AnnuAl RepoRt 2012/13 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENT

13. RETIREMENT bENEFIT OblIGATIONS

2013 2012 For the year ended 31st March Rs. Cts. Rs. Cts. Balance as at the Beginning of the year 2,776,650 2,394,175 Provision made during the year 857,840 382,475 Payments made during the year (187,390) - Balance as at the end of the year 3,447,100 2,776,650

14. TRAdE ANd OTHER PAYAblES

2013 2012 For the year ended 31st March Rs. Cts. Rs. Cts. Advances 541,441 773,936 Accrued Expenses 4,452,106 4,794,946 Retention Payable 988,380 - VAT Payable - 259,407 WHT Payable - 13,652 Other payables 156,988 - Non-refundable deposit received 30,000 - 6,168,915 5,841,941

70 the national Chamber of Commerce of Sri lanka (nCCSl) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENT AnnuAl RepoRt 2012/13

AdMINISTRATION EXPENSES

2013 2012 For the year ended 31st March Rs. Cts. Rs. Cts. Staff salaries 9,122,103 7,064,565 SME-Salaries 495,040 535,200 12% EPF 1,094,652 876,152 SME-12% EPF 59,405 64,224 3% ETF 273,663 219,038 SME-3% -ETF 14,851 16,056 Staff overtime 22,100 18,493 Staff Bonus 1,124,750 1,030,666 SME-Staff Bonus 90,000 95,000 Retirement Gratuity 797,840 358,925 Staff Ret. Gratuity-SME 60,000 23,550 Staff Insurance 88,769 85,879 Staff Insurance- SME 9,428 8,324 Staff Welfare 228,539 168,565 Wages 272,033 263,085 Foreign Travelling 36,356 - Rent-UDA 158,496 158,017 Electricity 1,673,211 1,264,502 Postage Expense 167,405 187,442 Telephone Expense 344,871 302,602 Telephone-SME 39,091 18,000 Advertisement Expense 40,790 60,624 Generator charges 10,000 12,000 Sponsorship fees - 283,600 Subs Trade Association 10,000 10,000 Entertainment Charges 27,130 123,764 Travelling Expense 588,517 502,620 Office Equipment Maintenance 659,542 460,374 Building maintenance 437,067 228,124 M/V Maintenance 584,763 608,565 Insurance-Building 37,925 49,410 Printing & stationery 333,404 263,073 Newspapers & periodicals 21,562 59,750 General Expense 702,882 13,116 Professional Expense 32,966 23,398

the national Chamber of Commerce of Sri lanka (nCCSl) 71 AnnuAl RepoRt 2012/13 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENT

AdMINISTRATION EXPENSES (Cont.)

2013 2012 For the year ended 31st March Rs. Cts. Rs. Cts. Security charges 431,376 415,935 Water charges 109,516 105,687 Rates & Taxes 220,385 220,374 A G M Expense 2,449,359 1,936,332 Trade Delegation 110,631 - Accounting package 13,005 15,300 Mobile Phone Expenses 78,243 71,845 Graduate Trainee Allowance - 5,000 Colombo Plan Project 19,076 - NCCSL Staff Trip 82,058 - Dep-Off. Equipment 295,500 187,174 Depreciation Building 1,499,507 1,299,288 Dep--M/vehicle 297,595 582,682 Staff Training Programme 1,200 - EXPO 2012 75,000 - Seminar Part. Fees - 1,500 Legal Fee - 10,000 Audit fee 150,000 113,936 Build Project 353,813 - Bad & Doubtful debt 1,971,921 120,000 5 S APPLICATION 22,985 - Website expense 132,013 - Fuel to car 180,455 151,128 Fuel to Jeep 175,602 125,605 Fuel to Bike 23,100 35,860 Fuel-Three Wheeler 16,500 12,050 Courier charges 3,906 25,495 Staff allowance 25,463 - Lease Int-M/vehicle - 51,596 Nation Building Tax 1,053,651 937,070 29,451,013 21,880,561

72 the national Chamber of Commerce of Sri lanka (nCCSl) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENT AnnuAl RepoRt 2012/13

OTHER OPERTING EXPENSES

2013 2012 For the year ended 31st March Rs. Cts. Rs. Cts. NBEA 6,038,508 5,556,088 Ayurveda 4,021,039 2,809,870 Overseas Trade Delegation 10,489,652 6,834,787 NEDA-Regional seminars 385,448 - Others 1,517,025 2,435,067 Irrecoverable Expense - 379,397 Bank charges 40,121 38,586 22,491,793 18,053,795

FINANCE COST

2013 2012 For the year ended 31st March Rs. Cts. Rs. Cts. Lease Interest - 2,712 - 2,712

the national Chamber of Commerce of Sri lanka (nCCSl) 73 AnnuAl RepoRt 2012/13

MIlESTONES ANd KEY ACHIEVEMENTS

1948 The Ceylon National Chamber of Commerce was founded.

1952 A Proposal to restrict export of rubber to China only by Ceylonese Companies submitted was accepted by the Government.

- Commenced Publication of “Ceylon Commerce” a leading Trade Journal. - Creation of a panel of surveyors for export commodities and commenced weight and quality surveys.

1955 Incorporation of the Chamber under the Companies Act.

1956 A proposal to diversify exports beyond Tea, Rubber and Coconut was submitted to the Government.

- Played a vital role in the formation of a Ceylonese National Council of the International Chamber of Commerce.

1962 Inauguration of the Measurement Certificates Scheme.

1964 Obtained Membership of the Commonwealth Chambers of Commerce.

1965 A proposal to setup a Tariff Commission and Bureau of Standards was submitted to the Government.

1971 Pioneered in formation of the Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry, nurtured its growth for 12 years by providing secretarial services and acted as its Secretaries.

1972 The NCCSL’s Export Promotion Bureau was established.

- Won two major awards for outstanding performance at the IKOFA, Food Fair in West Germany.

