Meetings Attended
Representation on Behalf of Members
Meetings with the Ministries, Departments & Outside Organizations 2022-2024
| Date | Meeting |
| 07 Nov 2024 |
The MOU was signed on 07 November 2024, between the National Enterprise Development Authority (NEDA) and the Ceylon National Chamber of Industries (CNCI) to assist each other as the facilitator of the "SME Connect" online platform for learning. mentoring, and networking which targeted Micro, Small, and Medium-Sized Enterprises (MSMEs) with a special focus on Women-led enterprises in Sri Lanka. Mr. Kevin Edwards, Chairman of CNCI, and Ms. W.T.R. Chandima, Chairman / Director General, of NEDA signed the MOU. A meeting was held on 22/11/2024 at the Ministry of Industries with the new minister, Deputy Minister, Secretary, and all heads of chambers and associations. Both the Chairman and Deputy Chairman participated. 'National Productivity Secretariat - Symposium 2024' was held on 21/11/2024 at Galle Face Hotel. Mr Dilan Paranawithana from Polycrome Industries, Mr Nishan Martinas from Union Chemicals Lanka PLC and Mr. Nandajith Somaratne from Royal Ceramics Lanka PLC participated. |
| 01 Aug 2024 |
Grand Launching Celebration of Sri Lanka Institute of Industry Professionals, on 1st August 2024 at Waters Edge Hotel, Battaramulla. Chairman participated. The 3rd NDA Readiness Support Project: Updating the Technology Need Assessment (TNA) and Technology Action Plan (TAP) - 2nd Stakeholder Consultation Workshop on 6th August 2024 at the Nelum hall, Water’s Edge Hotel, Battaramulla. Chairman participated. The 13th Sri Lanka Economic Research Conference (SLERC) 2024 organized by the Sri Lanka Forum of University Economists on 9th August 2024 at FGS Auditorium, General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, Ratmalana. SG participated. SLSC Executive Committee Meeting held on 21st August 2024 at the Boardroom of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce. Ms Anupama Wimalaratne participated. CNCI Achiever Awards 2024 External Judging was held on 22nd August 2024 at CNCI Boardroom. CEO Forum held on22nd August 2024 organized by National Cleaner Production Centre (NCPC) at Cinnamon Grand Hotel, Colombo 03. Chairman and SG participated. 1st and 2nd Quarter Meeting of the NTFC – 2024 on 27th August 2024 held at Randora Auditorium, Ministry of Finance, Economic Stabilization and National Policies. Chairman participated. |
| 01 Jul 2024 |
A Meeting with a delegation from the Employers' Federation of Ceylon(EFC), Ms. Sewwandi Wijesekera, Asst. Director General, Head of Solutions (Legal & HR) EFC and Mr. Harsha Buddhadasa, Human Resources Advisor, on 1st July 2024. SG participated. The Department of Trade and Investment Policy, Ministry of Finance, Economic Stabilization and National Policies in partnership with the USAID has organized an Awareness – Building Workshop on Trade National Single Window System Project (TNSWSP) on July 03, 2024 at the Sapphire Hall, Courtyard by Marriott, Colombo 02. Awareness – Building Workshop on Trade National Single Window System Project on July 03, 2024, from 0900 Hrs to 1400 Hrs at the Sapphire Hall, Courtyard by Marriott, Colombo 02. Mr. Kevin Edwards participated. A meeting was held between Mr. Sanjeewa Pattiwila, Director, Department of Commerce, and SG with members of the CNCI Secretariat on 10 July 2024 at the Auditorium Department of Commerce. The discussion was based on the issuing of the Certificate of Origin. Stakeholder Consultation Meeting on the proposed Economic and Technology Agreement (ETCA) between Sri Lanka and India organized by the Chief Negotiator, Office for International Trade at the Presidential Secretariat was held on 17th July 2024 at SEMA Building, Janadhipathi Mawatha, Colombo 01. Mr. Samuditha Kumarasinghe, Mr. Asanga Peiria & Mr. Samantha Wickramasena participate |
