Sri Lanka Italy Business Council

	The Council
	Inaugurated under the aegis of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce on 9 October 1998, the main objective of the Sri Lanka - Italy Business Council is to promote investment, trade and joint venture between Sri Lanka and Italy. The groundwork for the formation of the Council commenced after a proposal was made in 1997 to the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, by the then-Ambassador of Italy to Sri Lanka, H.E. Maurizio Teucci. Since its inception, the Council has endeavored to support its membership which has grown to include companies involved in diverse sectors of trade and services as well as NGO's. The Executive Committee is represented by members of these sectors. Meetings are attended also by representatives from the Embassy of Italy in Colombo, the Delegation of the European Commission, the Export Development Board and the Department of Commerce, as invited observers. The Council maintains close ties with the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Rome. The Sri Lanka – Italy Business Council continues to collaborate with the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce in achieving the objective of strengthening bilateral ties and promoting investment and joint venture partnerships.
	Past Presidents
	Mr. Arjuna Yatawara, 1998-2001, Founder President Mr. Gihan de Silva, 2001 - 2003 Mr. Sunil G. Wijesinha, 2003 - 2005 Mr. Niranjan Rodrigo, 2005 - 2007 Mr. Rajeev Aloysius, 2007 - 2009 Mr. Ranjit Jayewardene, 2009 - 2011 Mr. Daya Ratnayake, 2011 to present

	Objectives

	To promote trade and tourism and services between Sri Lanka and Italy and in particular to promote exports from Sri Lanka to Italy. To encourage the establishment of joint ventures in Sri Lanka between Italy and Sri Lankan investors. To exchange information on trade and investment with the appropriate bodies in Italy. To conduct joint meetings with Italian business organisations in Sri Lanka and in Italy. To serve as a recognised representative of business sector interests in Sri Lanka, in matters concerning business relationships with Italy. To co-operate with the Government of Sri Lanka in the pursuit of the above objects. To undertake all matters that are incidental or conducive to attaining the above objectives.