A Sri Lankan business delegation led by the Sri Lanka–Australia–New Zealand Business Council (SLANZBC) of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce has explored new opportunities for trade, investment and institutional collaboration during a visit to Australia.
The delegation held a series of meetings with Australian parliamentarians, government agencies, trade organisations and business representatives across Canberra, Melbourne and Sydney. The programme was conducted in collaboration with the High Commission of Sri Lanka in Australia.
Representatives from several key sectors participated in the visit, including technology and artificial intelligence, marketing technology, venture capital, fisheries and logistics. Discussions focused on identifying areas where businesses in Sri Lanka and Australia could develop stronger commercial relationships and create new opportunities for bilateral trade and investment.
In Canberra, the delegation met with members of the Australian Federal Parliament, including Hon. Cassandra Fernando MP, Chair of the Australia–Sri Lanka Parliamentary Friendship Group. Meetings were also held with representatives from Austrade, the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
The discussions examined Australia’s current trade priorities, Sri Lanka’s growing capabilities across emerging business sectors and the potential contribution of diaspora and commercial networks towards strengthening bilateral economic relations.
The possibility of organising a reciprocal trade mission was also discussed as a means of creating further opportunities for businesses and institutions from both countries to engage directly.
The delegation’s programme continued in Melbourne, where representatives met with Global Victoria and Invest Victoria, along with members of the Food and Beverage Association and the Australia Sri Lanka Business Council.
The Melbourne discussions covered several areas of potential cooperation, including trade, investment, food and beverage, technology and other commercial sectors. A cocktail networking event also brought the Sri Lankan delegation together with members of the Australian business community, providing an informal platform to explore potential partnerships and business opportunities.
In Sydney, the delegation participated in a networking session organised in collaboration with the Chartered Accountants in Sri Lanka – Australia Chapter. The event connected representatives of the delegation with members of both the Sri Lankan and Australian business communities.
SLANZBC President Chandana Amaradasa said the visit provided an opportunity to renew relationships with Australian government and business stakeholders while identifying areas for further cooperation.
He noted that the engagements provide the Business Council with a foundation to pursue sector-specific partnerships, reciprocal business missions and stronger commercial connections between Sri Lanka and Australia.
The visit comes as both countries look to strengthen economic and business ties, with the delegation highlighting the potential for greater collaboration across technology, investment, food and beverage, logistics, fisheries and other emerging sectors.
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