Colombo Mr. Chandi Raj Dhakal, President of the SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SAARC CCI), called on the Hon’ble Mr. Vijitha Herath, MP, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism of Sri Lanka, during his maiden visit to Sri Lanka since assuming the Presidency of SAARC CCI.
Mr. Dhakal was accompanied by a high level business delegation comprising Dr. Rohitha Silva, President of the Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Sri Lanka (FCCISL) and Senior Vice President of SAARC CCI, Mr. Ruwan Edirisinghe, Former President, SAARC CCI, Mr. Ruwan De Silva, EC Member, SAARC CCI, Mr. Dhammika Lokuge, GA Member, SAARC CCI, Mr. Zulfiqar Butt, Secretary General, SAARC CCI, Mr. Abbas Kamrudeen, Vice Chair, SYEF (Sri Lanka), Mr. Tilan Wijesooriya, Associate Director, SAARC CCI and other members of the delegation.
During the meeting, Mr. Dhakal apprised the Hon’ble Foreign Minister of the initiatives and activities of SAARC CCI in promoting regional trade, investment, and economic cooperation among SAARC member states. He highlighted the role of the Chamber in strengthening private sector engagement and fostering closer business relations across the region.
Mr. Dhakal requested the Hon’ble Minister to use his good offices and support efforts towards the convening of the SAARC Summit. He emphasized that the revival of the Summit would contribute to the regularization of SAARC activities and the effective functioning of its apex bodies, thereby strengthening regional cooperation and economic integration.
The Hon’ble Foreign Minister welcomed Mr. Dhakal on his maiden visit to Sri Lanka since assuming thePresidency of SAARC CCI and appreciated the efforts of the Chamber in promoting regional economiccooperation. He acknowledged the important role of the private sector in bringing SAARC member nationscloser through increased trade and business collaboration.The Hon’ble Minister stated that Sri Lanka would explore how it could play its constructive role infacilitating the convening of the SAARC Summit and in bringing member nations together to furtherstrengthen regional cooperation. He reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s commitment to encouraging dialogue,collaboration, and partnerships among SAARC countries.
Dr. Rohitha Silva, President of FCCISL and Senior Vice President of SAARC CCI, informed the Hon’bleForeign Minister that FCCISL, in collaboration with SAARC CCI, is planning to organize an InternationalTrade Fair and Business Forum in Colombo in October this year. He noted that the event would provideopportunities for business networking, trade promotion, and investment cooperation among SAARC
member states and international partners.Dr. Silva also briefed the Hon’ble Foreign Minister on his recent meetings with the High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka and the High Commissioner of Pakistan to Sri Lanka, during which he sought their support for the rejuvenation of the SAARC process for the greater benefit and prosperity of the people of South Asia. He stated that, under his leadership, FCCISL is committed to playing a pivotal role in bringing the countries of South Asia closer through enhanced trade, economic cooperation, and stronger private sector engagement.
Mr. Ruwan Edirisinghe, Former President of SAARC CCI, highlighted the important role played by the Chamber in advancing regional economic cooperation. Recalling his tenure as President from 2018 to 2020, he noted that SAARC CCI has remained one of the most active institutions within the SAARC framework, working to bring member organizations closer and strengthen private sector collaboration across the region.
The meeting concluded on a positive note, with both sides expressing their commitment to advancing regional cooperation, enhancing economic engagement, and promoting greater collaboration among the business communities of South Asia.