1982 The NCCSL was appointed as a certifying authority for export of cardamom.

1983 The NCCSL was appointed as certifying authority for cloves.

1989 Computerizing the Measurement Certificate Section of the NCCSL.

1990 The NCCSL was authorized to issue Certificates of Origin covering Entrepot Certificate of Origin, introduced in 1990.

- First Entrepot Certificate in Sri Lanka was registered by the Chamber for a consignment of tea, imported from Indonesia and re-exported to Iran.

1992 Government appointed the NCCSL as a Graduates Placement Agency.

- Participated at the first ever ‘Sri Lanka EXPO - 92 Exhibition’

74 the national Chamber of Commerce of Sri lanka (nCCSl) MILESTONES AND KEY ACHIEVEMENTS AnnuAl RepoRt 2012/13

1993 Laying of foundation stone to construct the NCCSL Headquarters Building at No. 450, D R Wijewardana Mawatha, Colombo 10.

- Computerized the Trade Information Section and reorganized the library through funding assistance from the policy Support Unit of the USAID.

- The Kandy Branch of the NCCSL at Kotugodella Veediya, Kandy was ceremonially opened by Hon. P C Imbulana, Governor of Central Province.

1994 Participated at the EXPO - 94 in October 1994.

- The NCCSL Secretary General was invited to serve on the Board of Governors of Asia Institute of Informatics and Research.

- The NCCSL was selected to serve as liaison point for the Mid American Committee, a US based private organization engaged in promoting international co-operation.

1995 The NCCSL moved into its own Headquarters Building at No. 450, D R Wijewardana Mawatha, Colombo 10, on 3rd June 1995

- Entered into an agreement with the Sri Lanka China Business Co-operation Council to provide secretarial services.

1996 Inaugurated the INTRAD series of exhibitions aimed at promoting Industrial and Trade Development in the country. The inaugural event was held during 7th to 9th July 1996, at the BMICH. The exhibition was coupled with a seminar on ‘Productivity’ presented by a Japanese expert.

1997 ‘INTRAD – 97’ exhibition, held from 30th May to 1st June 1997, was inaugurated by Her Excellency, President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunge, of Sri Lanka.

- The NCCSL becomes the principal partner of Agri Business Centre (ABC) of the University of Peradeniya.

- The Chamber President was appointed to the Board of Management on 4th November 1997.

- Formation of the NCCSL Media Club with editors of leading media organizations.

1998 The NCCSL was elected as the Sri Lanka focal point of the BIMSTEC Business Forum formed on 3rd March 1998.

- NCCSL Environmental Cell was established.

2000 Held the INTRAD Millennium exhibition and Investor Forum at the BMICH in May 2000.

the national Chamber of Commerce of Sri lanka (nCCSl) 75 AnnuAl RepoRt 2012/13 MILESTONES AND KEY ACHIEVEMENTS

2002 A policy paper along with an action plan to develop the IT sector in Sri Lanka prepared by the NCCSL was presented to the Government. Working Committee was chaired by Prof. Mohan Munasinghe.

- The NCCSL along with the CCC became the focal point for Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Co-operation (IORARC) Business Forum in Sri Lanka.

- Vavuniya District Chamber of Commerce & Industry and Trincomalee District Chamber of Commerce & Industry were formed by the NCCSL.

- Set up the Business Council for Sustainable Development Sri Lanka (BCSDSL) in November 2002.

2003 Formation of the NCCSL Institute of International relations.

- Formation of Federation of Small and Medium Enterprises Association.

2004 Inaugurated the ‘National Business Excellence Awards’, the National Business Benchmark Competition in November 2004. Awards were given to 29 best performing business organizations.

- Initiated the formation of Export Cluster under the National Council for Economic Development.

2005 Actively participated in rehabilitating the Small and Medium Enterprises affected by the tsunami in December 2004 by providing them with necessary funds, training, marketing opportunities, raw material and capital goods channelled through donor funding.

- Held a Building Construction Exhibition in Ampara targeting the reconstruction of Tsunami affected buildings.

- The first Lady President of the NCCSL elected to office.

- Construction of the NCCSL Auditorium on the 4th Floor of the Headquarters Building.

- Setting up of the new library and the business lounge.

- Held the National Business Excellence Awards - 2005 (NBEA) in November 2005 for the second consecutive year.

- Held the first ever National Healthcare Exhibition ‘Arogya - 2005’ in partnership with the Ministry of Health.

2006 Held ‘Arogya - 2006’ National Healthcare Exhibition for the 2nd consecutive year.

- Commenced the first ever Regional Business Development Financial Assistance programme sponsored by the Royal Netherlands Government.

- Held ‘NBEA - 2006’ for the 3rd consecutive year.

76 the national Chamber of Commerce of Sri lanka (nCCSl) MILESTONES AND KEY ACHIEVEMENTS AnnuAl RepoRt 2012/13

2007 Amended the Articles of Association to introduce Patron Members, SME Members and nominate the immediate Past President to the Council.

- Held the first ever International Ayurveda Exhibition and Symposium in September 2007.

- Conducted ‘NBEA 2007’ for the 4th consecutive year.

2008 Formation of the NCCSL Women’s Wing.

- Held ‘Wellassa Krushi Udawa’, the first ever Regional Agricultural Exhibition in Buttala, Moneragala.

- Conducted ‘NBEA 2008’ for the 5th consecutive year

2009 Held ‘Ayurveda Expo‘- 2009’ Indigenous Healthcare Exhibition and Symposium in May 2009 for the second time.

- The NCCSL was awarded an international award by the World Chamber Federation at the 6th World Chambers Congress held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia from 3rd to 5th June, 2009.

