Sri Lanka – France Business Council has charted a new direction for strengthening bilateral trade and investment following the successful conclusion of its 22nd Annual General Meeting (AGM), where a new leadership team was appointed to guide the Council’s activities over the coming year.
Sri Lanka – France Business Council appoints new leadership to boost trade and investment
The AGM, held at the Galle Face Hotel in Colombo, brought together Council members, government representatives, diplomats, and business leaders to review the Council’s achievements and outline priorities aimed at enhancing economic cooperation between Sri Lanka and France.
The meeting was attended by Rémi Lambert, Ambassador of France to Sri Lanka and the Maldives, as Chief Guest, while officials from the Embassy of Sri Lanka in France participated virtually. The event highlighted the importance of continued collaboration between the two countries in promoting trade, investment, tourism, and business partnerships.
During the meeting, Shaameel Mohideen of Spillburg Holdings was elected President of the Sri Lanka – France Business Council. He will be supported by Zafir Hashim of John Keells Holdings PLC as Senior Vice President, Husni Salieh of Noyon Lanka (Pvt) Ltd as Vice President, and Manura Wickramasinghe of Puritas (Pvt) Ltd as Treasurer.
Representatives from A. Baur & Co. (Pvt) Ltd, Aitken Spence Travels, CEVA Logistics Lanka (Pvt) Ltd, Diesel & Motor Engineering PLC, and Universal Travel Bureau (Pvt) Ltd were also elected to serve on the Council’s Committee.
Addressing the gathering, Ambassador Lambert reaffirmed the longstanding relationship between France and Sri Lanka while highlighting the significant potential to expand bilateral trade and investment. He noted that although French businesses continue to see opportunities in Sri Lanka, investors still face challenges relating to market access and administrative procedures.
According to the Ambassador, addressing these issues would play an important role in encouraging greater French investment and strengthening the economic partnership between the two countries. He added that the Council’s priorities for the coming year are closely aligned with efforts to improve the investment climate and facilitate stronger commercial ties.
Outgoing President André Fernando of MAC Holdings reflected on the Council’s accomplishments during the past year, highlighting initiatives that strengthened engagement with leading French trade and investment promotion organisations, including the Indo-French Chamber of Commerce & Industry and Business France.
He also noted the success of the Council’s flagship Annual Wine Evening, which reached new heights in 2025 with the participation of renowned French rugby legend Serge Betsen, further strengthening networking opportunities between Sri Lankan and French business communities.
Following his election, President Mohideen outlined an ambitious five-point strategy that will guide the Sri Lanka – France Business Council over the next year. The agenda focuses on expanding bilateral trade, improving market access, attracting greater French investment into Sri Lanka, promoting sustainability and innovation across industries, and strengthening tourism and cultural engagement between the two nations.
The Council also plans to deliver greater value to its members through enhanced networking opportunities, business engagement initiatives, and policy advocacy designed to support companies operating in both markets.
The renewed strategic direction reflects the Council’s commitment to fostering stronger commercial partnerships at a time when Sri Lanka is seeking to attract increased foreign investment and deepen international economic cooperation. By strengthening dialogue between the public and private sectors, the Council aims to create new opportunities for businesses while supporting long-term economic growth.
As Sri Lanka continues to position itself as an investment destination in the region, organisations such as the Sri Lanka – France Business Council are expected to play an increasingly important role in facilitating cross-border collaboration, encouraging knowledge sharing, and promoting sustainable business development between Sri Lanka and France.