On Sep. 10, Ambassador of Japan to Sri Lanka – Mizukoshi Hideaki conferred the Foreign Minister’s commendation on the Sri Lanka Japan Business Council (SLJBC) of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce on the occasion of the 45th Annual General Meeting of SLJBC.

The Foreign Minister’s Commendations are awarded to individuals and groups with outstanding achievements in international fields, in order to acknowledge their contributions to the promotion of friendship between Japan and other countries and areas. The Commendations also aim to promote understanding and support of the Japanese public for the activities of the recipients.

SLJBC has been a cornerstone in promoting and strengthening the economic partnership between Japan and Sri Lanka for the past 45 years. Established in 1979 as the first bilateral business council of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, SLJBC has led numerous initiatives that have significantly bolstered trade, tourism, and investment between the two nations. Notably, the council has successfully organized 19 Joint Meetings in collaboration with its Japanese counterpart, the Japan Sri Lanka Business Cooperation Committees. These meetings have served as a vital platform for dialogue, fostering deeper economic cooperation and creating new opportunities for businesses from both countries. Additionally, SLJBC has played a crucial role in organizing key events during high-level visits, including hosting a major business forum during the visit of then-Prime Minister ABE Shinzo to Sri Lanka in 2014. In recent years, SLJBC’s unwavering support during the COVID-19 pandemic and Sri Lanka’s subsequent economic crisis has been outstanding, providing businesses with essential networking opportunities and ensuring continued dialogue for potential collaboration.

In his remarks, Ambassador Mizukoshi extended his deepest appreciation to SLJBC for their steadfast commitment to fostering stronger economic ties between Japan and Sri Lanka. He highlighted SLJBC’s pivotal role in promoting bilateral trade, tourism, and investment over the past 45 years, recognizing their tireless efforts during challenging times such as the COVID-19 pandemic and Sri Lanka’s economic crisis. Ambassador MIZUKOSHI also emphasized the importance of SLJBC’s future contributions, particularly as Sri Lanka embarks on its path to economic recovery. He expressed confidence that SLJBC would play a crucial role in driving sustainable growth and strengthening the partnership between the private sectors of both countries during this critical period.

It is hoped that this auspicious moment would further develop the friendly relationship between Japan and Sri Lanka.