- Conducted ‘NBEA - 2009’ for the 6th consecutive year

2010 Held ‘INTRAD EXPO - 2010’.

- Held ‘NBEA - 2010’ for the 7th consecutive year

2011 Held ‘Ayurveda Expo - 2011’ Indigenous Healthcare Exhibition and Symposium from 15th to 17th July 2011, an event graced by His Excellency the President of Sri Lanka, the Hon. Prime Minister and the Hon. Minister of Indigenous Medicine.

- Inaugurated the first ever Certificate Course in ‘Entrepreneurship Management (CiEM)’ jointly with the University of Colombo on 6th October 2011.

- Conducted ‘NBEA - 2011’ for the 8th consecutive year

- Inaugurated the Sri Lanka-Bangladesh Business Co-operation Council.

- A Chamber delegation headed by Mr. Asoka Hettigoda, President NCCSL met with His Excellency Truong Tan Sang, the President of Vietnam on 17th November 2011.

- NCCSL wins the ‘Global Business Excellence Award 2011’ for its outstanding contribution towards business development.

- NCCSL was awarded the ‘Carbon Neutral Certificate’ by Carbon Consulting Company

the national Chamber of Commerce of Sri lanka (nCCSl) 77 AnnuAl RepoRt 2012/13 MILESTONES AND KEY ACHIEVEMENTS

2012 Held ‘Arogya - 2012’ National Healthcare Exhibition for the 3rd consecutive year.

- Conducted ‘NBEA - 2012’ for the 9th consecutive year

- Construction of 4th floor of the NCCSL Building

- Received a Silver Award in the Non-Profit category at the Vision Awards organized by the League of American Communication Professionals (LACP) for the Annual Report of 2011/12.

- First ever business delegation to Myanmar was sent by the National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka.

- Formation of Vietnam Business Co-operation Council

2013 The Chamber constructed its new auditorium complex and the boardroom on the 4th floor of the Chamber building.

- Held ‘Ayurveda Expo - 2013’ International Indigenous Healthcare Exhibition and Symposium for the 4th time.

- Conducted ‘NBEA - 2013’ for the 10th consecutive year

78 the national Chamber of Commerce of Sri lanka (nCCSl) AnnuAl RepoRt 2012/13

OUR GENEAlOGY

OUR 21 FOUNdER MEMbERS

Mr. Robert P Senanayake Sir Cyril de Zoysa Mr. M Faleel A Caffoor Mr. N Sellamutthu Mr. W Hendrik de Silva Mr. T S Jinasena Mr. Sherman de Silva Mr. Robert P Senanayake Sir Cyril de Zoysa Mr. M Faleel A Caffoor Mr. T S Jinasena Mr. Sellamuttu Sivanathan Mr. Abdul Careem Abdul Jabbar Mr. E A Kareem Mr. D L F Pedris Mr. J Siriwardena Mr. A S Fernando Mr. A C H de Zoysa Mr. S R de Silva

Mr. B Medonza

Mr. B M Marcelline Mr. D L F Pedris Mr. J Siriwardena Mr. R Wanigatunga Mr. A C H de Zoysa Mr. R Wanigatunga Mr. H S A Paternott Mr. M S Abdul Rahaman PAST PRESIdENTS (lAST TEN) Mr. D W Wanigasekera

Major. Douglas L Wijesinha Mr. Tilak de Zoysa Mr. Armyne Wirasinha Mr. Hari Selvanathan Mr. Chandra J Embuldeniya (1994 to 1995) (1995 to 1996) (1996 to 1998) (1998 to 2000) (2000 to 2002)

Mr. Asoka de Z Gunasekera Mrs. Nirmali Samaratunga Mr. D Eassuweran Mr. Chandra Lalde Alwis Mr. Asoka Hettigoda (2002 to 2005) (2005 to 2007) (2007 to 2009) (2009 to 2011) (2011 to 2013)

the national Chamber of Commerce of Sri lanka (nCCSl) 79 AnnuAl RepoRt 2012/13

PAST PRESIdENTS SECRETARIES GENERAl/CEO

Sir Wilfred de Soysa 1951 – 1952 Mr. R P Senanayake 1952 – 1955 Mr. J E John Rodrigo 1954 - 1973 Sir Cyril de Zoysa 1955 – 1957 Mr. J E John Rodrigo Mr. M Falil A Caffoor 1957 – 1958 Mr. J E John Rodrigo Mr. J L M Fernando 1958 – 1960 Mr. J E John Rodrigo Mr. Justin Kotalawala 1960 – 1961 Mr. J E John Rodrigo Mr. J L M Fernando 1961 – 1966 Mr. J E John Rodrigo Mr. D L F Pedris 1966 – 1970 Mr. J E John Rodrigo Mr. H R Fernando 1970 – 1971 Mr. J E John Rodrigo Mr. R Wanigatunga 1971 – 1972 Mr. J E John Rodrigo Mr. H R Fernando 1972 – 1977 Mr. T Seneviratne 1973-1982 Mr. A D E de S Wijeyeratne 1977 – 1982 Mr. T Seneviratne Mr. J A Leembruggen 1982 – 1983 Mr. J C Savanadasa 1982-1996 Mr. G S Chatoor 1983 – 1985 Mr. J C Savanadasa Mr. M Manoharan 1985 – 1987 Mr. J C Savanadasa Mr. H S de Silva 1987 – 1988 Mr. J C Savanadasa Deshabandu Karu Jayasuriya 1988 – 1990 Mr. J C Savanadasa Mr. L L Samarasinghe 1990 – 1992 Mr. J C Savanadasa Mr. Muni Kundanmal 1992 – 1994 Mr. J C Savanadasa Major Douglas Wijesinha 1994 – 1995 Mr. J C Savanadasa Mr. Tilak de Zoysa 1995 – 1996 Mr. Chandra J Silva 1996 -1997 Mr. Armyne Wirasinha 1996 – 1998 Mr. Neil Seneviratne 1997 - 2005 Mr. Hari Selvanathan 1998 – 2000 Mr. Neil Seneviratne Mr. Chandra J Embuldeniya 2000 – 2002 Mr. Neil Seneviratne Mr. Asoka de Z Gunasekera 2002 – 2004 Mr. Neil Seneviratne Mrs. Nirmali Samaratunga 2005 – 2007 Mr. E M Wijetilleke 2005 Mr. D Eassuweren 2007 – 2009 Mr. E M Wijetilleke Mr. Chamdra Lal de Alwis 2009 – 2011 Mr. E M Wijetilleke Mr. Asoka Hettigoda 2011 - 2013 Mr. E M Wijetilleke Mr. Sunil Wijesinha 2013 Mr. E M Wijetilleke

