The European Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka

POSTPONEMENT! Dear Members, Associates and Partners, We regret any inconvenience and hope to see you on the 3rd of September, 2024.

Port City Colombo recently conducted an evening discussion on opportunities for investment for members of the The European Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka at the Port City Sales Gallery.

We warmly welcome Hellmann Worldwide Logistics, a global leader in logistics to our community in Sri Lanka. Hellmann Worldwide Logistics is a family-owned company, established in 1871 by Carl Heinrich Hellmann in Osnabrück, Germany. Hellmann has grown into a global logistics powerhouse, operating in 57 countries with 243 branches and over 12,237 employees. Hellmann handles 20 million shipments annually and achieved a turnover of EUR 3.5 billion in 2023. The company is dedicated to forward-thinking, precision, care, and a distinctive corporate culture rooted in reliability, entrepreneurship, trust, and cooperation. In Sri Lanka, Hellmann has been a significant player for 18 years, serving clients across various sectors, including automotive, healthcare, perishables, agriculture, and fashion. Hellmann Sri Lanka specialises in Air Freight and Sea Freight, offering customers extensive industry knowledge to enhance their logistics solutions. This strategic presence underscores Hellmann’s commitment to delivering value-added services and supporting the growth of these vital industries. #HellmannWorldwideLogistics #Logistics #GlobalReach #Sustainability #FamilyBusiness #ForTheBetterTogether Left to right: Ahamed Rahman, Managing Director, Hellmann Worldwide Logistics (Pvt) Ltd. Madhav Kurup, CEO, Hellmann Worldwide Logistics – IMEA. Dhishna Bastiansz, General Manager, The European Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka.

The Joint Chambers of Commerce Urge Customs Officials to Prioritise National Interests Above Personal Issues The Joint Chambers of Commerce urge the Customs Officers to call off the ongoing work to rule, and the strike planned for the 4th and 5th of July. The current work to rule action has caused significant delays in clearing import cargo, resulting in supply chain disruption, and delays in production and delivery. The delay in clearing goods has led to considerable costs, including port demurrages, yard charges, vehicle detention charges, and liner charges. Importers in particular are bearing the brunt of increased costs and delays due to this ongoing action. Furthermore, the prolonged disruption will have a ripple effect on exports, as delays in clearing cargo will lead to vessels bypassing Sri Lanka altogether. This would jeopardise the delivery commitments of local manufacturers to international brands, further damaging our economic reputation and future trade prospects. Among the cargo at the port are perishable food items, medicines and other essential goods. Continued delays could result in shortages of these supplies. Any strike action, as planned for 4th and 5th July, will only exacerbate the situation, leading to further hardship for businesses and the broader economy. At a time when the country is beginning to show signs of recovery and growth, actions of this nature will only dampen such positive momentum. The Joint Chambers earnestly urge the Customs Officers to reconsider their current actions in the context of the national economy and the welfare of the general public. We recognise that grievances, if any, must be resolved through discussion and not by resorting to strike or work-to-rule actions. The Joint Chambers emphasise that the duties of Customs Officers must be carried out with the highest standards of professionalism and integrity, prioritizing the nation's interests above personal considerations. Let us all work together to ensure a robust and secure future for our country. The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce AmCham Sri Lanka The European Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka Exporters Association of Sri Lanka Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF) The National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka National Chamber of Exporters The Federation of the Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Sri Lanka Women's Chamber of Inustry and Commerce International Chamber of Commerce Sri Lanka - ICC SL

Congratulations to one of our Directors of The European Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka Ahamed Rahman on his appointment as Managing Director for Hellmann Worldwide Logistics in Sri Lanka.

OUR NEW OFFICE LOCATION! Dear ECCSL stakeholders, The European Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka have now relocated to our new office at Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo. Location: The Empress Suite Cinnamon Lakeside Hotel Colombo No. 115, Sir Chittampalam A. Gardiner Mawatha, Colombo 02, Sri Lanka.

Celebrating Europe Day: ECCSL presents findings and recommendations from its Diversity, Equity and Inclusion study to European Ambassadors and Brandix senior management ECCSL recently presented findings and recommendations from its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) study at a visit to Brandix Ratmalana by Ambassadors from the EU, Germany, France, Italy, Romania, and the Netherlands. In honor of Europe Day, celebrated under the banner 'Together we are Europe', the European Union Delegation in Sri Lanka held a series of commemorative events to highlight the EU and Sri Lanka’s shared interests and ongoing cooperation. Central to this celebration is the theme “Together we are diversity” which was highlighted in a visit to the Brandix Essential Wear facility in Ratmalana by the EU Delegation and Ambassadors from Germany, France, Italy, Romania, and the Netherlands on 22nd May 2024. Brandix, who hosted the event, is one of Sri Lanka's foremost apparel manufacturers, known for its steadfast commitment to DEI and sustainability innovation. The discussion between the Ambassadors and Brandix senior management explored the company’s current investments and future aspirations in promoting DEI as part of its inclusive and sustainable business practices.

Sweden-Sri Lanka Collaboration Workshop Celebratibg 75 years of Sweden-Sri Lanka business relations, the Embassy of Sweden in collaboration with the Consulate General of Sweden, Sweden-Sri Lanka Business Council, Business Sweden, SLASSCOM and the European Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka hosted a business delegation to establish business opportunities with local companies on the 6th June at the Courtyard by Marriott, Colombo. The Delegation proceeded with a productive B2B session consisting of Swedish companies such Atmoz , Alfa Laval , Ericsson Telecommunications Inc. , Hitachi Energy ,IFS , Opsio , Swiftcourt and Voitheia. The session was graced by H.E Jan Thesleff Ambassador of Sweden to Sri Lanka, Ms. Cecilia Oskarsson Trade & InvestmentCommissioner of Sweden to India, Head of Business Sweden, South Asia, Mr. Leif I Ohlson Secretary General - Sweden Sri Lanka Business Council, Mr. Anuradha Gajanayaka Forum Head of Global Trade & Investment - SLASSCOM, Mr. Hatem 🔥 Rajabdeen President of ECCSL, Mr. Ranil Rajapakse Executive Vice President & COO - IFS R and D International (Pvt) Ltd and Sanjay Kulatunga - Swedish Honarary Consul-General in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Congratulations to Sanjay Wijemanne on being appointed as Chief Operating Officer for HNB following the appointment of Damith Pallewatte FRM, FCMA, CGMA as CEO. Exciting times ahead for Hatton National Bank PLC our official bankers and valued member.

ECCSL in collaboration with Mr.Mahesh Yogarajan of lanka.tax conducted a successful session on personal taxation, attended by ECCSL members and non-members at the Colombo Swimming Club this morning. The session discussed strategies for better planning to minimize individual tax liability and compared little known revisions to personal taxation that have come into effect since January 1, 2023.