The Council for Business with Britain (CBB) held its 24th Annual General Meeting at Westminster House on Wednesday, July 24.
Chief Executive Officer of HSBC Sri Lanka and the Maldives, Mark Surgenor was elected as the President of the CBB for the 2024-2025 term.
Surgenor said, “Sri Lanka exports approximately a billion dollars’ worth of goods to the UK each year, with one-third in apparel and two-thirds in other sectors.”
He underscored the importance of leveraging the DCTS for more cost-effective trade opportunities.
Outgoing President Tania Polonnowita Wettimuny said, “Through our collective efforts, we have achieved stability. The CBB has demonstrated resilience and commitment, especially in recognising the crucial role SMEs play in driving economic growth.”
Wettimuny highlighted the CBB’s numerous SME forums and knowledge-sharing sessions, including those on the Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS) and strategies to strengthen exports to Great Britain.
British High Commissioner, Andrew Patrick said, “The new UK government is prioritising growth and partnership, which bodes well for our trade relations.”
He encouraged continued collaboration and welcomed innovative ideas to expand the trade relationship.
The 2024/2025 Executive Committee includes, Vice Presidents Shiluka Goonewardene and Ms. Ameena Ziauddin. Fadhil Jiffry will take over as the Treasurer.
The Committee members include representatives of Aitken Spence Travels, Global Market Technologies, Hayleys Advantis, Hilton Colombo Residencies, Hirdaramani Group, John Keells Holdings, MAS Holdings, and Unilever Sri Lanka.
Special invitees to the committee include Irfan Thassim, Derek Mansfield, Sanath Manutunga, Dougie Douglas, Ms. Hannah Wells; and several representatives of the British High Commission and British Council.
Shirendra Lawrence and Ms. Roshanie Moraes were appointed to the Advisory Committee to ensure the continuity of the CBB’s initiatives.
