Sri Lanka–Thailand Business Council Marks a Milestone of Partnership, Progress, and Prosperity
The Sri Lanka–Thailand Business Council (SLTBC) proudly celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2026, marking a remarkable journey of fostering economic cooperation, trade, investment, and friendship between Sri Lanka and Thailand. For a quarter of a century, the Council has served as a vital bridge connecting the private sectors of both nations, creating opportunities for businesses, facilitating dialogue, and strengthening bilateral ties.
Established at the dawn of a new millennium, the Council emerged from a shared vision to promote closer commercial engagement between two nations linked by centuries of cultural, religious, and historical connections. Over the years, this vision has evolved into a dynamic platform that has supported entrepreneurs, investors, exporters, and industry leaders in exploring new avenues of growth and collaboration.
A Legacy of Business Leadership
Throughout its history, the Sri Lanka–Thailand Business Council has played a pivotal role in advancing trade and investment relations. Through business forums, trade missions, networking events, and strategic partnerships with organizations such as the Department of International Trade and Promotion and the Board of Trade of Thailand, the Council has created meaningful opportunities for businesses in both countries. These initiatives have facilitated market access, encouraged knowledge sharing, and strengthened people-to-people connections that extend beyond commerce.
The Council’s efforts have contributed to the growth of bilateral trade across a wide range of sectors, including agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, logistics, healthcare, education, and emerging technologies. By bringing together business leaders and policymakers, the Council has helped create an environment conducive to sustainable economic cooperation.
Building on Shared Heritage
The relationship between Sri Lanka and Thailand is unique. Rooted in centuries of Buddhist heritage and cultural exchange, the friendship between the two nations has naturally expanded into a robust economic partnership. The Council has consistently championed this relationship, recognizing that strong cultural foundations provide a powerful platform for business collaboration.
As regional economies become increasingly interconnected, the Council has remained committed to promoting innovation, entrepreneurship, and cross-border partnerships that generate mutual value and long-term prosperity.
Looking Ahead to the Future
While the 25th anniversary is an opportunity to reflect on past achievements, it is equally a moment to look forward. The evolving global business landscape presents exciting opportunities in digital transformation, sustainable development, renewable energy, advanced manufacturing, tourism, and services.
The Sri Lanka–Thailand Business Council is well-positioned to continue its role as a catalyst for growth, supporting businesses in navigating new opportunities and strengthening economic engagement between the two countries. The Council’s commitment to empowering enterprises, particularly small and medium-sized businesses, will remain central to its mission in the years ahead.
Honouring the Visionaries
This milestone is also a tribute to the founders, past presidents, executive committee members, corporate partners, and stakeholders whose dedication has shaped the Council’s success. Their vision, leadership, and commitment have established a strong foundation upon which future generations can build.
Celebrating 25 Years of Excellence
As the Sri Lanka–Thailand Business Council celebrates its silver jubilee, it stands as a symbol of enduring friendship, business excellence, and shared prosperity. The achievements of the past 25 years inspire confidence in an even brighter future—one defined by stronger partnerships, greater innovation, and deeper economic cooperation between Sri Lanka and Thailand.
Together, the Council looks forward to continuing its mission of connecting businesses, creating opportunities, and advancing the prosperity of both nations for many years to come.
The 25th Anniversary celebrations will be held on the 19th of June (Friday) at the Kingsbury Hotel commencing at 6.30 pm. It’s a ticketed event.
There will be a 25-member business delegation from the Board of Trade Thailand attending the Anniversary event.
Image Caption: (Seated Left to Right)Dushyanta Basnayake – Immediate Past President, Prangtip Kongridhisuksakorn – Counsellor, Lalitha Kumarage – Past President, Kamil Weerasekara – Vice President, Lionel Fernando – Founder /Past President, Paitoon Mahapannaporn – Ambassador, Rizan Nazeer – Founder /President, A.M. Musajee – Vice President, Yashodha Peiris – Treasurer, Priyantha Kolonnage – Secretary
(Standing Left to Right)Asitha Panabokka – Committee Member, Chandana Nanayakkara – Committee Member, Rohan Elgiriyawithana – Assistant Secretary, Harendra Abeyesundere – Committee Member, Rienzie Fernando – Committee Member, Abdul Saliheen – Assistant Treasurer, Aasim Mukthar – Committee Member, Sanjeeva Jayasinghe – Committee Member
