The Sri Lanka-Malaysia Business Council (SLMBC), established on February 23, 1994, under the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce with the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Board of Investment, aims to foster joint ventures in trade, tourism, and services between Sri Lanka and Malaysia. The High Commissioner of Malaysia in Sri Lanka, Badli Hisham Adam, serves as the Patron of the Council.
In 2024, SLMBC achieved significant milestones. A key delegation led by M.H.K.M. Hameez, along with Marshad Barry and council members, visited Malaysia to enhance networking opportunities and foster mutual growth for SLMBC member businesses.
At the 30th Annual General Meeting held in August 2024 at the Hilton Residence, Colombo, Marshad Barry of Amana Bank PLC was appointed President of the Council. The SLMBC focused on strengthening its membership base, targeting a 30% growth by 2025. For the first time, the Council extended membership to Malaysian business entities under its International Membership initiative. Discussions with the Kuala Lumpur & Selangor Indian Chamber of Commerce Industry (KLSICCI) were held, leading to nominations for the Global CEO Awards. Notable recipients included KLSICCI Honorary Secretary General Mogana Chinnathamby and Johnson Francis of Oscar Holidays.
The Council organized youth entrepreneurship seminars in Colombo and Ratnapura under themes like “Future Me” and “Empowering Youth Through Innovation and Entrepreneurship for Sustainable Economic Growth,” attracting over 500 participants. The year concluded with a CSR project, donating essential clothing to orphaned children at the Vijira Sri Boys Children Development Centre in Pita Kotte.
Looking ahead to 2025, SLMBC President Marshad Barry stated, “Our Council sees 2025 challenges as opportunities. Our vision is to promote Malaysian investments in Sri Lanka and develop trade links to support the country’s economic growth.” The Council plans to host a Women Entrepreneurship and Networking evening, Members Day, Golf Tournament, webinars on targeted sectors, and facilitate a high-profile Malaysian business delegation to explore new investment opportunities in Sri Lanka.