80 the national Chamber of Commerce of Sri lanka (nCCSl) AnnuAl RepoRt 2012/13

MEMbERSHIP

MEMbERS ENROllEd IN 2013 Ceylon Association of Ships’ Agents (CASA) Agalawatte Plantations PLC Access Natural Water (Pvt) Ltd. Chamber of Commerce of Kinniya Agribusiness Centre Authorised Money Changers Association of Coconut Growers Association of Sri Lanka Agro Soil (Pvt) Ltd. Sri Lanka Galle District Chamber of Commerce & Aitken Spence Shipping Limited Blue Ocean Residencies (Pvt) Ltd. Industry Aitken Spence Travels (Pvt) Ltd. Borneo General Trading (Pvt) Ltd. Hambantota District Chamber of Commerce Akbar Brothers (Pvt) Ltd. Clutch Automation Private Limited Lanka Motor Spare Parts Dealers Association Al Ruby Travels Trading and Marketing D Peiris & Co. (Pvt) Ltd. Protected Agriculture Entrepreneurs (Pvt) Ltd. Darley Butler & Co. Ltd. Association Albert Edirisinghe Opticians Ltd. Dexter International Sri Lanka Association For The Advancement Alcobronz (Pvt) Ltd. Of Quality And Productivity Dip Products Katuwawala (Pvt) Ltd. Alcobronz Engineering (Pvt) Ltd. Sri Lanka Association of Printers Ernst & Young Ali Brothers (Private) Ltd. Sri Lanka China Business Cooperation Council Fonterra Brands Lanka (Pvt) Ltd. Ally Weerasinghe (Pvt) Ltd. Sri Lanka Computer Vendors’ Association Global Insurance Brokers and Services American Education Centre Ltd. Sri Lanka Gem & Jewellery Association (Pvt) Ltd. AMI Hardware (Pvt) Ltd. Sri Lanka Institute of Packaging Horseman International Colombo (Pvt) Ltd. Aminra Collections (Pvt) Ltd. Sri Lanka Logistics Providers Association J R Enterprises Anbu Brothers (Pvt) Ltd. The Association of Container Deport Lallans Sports Goods Manufacturers Andaradeniya Estate (Pvt) Ltd (Pvt) Ltd. Operators (ACDO) Anura Trading House Lanka Serenities (Pvt) Ltd. The Automobile Association of Ceylon Anverally & Sons (Pvt) Limited Logiexpo International Vehicle Importers’ Association of Sri Lanka AP Lanka (Pvt) Ltd. M S Samsudeen Lebbe ORdINARY MEMbERS Apeiron Lanka (Pvt) Ltd. Merbok MDF Lanka (Pvt) Ltd. A B Mauri South West Asia (Pty) Limited Arch-Triad Consultants (Pvt) Ltd. Mike Flora (Private) Ltd. A Baur & Co. (Pvt) Ltd. ARMZ Exports & Imports Nestle Lanka PLC A S Agri Exports (Pvt) Ltd. Aroma Natural Rubber (Pvt) Ltd. Pon Pure Chemical Lanka (Pvt) Ltd. A S Chatoor & Company (Pvt) Ltd. Aroma Rubber Manufactures Puwakaramba Agencies (Pvt) Ltd. A T Cooray (Pvt) Ltd. Asha Agencies Limited Seatrans International (Pvt) Limited A.F. Jones Exporters Ceylon (Private) Limited Asia Asset Finance Ltd. Siba Healthcare (Pvt) Ltd. A.P.S. Knitters (Pvt) Ltd. Asia Capital PLC Trade Solutions Lanka (Pvt) Ltd. ABC Freight Services (Pvt) Ltd. Asia Pacific Brewery (Lanka) Ltd. Yuming International (Pvt) Ltd. ABC Shipping (Private) Limited. Asia Tyre Importers Association Asian Alliance Insurance PLC MEMbER ASSOCIATIONS ABC Trade and Investments (Pvt) Ltd. Asian Finance Limited Asia Tyre Importers Association Abdul Jabbar & Sons Associated Motorways (Private) Limited Association of Small & Medium Abidally Sons (Pvt) Ltd. Exporters of Tea Access Engineering PLC Association of Small & Medium Exporters of Tea Authorised Money Changers Association of Access International (Pvt) Ltd. Atlas Logistics Lanka (Pvt) Ltd. Sri Lanka Access Natural Water (Pvt) Ltd. Ausspice (Pvt) Limited Batticaloa Chamber of Commerce & Industry Adamexpo Authorised Money Changers Association of Batticaloa District Chamber of Commerce, Adamjee Lukmanjee & Sons (Pvt) Ltd. Industry and Agriculture Sri Lanka

the national Chamber of Commerce of Sri lanka (nCCSl) 81 AnnuAl RepoRt 2012/13 MEMBERSHIP