| 05 Jun 2024 | "Policy Challenges of a New Government" Fourth Dialogue with Diplomats Hosted by Pathfinder Foundation at Galle Face Hotel (Hall No 2) on 5th June 2024. Chairman participated. Focus Group Discussions on Industry, Electricity (Power) and Transport sector for the development of Climate-Smart National Green Growth Strategy for Sri Lanka at the Yellow River Auditorium of the International Water Management Institute (IWMI), Pelawatta, on 11th June 2024. Secretary General participated. National Business Excellence Awards 2024 at Shangri-La Colombo on 20th June 2024 organized by The National Chamber of Commerce. Chairman participated A discussion with Mr. Danuka Liyanagamage, Director, NDEA, and Ms. Oshini Bodhiwansa, Assistant Director(IT), NEDA regarding the MoU on SME Connectwith NEDA on 24 June 2024 at CNCI Boardroom. Secretary General participated. Sri Lanka Strategic Trade Forum 2024 organize by U.S Embassy Sri Lanka at Courtyard Colombo City Center, Colombo 2. Mr Ravi Rupasinghe, Mr Lahiru Wijerathna Modern Pack Lanka (Pvt) Ltd & Mr. Amith Weerakkody, Union Chemicals Lanka PLC., Mr Arosh, VEE Power Solutions (Pvt) Ltd. |
| 09 May 2024 |
“Sustaining Stability” a panel discussion hosted by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka(CBSL) was held on 09 May 2024 at the Auditorium CBSL. SG participated. “Implementation of National Tariff Policy”. To discuss the sector-wise progress of operational procedures of National Tariff Policy was held at Boardroom, Ministry of Industries on 10th May 2024. Chairman participated. A Virtual meeting on “An opportunity to partner with SME connect platform” conducted by Delight Advisory Services (PWC) and NEDA was held on 16th May 2024. The Chairman, Deputy Chairman, Mr Amila Sugathapala, Mr Mahinda Saranapala & Treasurer and SG participated. A meeting to discuss the “Current status and future activities of NTFC” was held on Monday, 20th of May 2024 at the ADGC (Corporate)’s Office, Customs Headquarters. SG participated. All sector advisory committee chairpersons including representatives from Chambers were cordially invited by the Secretary Ministry of Industries on 21st May 2024. Mr. Gamini Guinasekara, Mrs. Gayani Jayarathna and SG participated |
| 02 Apr 2024 | Stakeholder Consultation Meeting on Bangladesh – Sri Lanka Preferential Trade Agreement (BSPTA) organized by Office for International Trade is scheduled to be held on 02nd April 24 at the “Auditorium, 01st Floor, SEMA building, Janadhipathi Mawatha, Colombo 01. Mr Amila Sugathapala participated. Trade Facilitation Implementation Strategy Project organized Consensus Building Workshop on the Implementation of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) In Sri Lanka on 4th April 24 at the Cinnamon Grand Hotel, Colombo. Mr Kevin Edwards & Mr Amila Sugathapala participated. Meeting on Achiever Awards advertising via print/electronic media, with Mr Tharaka Mohotti, CEO Swarnavahini at SSC meeting hall on 9th April 2024. Mr Kevin Edwards, Mr Amila Sugathapala, Mr Ravi Rupasinghe and SG participated. Dr Samitha Perera represnted CNCI in a panel discussion at Siyatha, “Aluth Katha“, on 16th April 24 under the topic of implication of illegal imports and country standards. This was telecasted on the same day at 10.00 pm. Meeting on “Promoting and Facilitating Investments and Exports” at Ministry of Investment Promotion held at 10.00 am on 19tb April 2024 at the Auditorium of BOI, 8ft floor, WesI Tower, Wortd Trade Center on 19th April 2024. Participated by Mr Amila Sugathapala, Mr Samuditha Kumarasinghe, Dr Samitha Perera, Mr Chandula Rajapaksha, Mr. Nalin Jayawardhana, Mrs.Lakshmi Wijenayaka. |
