At the Special Ministerial Plenary at the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC), Kshenuka Senewiratne, High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to India, addressed the need for greater economic integration with the region, and the importance of establishing the BIMSTEC Free Trade Agreement (FTA) to foster regional prosperity.

The Sri Lanka delegation comprising Member companies of the Ceylon Chamber and led by Dr. Asanka Ratnayake, Deputy Managing Director of Hayleys Advantis, included Mr. Daminda Gamlath, President of Consumer Foods at Ceylon Cold Stores; Dr. T. Sayandhan, Director of Sunshine Healthcare and CEO of Sunshine Medical Devices & Lina Manufacturing, and Ms. Dinithi Dias, Assistant Secretary General at the Ceylon Chamber.

The delegation conducted a dedicated Country Session with key industries discussed including food processing, pharmaceuticals, and logistics, with a special focus on the opportunities within the processed food sector—particularly in sugar, spices, and tea. The pharmaceutical sector was also a highlight, with discussions on expanding Sri Lanka’s role in the healthcare value chain. Additionally, the logistics sector drew attention for its potential in Special Economic Zones and Multimodal Transport Solutions, highlighting Sri Lanka’s strategic location and its highly skilled workforce. High Commissioner Senewiratne welcomed the participants to the Session on Sri Lanka.

The Ceylon Chamber, with several other Chambers including those from the member countries participating at the Summit, also endorsed the creation of a BIMSTEC Chamber of Commerce, which would further facilitate trade , investment and tourism collaboration across the region.