Aysha Hospitals (Private) Limited - New Ceylon Agro Industries Limited Damam K International (Private) Limited Delmon Hospital Ceylon Association of Ships’ Agents (CASA) Dankotuwa Porcelain PLC B P Morawaka & Sons (Pvt) Ltd. Ceylon Biscuits Limited Darley Butler & Co. Ltd. B. Darsin De Silva & Sons (Pvt) Ltd. Ceylon Carriers (Pvt) Ltd. Daya Group (Pvt) Ltd. Bairaha Farms PLC Ceylon Chain Manufacturing (Pvt) Ltd. Deensons Bank of Ceylon Ceylon Entertainments Ltd. Dellogistics (Pvt) Ltd. Bartleet & Company (Private) Ltd. Ceylon Fishing Industries Limited Delmege Forsyth & Co. Ltd. Batticaloa Chamber of Commerce & Industry Ceylon Grain Elevators PLC Delmege Insurance Brokers (Pvt) Ltd. Batticaloa District Chamber of Commerce, Ceylon Leather Products PLC Delshan Enterprise Lanka (Pvt) Ltd. Industry and Agriculture Ceylon Machine Twisted Fibre Industries Devi Trading Company BCC Lanka Limited Ceylon Rubber Industries Ltd. Dexter International Beam Chemicals (Pvt) Ltd. Ceylon Shipping Corporation Ltd. DFCC Bank BELA International (Private) Limited Ceylon Shipping Lines Ltd. Dhanusha Marine Lanka Exports (Pvt) Ltd. Belcon Ark Limited CF Lanka Microfinance Company Dharmasiri Tyre House (Pvt) Ltd. M/s Benham International (Pvt) Ltd. Chamber of Commerce of Kinniya Dicanda (Pvt) Ltd. Black Tea Exports (Pvt) Ltd. Champion Thread Manufacturing Company DIENGE Blue Chip Technical Services (Pvt) Ltd. Chatham House (Pvt) Ltd. Diesel & Motor Engineering PLC Blue Ocean Residencies (Pvt) Ltd. Chemanex PLC Dilarshad Enterprise Borneo General Trading (Pvt) Ltd. CIC Feeds (Pvt) Ltd. Dip Products Katuwawala (Pvt) Ltd. Brandix Intimate Apparel Ltd. CIC Holdings PLC Double N. N. F (Pvt) Ltd. Bristol Lanka Technologies (Pvt) Ltd. Citizens Development Business Finance PLC Douglas & Sons (Pvt) Ltd. BTL Lanka (Pvt) Ltd. Classic Teas (Pvt) Ltd. Dowell International (Pvt) Ltd. Buddhi Industries (Pvt) Ltd. Claudia International Lanka (Pvt) Ltd. DPJ Holdings Built-Mech Services (Pvt) Ltd. Clutch Automation Private Limited Dreamron Lanka (Pvt) Limited Bureau Veritas Consumer Products Services CMC Engineering Export GmbH Durtek Lanka (Pvt) Ltd. Lanka (Pvt) Ltd. Coba Peat Lanka (Pvt) Ltd. Dynamic Technologies (Pvt) Ltd. Bureau Veritas Lanka (Pvt) Limited Coconut Growers Association of Sri Lanka E.G. Adamaly & Co. Ltd. C.W. Mackie PLC Coir De Lanka Exports (Pvt)Ltd. Eamel Exports Ltd. CAL Exports Lanka (Pvt) Ltd. Colombo Dockyard PLC (PQ 50) Eastern & Allied Agencies Ltd. Candy Garments Ltd. Colombo Engineering Enterprises Eastern Merchants PLC Canro Exporters Colonial Motors PLC Eastern Produce Exports Cargills (Ceylon) PLC Colour Vision Edna Chocolates Ceylon (Private) Limited Cargoserv Shipping Ltd. Commercial Bank of Ceylon PLC Edwin’s Studio & Colour Laboratories Carnival World Ko Lanka (Pvt) Ltd. Consulting Engineers & Contractors (Pvt) Ltd. (Pvt) Ltd. Carson Cumberbatch PLC Cot Lanka Agro (Pvt) Ltd. Electro Metal Pressings (Pvt) Limited Ceat Kelani International Tyres (Pvt) Ltd. Country Style Foods (Pvt) Limited Elegance Plastic & Engineering Services Cellcity Lanka (Pvt) Ltd. (Pvt) Ltd. CT Holdings PLC Ceramica Bathrooms (Pvt) Ltd. EM & EN Agents and Secretaries D Peiris & Co. (Pvt) Ltd. Ceyko Projects (Pvt) Ltd. (Private) Limited Dag Groupage Services Pvt Ltd. Ceylinco Insurance PLC Emerald International (Pvt) Ltd.

82 the national Chamber of Commerce of Sri lanka (nCCSl) MEMBERSHIP AnnuAl RepoRt 2012/13

