The Indo Lanka Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ILCCI), established in 2006 under the aegis of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, held its 6th Annual General Meeting on 21st of November, 2014. His Excellency Y. K. Sinha, the High Commissioner of India was the Chief Guest.
In his address to the distinguished gathering, the High Commissioner highlighted the contribution of the ILCCI in the furtherance of economic engagement between India and Sri Lanka. He dwelled upon the strong trade and economic linkages built by India and Sri Lanka since coming into force of the India Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement nearly 14 years ago, including in trade, investment, tourism and development partnership. At the same time, High Commissioner, stressed upon the need to upgrade economic and commercial relations between the two countries stating that Sri Lanka was ideally and uniquely well placed to leverage the strong economic growth potential of India. He said India and Sri Lanka need to work towards unleashing the full potential of the bilateral economic relations, through creation of an enabling environment for trade in services and collaboration in diverse sectors including tourism, education and construction services. High Commissioner laid stress on the increased connectivity between India and Sri Lanka. Stating that Sri Lanka was on the cusp of rapid economic growth and India could partner Sri Lanka in this endeavor through exploring new avenues of cooperation based on mutual strengths and complementarities. He conveyed the ILCCI had a central role in enhancing mutual bilateral economic and commercial engagement and emphasized that through collective efforts this goal would be achieved.
The President of ILCCI, Vish Govindasamy, addressing the Members stated, “the relationship between Sri Lanka and India has developed beyond trade into the sectors of development, education, culture and defense, as well as a broad understanding on major issues of international interest”. He further stated that even though there are issues such as non-Tariff Barriers, which still are a concern in certain areas when exporting to India, the two Countries have successfully maintained a sustainable association especially in the area of business relationships.
Govindasamy requested the Indian High Commission to favorably consider the re-introduction of the long term – i.e. two years to five years - business Visa to genuine Sri Lankan Businessmen who travel regularly to India. He stated that the ILCCI had also made representations to the Sri Lankan Immigration Office to reciprocate same to genuine Indian Businessmen travelling to Sri Lanka regularly and is being looked at positively by the Department.
The long term business Visa is currently available to Sri Lankan Businesses who have invested in India.
