A Business Delegation from the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce Successfully Concludes its Visit to Canberra
August 24, 2026
The High Commission of Sri Lanka in Canberra facilitated a trade delegation from the Sri Lanka–Australia–New Zealand Business Council (SLANZBC) of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce (CCC) to Canberra on 20 August 2026, meeting with parliamentarians, key government officials and institutions.
The delegation consisted of business personnel in Tech and AI, Martech, Venture Capital and Business Development, Fisheries, and Logistics. The visit aimed to revitalize trade partnerships, showcase emerging commercial opportunities in Sri Lanka, and deepen institutional ties between government, parliamentary, and business sectors across both countries.
The delegation engaged in a high-level roundtable meeting with members of the Federal Parliament. The discussion was led by Hon. Cassandra Fernando MP, Chair of the Australia-Sri Lanka Parliamentary Friendship Group, alongside Hon. Steve Georganas MP, Senator Andrew McLachlan CSC, and Hon. Matt Burnell MP. Discussions focused on fostering bilateral commercial linkages and leveraging diaspora networks conducive to two-way trade.
The delegation met with Mr. Bruce Soar, Assistant Secretary (Indian Ocean and South Asia Maritime Branch), and senior officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). DFAT officials provided a comprehensive presentation on Australia’s macro-economic outlook, highlighting strategic opportunities for Sri Lanka to expand its trade and investment relations with Australia. The delegation further met with Ms. Laura Phillips, Senior Adviser of the South Asia & Southeast Asia Section of the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade).
The CCC delegation also had the opportunity of meeting with Mr. Lachlan Smith, Deputy Director of Trade and International Affairs at the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), during their visit to Canberra.
The visit, which represents the first official delegation from Sri Lanka’s premier business chamber to the Australia in over 15 years, renewed engagement for future commercial partnerships between Sri Lanka and Australia.
The High Commission of Sri Lanka to Australia
Canberra
24 August 2026
