A delegation from the Ceylon Chamber’s Sri Lanka–Australia–New Zealand Business Council (SLANZBC) traveled to Australia to forge new institutional cooperation and investment channels. According to the chamber, representatives held targeted discussions in Canberra, Melbourne, and Sydney spanning the technology, artificial intelligence, venture capital, fisheries, and logistics sectors to expand bilateral trade connections.
Expanding Bilateral Trade Networks in Canberra
The SLANZBC delegation began its official tour in the Australian capital, meeting with federal parliamentarians and key trade bodies. According to the Ceylon Chamber, delegates met with Cassandra Fernando MP, who serves as Chair of the Australia–Sri Lanka Parliamentary Friendship Group.
The chamber stated that these talks addressed Australia’s core trade priorities, Sri Lanka’s emerging business capabilities, and the vital role played by diaspora and commercial networks in broadening bilateral trade. Both sides also evaluated the viability of executing a reciprocal trade mission.
Deepening Commercial Ties Across Melbourne and Sydney
Moving south to Victoria, the delegation engaged with regional trade promotion agencies and sector-specific organizations. According to the chamber, meetings with Global Victoria, Invest Victoria, the Food and Beverage Association, and the Australia Sri Lanka Business Council centered on food, beverage, technology, and investment cooperation.
The Melbourne itinerary featured a networking cocktail event designed to link SLANZBC delegates directly with members of the local Australian business community. Similarly, a dedicated networking session took place in Sydney, organized in collaboration with the Chartered Accountants in Sri Lanka – Australia Chapter, bridging the gap between delegates and established business networks.
Next Steps for Sector-Specific Cooperation
The diplomatic and commercial outreach concluded with clear directives for future engagement between the two nations. According to SLANZBC President Chandana Amaradasa, the visit successfully reconnected business leaders with Australia’s government and corporate sectors while pinpointing exact areas for sustained collaboration.
Amaradasa noted that the Canberra, Melbourne, and Sydney discussions provide the council with a concrete foundation to pursue sector-specific partnerships, plan reciprocal business missions, and cement robust commercial channels moving forward.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the primary objective of the SLANZBC visit to Australia?
The delegation sought to build new trade, investment, and institutional cooperation between Sri Lanka and Australia across technology, AI, venture capital, fisheries, and logistics.
Which Australian cities did the SLANZBC delegation visit?
The delegates held official meetings and networking sessions in Canberra, Melbourne, and Sydney.
Who did the delegation meet in Canberra?
According to the Ceylon Chamber, delegates met with federal parliamentarians including Cassandra Fernando MP, along with representatives from Austrade, DFAT, and the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
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