| 07 Mar 24 | Extraordinary General Meeting of NCPC Boardroom, Union Chemicals PCL, 5th Floor, No 4, Tickell Road, Colombo 8 on 07/03/2024. Mr Gamini Gunasekera particepated. Meeting regarding “International Industry Expo 2024 from 19th – 23rd June2024, at BMICH, Colombo organized by Industrial Development Board of Ceylon, held at the Auditorium, Industrial Development Board, 615, Galle Road, Katubedda on 13/03/2024. SG Participated Meeting on “Consultation Workshop on Development of National Tariff Policy” held at at the Jubilee Ballroom of the Galle Face Hotel, Colombo 01, organized by the Department of Trade and Investment Policy, Ministry of Finance, Economic Stabilization & National Policies in collaboration with the World Bank on 14/03/2024. Chairman and Mr Farhat Amith participated. CNCI Achiever Awards 2024 Awareness Program conducted by Mr Amila Sugathapala, Chairman Judging committee on 14/3/2024 SLEA Annual Sessions 2024 - Meeting with CNCI organized by Sri Lanka Economic Association held at SLEA office located in 2nd Floor, OPA Building, 275/75, Prof. Stanley Wijesundara Mawatha, Colombo 07 on 21/3/2024 The High Commission of India in association with the Ministry of Technology, Government of Sri Lanka was organized a Conference titled ‘Digital Public Infrastructure’ on Tuesday, March 26, 2024 at Grand Marquee Hall, Hotel Taj Samudra, Colombo. The keynote address delivered by H.E. Ranil Wickremesinghe, President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka on 26/3/2024. Mr Pradeep Kahawalage and Mr Dinal Paranawithana participated. Meeting on Industry Dialogue on Green Recovery for Industry: Finance, Policy and Technologies for Sri Lanka’s Industrial Decarbonization at the Galle Face Hotel, “Jubilee Ballroom” on 28/03/2024, organized by United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO). Particepated by Mr Dilan Paranawithana, Operations Director - Polycrome Holdings (Pvt) Ltd. |
| 07 Feb 2024 | Business Forum on “Recovery Roadmap for Sri Lanka’s Inclusive Economic Growth and Sustainable Development” organized by Mr. Patali Champika Ranawaka was held on 07th February at Solis Hotel. Mr. Farahath Amith participated CEO forum on ECO Label on 14th February 2024 at Hotel Galadari. NCPC with the support of GIZ organized the event with the aim of foster collaboration and knowledge exchange among industry leaders, government entities and manufacturers in the realm of Eco labeling. Mr. Kevin Edwards participated The FMJ Group was approached a momentous milestone – their 50th anniversary. In celebration of this achievement, they had organized a Gala Dinner event scheduled for 16th February 2024, from 7 pm to 11 pm, at the Grand Ballroom, Hilton Hotel, Colombo. Mr Kevin Edwards, Mr Samuditha Kumarasinghe and Mr Samantha Wickramasena participated. Stakeholder Consultation meeting on the Chapter on "Customs Procedures and Trade Facilitation" of proposed Economic and Technology Cooperation Agreement (ETCA) between Sri Lanka and India, on 26th February 2024 at Customs Auditorium, 11th Floor, Sri Lanka Customs Head Office, No.40, Main Street, Colombo 11. Mr Samantha Wickramasena participated. Ministry of Industries organized an awareness forum related to Sri Lanka - Thailand FTA on “Exploring opportunities and implications of the Sri Lanka-Thailand Free Trade Agreement” on 29 February 2024 at 9.00 am to 12.30 pm at Post Graduate Institute of Management in collaboration with the Department of Commerce and Export Development Board for the benefit of the Sri Lankan manufacturing Industries and exporters. Mr Kevin Edwards and Mr Samantha Wickramasena participated. |
| 24 Jan 24 | Meeting with the representatives of Improving Economies for Stronger Communities (IESC) to discuss about the USAID funding program on Economic Modernization, a project in Sri Lanka. The meeting was held at the CNCI Boardroom. Mr. Kevin Edwards, Mr. Amila Sugathapala and Mr. Samantha Wickramasena participated. |
| 24 Jan 24 | Stakeholder Consultation Meeting on Rules of Origin Criteria under India - Sri Lanka Economic & Technology Cooperation Agreement (ETCA). Ms. Uditha Rajapaksha representing the chamber participated. |