EML Consultants (Pvt) Limited Global Insurance Brokers and Services Imperial Teas (Pvt) Ltd. Empire Teas (Pvt) Ltd. (Pvt) Ltd. Impex Corporation (Pte) Ltd. Ernst & Young Glorious Trading Impressions Labels Lanka (Pvt) Ltd. Essajee Carimjee Insurance Brokers (Pvt) Ltd Gnanam Imports (Pvt) Ltd. Independent Television Network Limited Eswaran Brothers (Ceylon) Ltd. Godrej Household Products Lanka (Pvt) Ltd. Indra Traders (Pvt) Ltd. Eswaran Brothers Exports (Pvt) Ltd. Gold Coin Feedmills (Lanka) Ltd. Informatics (Private) Limited ETAL Group Pvt Ltd. GP Enterprises (Pvt) Ltd. Institute of Business Management ETI Finance Limited Graphic Systems (Pvt) Ltd. Consultancy (Pvt) Ltd. Euro - Scan Exports (Pvt) Ltd. Green Agro Lanka (Pvt) Ltd. Inter Tea (Private) Ltd. Ever Bright Holdings (Pvt) Ltd. Green Soils (Pvt) Ltd. Intercom (Private) Limited FA Fashion (Pvt) Ltd. Green View International (Pvt) Ltd. International College of Business & Technology Ltd. Farmchemie (Private) Limited Grip Furniture (Pte) Ltd. International Construction Consortium Farmers (Pvt) Ltd. GSMB Technical Services (Pvt) Ltd. (Pvt) Ltd. Farm’s Pride (Pvt) Ltd. H A Wehalle & Co. Chartered Accountants International Foodstuff Company (Pvt) Ltd. Fentons Limited H Don Carolis & Sons (Pvt) Ltd. Intertek Lanka (Pvt) Ltd. Figco Lanka (Pvt) Ltd. H.D. De Silva & Sons (Pvt) Ltd. Intervest Engineering & Construction Fine Line Suppliers H.P.A. Enterprises (Private) Limited First City Trades & Agencies H.R. Fernando & Co. Ltd. Island Products (Pvt) Ltd. Five Star Poultry Processors (Pvt) Ltd. Hambantota District Chamber of Commerce Islandwide Marketing Services (Pvt) Ltd. Flexiprint (Pvt) Ltd. Hameed Brothers Colombo (Pvt) Ltd. Itech Tours & Travels (Pvt) Ltd. FLIPIT Media (Pvt) Ltd. Harris Ceylon (Pvt) Ltd. IWS Holdings (Pvt) Limited FMJ Plastics (Pvt) Ltd. Hatton National Bank PLC J B Enterprises (Pvt) Ltd. Fonterra Brands Lanka (Pvt) Ltd. HDDES Extracts (Pvt) Ltd. J R Enterprises Forbes & Walker Tea Brokers (Pvt) Ltd. HDFC Bank of Sri Lanka J S Enterprises Lanka (Pvt) Ltd. Fo-Rest (Private) Limited Helix Engineering (Pvt) Ltd. J S W Apparels (Pvt) Ltd. Free Lanka Granite (Pvt) Ltd. Hesun (Pvt) Ltd. J.B.Fishing Industries Ltd. Freudenberg & Company (Ceylon) Ltd. Hettigoda Industries (Pvt) Ltd. Jafferjee Brothers G C Lanka Clothing (Pvt) Ltd. Highchem R Ceylon Company Janashakthi Insurance PLC (Private) Limited G E Impex Lanka (Pvt) Ltd. Janatha Steels Hill House (Pvt) Ltd. G. C. Roche & Co. (Pvt) Ltd. JanRich (Private) Limited Hilton Textiles (Pvt) Ltd. Galle District Chamber of Commerce & JAS Active Wear (Pvt) Ltd. Industry HJS Condiments Limited Jay Jay Mills Lanka (Pvt) Ltd. Galle Motors (Pvt) Ltd. Holcim (Lanka) Ltd. Jayes Trading Company Geekay (Pvt) Ltd. Horseman International Colombo (Pvt) Ltd. JCJ Lanka Import & Export (Pvt) Ltd. Geocyc (Pvt) Ltd. Hospitality Management & Consultancy Associates Jetwing Travels (Private) Limited George Steuart Teas Private Limited Hovael Holdings Private Limited JK Import and Export Co. (Pvt) Ltd. Gihan Associates Hubert N. Anthony & Sons (Pvt) Ltd. John Keells PLC Global Access Commodities Hyson Teas (Pvt) Ltd. JR International (Pvt) Ltd. Global Baggage (Pvt) Ltd. I M L (Pvt) Ltd. Juelstox International (Pvt) Co. Ltd. Global Finance & Investments Ltd.

the national Chamber of Commerce of Sri lanka (nCCSl) 83 AnnuAl RepoRt 2012/13 MEMBERSHIP

Jupiter Group Le-Ferne Laboratories (Pvt) Ltd. Miami Exports (Private) Limited Just In Time Holdings (Pvt) Ltd. Liberty Plaza Management Corporation Michael White & Co. (Pvt) Ltd. Kannan & Co. Condominium Micro Cars Limited Karuna Steel Lightning Protection Systems Lanka Microtech Networks (Pvt) Ltd. (Pvt) Ltd. Kash Garments (Pvt) Ltd. Midaya Ceramic Co Private Limited Logiexpo International Keangnam Enterprises Ltd. Midaya Packaging Industries (Pvt) Ltd. Lotus Lanka Private Limited Kelsey Developments PLC Mike Flora (Private) Ltd. Lumbini Tea Factory (Pvt) Ltd. Kent Holdings (Pvt) Ltd. Milco (Private) Ltd. Luxe Asia (Pvt) Ltd. Koolair (Pvt) Limited Millennium Teas (Pvt) Ltd. Luxhmi Impex Koshiba Leasing Company Ltd. Minra Holdings (Pvt) Ltd. M D Gunasena & Company (Printers) Limited Kotmale Holdings PLC Mount Shipping Agencies (Pvt) Ltd. M I P Fernando & Co. Ltd. Kundanmals Limited Multi Merchants M I T Property Trading (Private) Ltd. Kusumsiri Motor Traders N.Vaitilingam & Co. (Pvt) Ltd. M M Organisation (Pvt) Ltd. L.B.Spices Trading (Pvt) Ltd. Nation Lanka Finance PLC M M Salgado & Sons Ltd. Laksiri International Freight Forwarders National Savings Bank M N Sugathadasa & Co. (Pvt) Ltd. Nature’s Beauty Creation Ltd. M S Samsudeen Lebbe Lallans Sports Goods Manufacturers Naturub Exports International (Pvt) Ltd. (Pvt) Ltd. M. C. Abdul Rahim & Bros (Pvt) Ltd. Nawaloka Hospitals PLC Lanka Ashok Leyland PLC M. Samson Silva & Co. (Private) Limited Nawaloka Polysacks (Pvt) Ltd. Lanka Canneries (Pvt) Ltd. Macksons Paint Industries (Pvt) Ltd. Nelna Farm (Pvt) Ltd. Lanka Ceramic PLC Mackwoods Group Nestle Lanka PLC Lanka Coconut Associates Maga Engineering Private Limited Net Assist International (Pvt) Ltd. Lanka Floortiles PLC Malba Ropes (Pte) Ltd. New Anthoney’s Farms (Pvt) Ltd. Lanka Harness Co. (Pvt) Ltd. Malco Engineering (Pvt) Ltd. New Lanka Caterers Lanka Industrial Estates Ltd. Maliban Biscuit Manufactories (Pvt) Ltd. New Ranjith Industries Lanka IOC PLC Malship (Ceylon) Limited New Universe Group of Companies Lanka Motor Spare Parts Dealers Association Maltras International (Pvt) Ltd. Nicklaashan Enterprises Lanka ORIX Leasing Company PLC (LOLC) Manisha (Pvt) Ltd. Nihal Apparels (Pvt) Ltd. Lanka Polymers (Pvt) Ltd. Mansel (Ceylon) (Private) Ltd. Nilkamal Eswaran Plastics (Pvt) Ltd. Lanka Rubberised Coir Pads Manufacturing Markss HLC (Pvt) Ltd. Nine Capital (Pvt) Ltd. Company MAS Intimates (Pvt) Ltd. Ninehearts (Pte) Ltd. Lanka Salt Ltd. Mascons (Pvt) Limited Ninewells Care Mother & Baby Hospital Lanka Serenities (Pvt) Ltd. Maxies & Company (Pvt) Ltd. (Pvt) Ltd. Lanka Special Steels Limited Meezan & Company (Pvt) Ltd. Nippon Maruchi Lanka Electronics (Pvt) Ltd. Lanka Trust Investments Ltd. Melwire Rolling (Pvt) Ltd. Nippon Paint Lanka (Pvt) Limited Lanka Walltile PLC Merbok MDF Lanka (Pvt) Ltd. NL Associate LAUGFS Holdings Ltd. Mercantile Merchant Bank Limited NOLIMIT Laxapana Batteries PLC Merchant Bank of Sri Lanka PLC Noorani Estates (Pvt) Ltd. Leader Travels & Tours Mercury Print (Pvt) Ltd. Noritake Lanka Porcelain (Pvt) Ltd. Leela Exports & Imports Metropolitan Group of Companies Oasis Hospital (Pvt) Ltd.

