The Sri Lanka–China Business Council (SLCHBC) of The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce has marked its 25th anniversary, celebrating a quarter-century of efforts to strengthen economic and trade ties between Sri Lanka and China.
The anniversary event, held under the theme “25 Years of Unwavering Alliance,” brought together senior government officials, diplomats, business leaders and former presidents and office-bearers of the Council from both countries.
Among those attending were Ceylon Chamber of Commerce Chairperson and John Keells Holdings PLC Chairman Krishan Balendra, and Chinese Chamber of Commerce in Sri Lanka Chairman and China Harbour Engineering Company Managing Director Wang Gang.
Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development Wasantha Samarasinghe, who attended as Chief Guest, highlighted the strength of the economic relationship between the two countries.
The Minister noted that China remained Sri Lanka’s largest import partner in 2025, with iron and steel, knitted fabrics and vehicles among the leading imports from China.
Sri Lankan exports to China included apparel, tea, activated carbon, vegetable fibre and coconut husk chips, among other products.
Samarasinghe called for stronger partnerships to further expand bilateral trade and reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to creating a stable, transparent and investor-friendly business environment.
Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Sunil Handunnetti and Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Chathuranga Abeysinghe also participated in the event.
Representing the Embassy of China, Deputy Chief of Mission Zhu Yanwei, attending on behalf of Chinese Ambassador Qi Zhenhong as Guest of Honour, commended the Council for its contribution to economic and trade exchanges between Sri Lanka and China over the past 25 years.
He said China looked forward to the Council continuing its role as a bridge between the two business communities, while supporting efforts to advance the bilateral Free Trade Agreement, attract greater Chinese investment and facilitate increased exports of high-quality Sri Lankan products to the Chinese market.
In his welcome address, SLCHBC President Haroun Cader described the anniversary as a celebration of friendship, enterprise and partnership.
He recalled that the Council was established 25 years ago under the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce to build stronger connections between the business communities of Sri Lanka and China.
Cader also paid tribute to Ambassador Qi Zhendong for his support and close cooperation during his tenure.
Looking ahead, he identified several priorities for the Council, including improving access for Sri Lankan small and medium-sized businesses to Chinese markets and investors and facilitating the introduction of new technologies and skills through local partnerships.
He said the Council would also seek to remain a trusted platform for engagement as developments in digital trade, artificial intelligence, renewable energy and advanced manufacturing continue to reshape global commerce.
The 25th anniversary therefore marked not only the Council’s contribution over the past quarter-century but also its intention to strengthen business links and create new opportunities between Sri Lanka and China in the years ahead.