| 23 Jan 24 | Stakeholder Consultation Meeting on India-Sri Lanka Economic & Technology Cooperation Agreement (ETCA) - Trade in Goods. Mr. Kevin Edwards and Mr. Samantha Wickramasena participated. |
| 17 Jan 24 | Meeting regarding the Industry Sector Workshop of the 3rd NDA Readiness Project. Mr. Sudesh Mendis from the council participated. |
| 12 Jan 24 | The 03rd and 04th Quarterly Meetings of the NTFC held at the Ministry of Finance. Mr. Kevin Edwards participated. |
| 10 Jan 24 | Meeting regarding the announcement of the Annual Policy Statement 2024 - "Monetary and Financial Sector Policies for 2024 and Beyond" organized by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka. Mr. Kevin Edwards and Mr. Samantha Wickramasena participated. |
| 07 Dec 23 | Final Round of Stakeholder Consultation Meeting on Proposed Sri Lanka - Thailand Free Trade Agreement (SLTFTA) organized by the Office for International Trade, Presidential Secretariat. Mr. Samuditha Kumarasinghe and Mr. Samantha Wickramasena participated. |
| 06 Dec 23 | Execution of the Strategic Implementation Road Map (2023-2027) Meeting organized by the Ministry of Industries. Mr. Amila Sugathapala and Mr. Samantha Wickramasena participated. |
| 28 Nov 23 | Virtual Stakeholder Consultation Meeting regarding the ETCA. Mr. Kevin Edwards participated. |
| 23 Nov 23 | Private Sector Stakeholder meeting to identify products to be included into the Protective List of the Proposed Free Trade Agreement between Sri Lanka and Thailand at the 02nd Floor, Conference Room, Chartered Building, Colombo 01 on 8th November 2023. Mr Kevin Edwards and Mr Amila Sugathapala particepated. Presidential Export Award 2021/2022 & 2022/2023 organized by EDB held at BMICH on 23rd November 2023. Chairman Mr Kevin Edwards participated. Development of National Social Protection Policy and Strategy for Sri Lanka Stakeholder Consultation Workshop was held at Hotel Hilton on 28th November 2023. Mr. Asanga Peiris particepated. |
| 23 Oct 23 | Meeting to discuss the current issues faced by local Industries was held on 04.10.2023 at 09.30 am with the Secretary, Ministry of Industries at the auditorium of Ministry of Industries with the participation of relevant government sector and private sector organizations to discuss the following matters.
Meeting was held on 20 October 2023 at Temple Trees, with Yunnan Provincial Federation of Industry and Commerce delegation, which was chaired by the Honorable Prime Minister. Chairman Mr Kevin Edwards participated. Live Interview had on ITN Hathvana Peya program on Achiever Awards 2023 for Industrial Excellence on 13th October 2023. Particepated by Mr Pradeep Kahawalage, Chairman Judging Committee and Mr Ravi Rupasinghe Chairman Steering Committee. Live Interview had on Swarnawahini Ayubowan Sri Lanka program on Achiever Awards 2023 for Industrial Excellence. Particepated by Mr Ravi Rupasinghe Chairman Steering Committee and Mr Amila Sugathapala Judging Committee Member. |
| 23 Sep 23 | On 14th & 15th September 2023 Two days Workshop on Rules of Origin organized by the International Trade Centre (lTC), the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) and the Netherlands Chamber of Commerce together with the Department of Commerce (DoC) at Galle Face Hotel, Colombo from 9am to 4.30pm. Mr Kevin Edwards, Chairman CNCI & Mr Amila Sugathapala Vice Chairman & Mr Samantha Wickramasena SG were particepated. On 21st September 2023 Meeting with Director General of Customs at Sri Lanka Customs. Mr Kevin Edwards, Mr Kasun Rajapaksha, Mr Amila Sugathapala, Mr Ravi Rupasinghe, Mr Samuditha Kumarasinghe, Mr Gamini Gunasekera and Mr Samantha Wickramasena – SG. |
| 21 Aug 23 | Board Meeting & AGM of Sri Lanka National Arbitration Centre (SLNAC). |
| 21 Aug 23 | Sectorial Oversight Committee on Alleviating the Impact of Economic Crisis at Committee Room No 6, Parliament Complex. |