84 the national Chamber of Commerce of Sri lanka (nCCSl) MEMBERSHIP AnnuAl RepoRt 2012/13

Ocean Blue Services (Pvt) Ltd. Raigam Marketing Services (Pvt) Ltd. Sea Trade Services (Pvt) Ltd. Ocenway (Pvt) Ltd., Travels & Tours Raja Jewellers (Pvt) Ltd. Seatrans International (Pvt) Limited ODEL PLC Randhi International (Pvt) Ltd. Selco Continental (Pvt) Ltd. Omega Traders Ranjanas (Pvt) Ltd. Sena Mills Refineries (Pvt) Ltd. Onesh Trading (Pvt) Ltd. Ranjitha Traders Senok Tea Ceylon (Pvt) Ltd. Orchid Lanka Enterprises (Pvt) Ltd. Rashmi Lanka (Pvt) Ltd. Senvec Lanka (Pte) Limited OREL Corporation (Private) Limited Rathna Producers Cinnamon Exports Serendib Trade Logistics Services (Pvt) Ltd. Oriental Ocean Express (Pvt) Ltd. (Pvt) Ltd. Sewalanka Community Financial Services OVIKLO International (Pvt) Ltd. Red Heart Apparels (Pvt) Ltd. Ltd. (SEWA FINANCE) P.D. Romanis & Sons Reebonn Manufacturing (Pvt) Ltd. Seylan Bank PLC Pan Asia Limited Reed Lanka (Pvt) Ltd. Seylan Suppliers Pan Global Shipping (Private) Limited Renuka Holdings PLC SGS Lanka (Pvt) Ltd. Para Xpo Products (Pvt) Ltd. Revlon Lanka (Pvt) Ltd. Shara Property Development Construction (Pvt) Ltd. Paramount Print Pack (Pvt) Ltd. Rich World International Sherry Bakery Equipment Suppliers (Pvt) Ltd. PC House (Pvt) Ltd. Richard Pieris Exports PLC Shin Kwang Lanka (Pvt) Ltd. Pelemix Lanka (Pvt) Ltd. Roshni Trade International (P) Ltd. Ship Air Logistics (Pvt) Ltd. Pelwatte Sugar Industries PLC Royal Ceramics Lanka PLC Shums & Company (Pvt) Limited Penguin Industries (Pvt) Ltd. Royal Constructors Siba Healthcare (Pvt) Ltd. People’s Bank S & D Associates Silkot Traders (Pvt) Ltd. People’s Merchant Finance PLC S A Silva & Sons Lanka (Pvt) Ltd. Sinamta Exporters (Pvt) Ltd. Pet Packaging (Pvt) Ltd. S M A Azeez Brothers (Pvt) Ltd. Sindbad (Private) Ltd. Pettah Pharmacy (Private) Limited. S.N.T. Productions (Pvt) Ltd. Sinwa Holdings Limited Phoenix Industries Ltd. S.S.T. Group (Pvt) Ltd. Siri Wimal Produce Exporters Piramal Glass Ceylon PLC S.S.Techno Industries & Marketing Sisara Data Management (Pte) Ltd. PNVX Cargo Inspection Service (Pvt) Ltd. Saboor Chatoor (Pvt) Ltd. Sisili Projects Consortium (Pvt) Ltd. Polek Trade Center Sadaharitha Plantations Limited Siyapatha Finance Limited Polypackaging Industries (Pvt) Ltd. Safco International Siyol International Private Limited Pon Pure Chemical Lanka (Pvt) Ltd. Saham Travels & Tours Skills International (Pvt) Ltd. Power Engineering Services Private Limited Samarasinghe Windscreen House (Pvt) Ltd. Skyline Accessories (Pvt) Ltd. Premawardane Export Samayawardhana Printers (Pvt) Ltd. Solex Engineering (Pvt) Limited Pronto Lanka (Private) Limited Sampath Bank PLC Spear International (Pvt) Limited Protected Agriculture Entrepreneurs Samson Rubber Industries (Pvt) Ltd. Association Sapco Holdings (Pvt) Ltd. Spectra Industries Lanka (Pvt) Ltd. Providence Business Services (Pvt) Ltd. Sarma & Company Sri Bio Agri Products (Pvt) Ltd. Pulses Splitting & Processing Industry Satellite Lanka (Private) Limited Sri Brothers (Pvt) Ltd. Savik Company (Pvt) Ltd. Sri Lanka Association For The Advancement of Quality And Productivity Pussalla Meat Producers (Pvt) Ltd. SAW Engineering (Pvt) Ltd. Sri Lanka Association of Printers Puwakaramba Agencies (Pvt) Ltd. Schokman & Samerawickreme Sri Lanka China Business Cooperation Council R D P Fancy Mahal Sea Consortium Lanka (Pvt) Ltd. Rabeena Food (Pvt) Ltd. Sri Lanka Computer Vendors’ Association