| 17 Aug 23 | A discussion on labour Law reforms conducted with the Executive Council of the Political Parties of the Opposition at Committee Room 02, Parliament Complex. |
| 15 Aug 23 | Project Launch of "New Solutions for Low-Emissions Food Production in Sri Lanka" had at BMICH organized by National Cleaner Production Centre (NCPC). |
| 08 Aug 23 | Joint Steering Committee for the UNIDO Sri Lanka Country Programme for Inclusive and Sustainable Industrial Development. |
| 08 Aug 23 | The launch of “Key Trade Facilitation Initiatives in Sri Lanka” organized by the International Trade Centre (ITC) and the Deutsche Gesellschaft fi.ir Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) together with the Presidential Secretariat of Sri Lanka at Hotel Shangri-la. |
| 25 Jul 23 | Meeting with Mrs. Thilaka Jayasundara, Secretary, and Mr. Chaminda Pathiraja, Add Secretary Ministry of Industries on 25th July 2023 to discuss about the sponsorship for CNCI Achiever Awards and to hand over the letter requesting to reduce Bank Commissions on LC, DA, DP and TT Payments. Chairman, Treasurer and SG participated. |
| 6 Jul 23 | Attended the Annual General Meeting of the Sri Lanka Shippers’ Council which was held in the Kingsbury Hotel. |
| 21 June 23 | Meeting of the MRV Technical Working Group Accelerating Industries’ Climate Response in Sri Lanka Project - United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) |
| 20 June 23 | Participating to the National Business Excellence Awards; organized by the National Chamber of Commerce which was held at the Grand Ballroom, Shangri-La Colombo. |
| 7 June 23 | Meeting with Prof. Ramani Arsakularatne regarding sponsorship for Achiever Awards 2023 |
| 30 Mar 23 | Attended the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce Committee meeting. |
| 15 to 18 Mar 23 | A CNCI Delegation visited the IESS 10th Edition in Chennai, India. |
| 10 Mar 23 | First Quarterly Meeting of the NTFC was held in the premises of Sri Lanka Customs |
| 3 Mar 23 | Launching of the Achiever Awards along with the Media Briefing |
| 21 Feb 23 | Meeting with Mr. Roy Jayasinghe, the Senior Manager of the Lake House, with regards to a sponsorship for the Achiever Awards Ceremony ’23. |
| 21 Feb 23 | Meeting with Mr. Russel Fonseka, GM/CEO BOC with regards to a sponsorship for the Achiever Awards Ceremony ’23. |
| 9 Feb 23 | Meeting with Mr. Anton Arumugam, Vice President, DFCC with regards to a sponsorship for the Achiever Awards Ceremony ‘23 |
| 9 Feb 23 | Meeting with Mr. Patrick Alwis, Chairman regarding Achiever sponsorship |
| 9 Feb 23 | Meeting with the Secretary Ministry of Industries with regard to the Achiever sponsorship |
| 2 Feb 23 | Meeting with Mr. Weerasinghe reg Launch Stakeholder Consultation Process on Trade in Services under FTAs |
| 31 Jan 23 | Meeting with Mr. Weerasinghe reg Trade Liberalization Programme (TLP) of proposed Sri Lanka – China FTA |
| 25 Jan 23 | Committee Meeting of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce |
| 24 Jan 23 | Meeting with Mr. Milanga Weerakkody, Commissioner of Labour, Chief Legal Officer and Mr. K G Kumarasinghe, Senior Legal Officer, Labor Department. |
| 20 Jan 23 | Meeting with Mr. Gamini Thilakaratne, Deputy Director, Investor Service, BOI |
| 20 Jan 23 | Meeting with Mr. Gunasekera, Director Imports & Investor Services |
| 19 Jan 23 | Online meeting with internal panel of Judges |
| 18 Jan 23 | Seminar on FTA organized by National Chamber of Exporters |
| 18 Jan 23 | Discussion with Chamber Associations |
| 17 Jan 23 | Training program for "Building technical capacity of institutions to implement the 2050 Carbon Net Zero Road Map and Strategic Plan for Sri Lanka _Energy Sector |
| 10 Jan 23 | Capacity building workshop " Carbon net zero project by 2050" |
| 7 Jan 23 | Meeting with Hon Sajith Premadasa; MP |
| 04 Jan 23 | Meeting with Hon Anura Kumara Dissanayake MP Leader of JVP |