the national Chamber of Commerce of Sri lanka (nCCSl) 85 AnnuAl RepoRt 2012/13 MEMBERSHIP

Sri Lanka Export Credit Insurance Corporation TFL Lanka (Pvt) Ltd. Union Commodities (Pvt) Ltd. Sri Lanka Gem & Jewellery Association The Association of Container Depolt Unipower (Pvt) Ltd. Sri Lanka Institute of Packaging Operators (ACDO) United Electricals Engineering (Pvt) Ltd. Sri Lanka Logistics Providers Association The Automobile Association of Ceylon United Motors Lanka PLC Sri Lanka Shipping Co. Ltd. The Colombo Picture Palace (Pvt) Ltd. United Stores St. Anthony’s Consolidated Ltd. The Exterminators (Pvt) Ltd. Universal Export Suppliers Standard Chartered Bank The Finance Company PLC Universal Labels (Pvt) Limited Star Industries The Swadeshi Industrial Works PLC UniWorld Teas (Pvt) Ltd. Stargems International (Pvt) Ltd. The Tea Survey & Analysis Co. (Pvt) Ltd. Upali Perera and Company Stassen Exports (Pvt) Ltd. Thirani Peiris International Academy of V S Information Systems (Pvt) Ltd. Beauty (Pvt) Ltd. Stassen International Ltd. V V Karunaratne and Company Three Sinha Industries (Pvt) Ltd. State Timber Corporation V. Manickam and Brothers Titus Stores (Pvt) Ltd. Straight-Line International (Pvt) Ltd. Van Rees Ceylon Ltd. TKT Associates Streamline International (Pte) Ltd. Vcom International (Pvt) Ltd. Tokyo Cement Co. (Lanka) PLC Suncity Property Developers (Pvt) Ltd. Vechenson (Pvt) Ltd. Torento Engineering (Pvt) Ltd. Sunflower Vehicle Importers’ Association of Sri Lanka Trade Solutions Lanka (Pvt) Ltd. Sunnyville Impex (Private) Limited. Venora International Projects (Pvt) Ltd. Tradesmann SL (Pvt) Ltd. Sunshine Holdings PLC Vidullanka PLC Transgrow (Pvt) Ltd. Sunshine Tea (Pvt) Ltd. Vogue Jewellers (Pvt) Ltd. Transocean Traders Suntea (Pvt) Ltd. VORTEX International (Pvt) Ltd. Tri Star Apparel Exports (Pvt) Ltd. Supply Room (Pvt) Ltd. VSR Consultants (Pvt) Ltd. Tritech Engineers (Pvt) Ltd. Surveying Testing Bureau (Pvt) Ltd. W.M. Mendis & Co. Ltd. Tropical International (Pvt) Ltd. Sutton Springs Water (Pvt) Ltd. Watawala Plantations PLC Tropical Island Commodities (Pvt) Ltd. Swarnamahal Jewellers (Pvt) Ltd. Western Agri Business (Private) Limited TVS Lanka (Pvt) Ltd. Swedish Trading Co. (Pvt) Ltd. Wijaya Group of Companies (PLC) U.S. Motor Spare Parts Company Swiss Lloyd Ltd. Wilfred & Co. Ltd. UCL Logistics (Pvt) Ltd. Switz Lanka (Pvt) Ltd. Wonderlight Consumer Products Udaya Industries Synergy Management Consultants (Pvt) Ltd. Co (Pvt) Ltd. UHE Exports (Pvt) Ltd. Synex International (Pvt) Ltd. WTL Automobiles (Pvt) Ltd. UltraTech Cement Lanka (Pvt) Ltd. T. Suby (Pvt) Limited Yuming International (Pvt) Ltd. Unicel (Pvt) Ltd. Tantri Trailers (Pvt) Ltd. Yusen Logistics & Kusuhara Lanka (Pvt) Ltd. Union Apparels (Pvt) Ltd. Tea House (Pvt) Ltd. Zaaras Holdings (Pvt) Ltd. Union Assurance PLC Tea Palace (Pvt) Ltd. Zam Gems (Pvt) Ltd. Union Bank of Colombo PLC Tea Tang (Pvt) Limited Zodiac Medicals (Private) Limited Union Chemicals Lanka PLC Teamex Ltd. Union Colombo Industrial Washing (Pvt) Ltd. Tech Waters (Pvt) Ltd.

86 the national Chamber of Commerce of Sri lanka (nCCSl) The National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka NCCSL Building #450, D R Wijewardena Mawatha, Colombo 10, Sri Lanka. Web: www.nccsl.lk