Our Journey
The Sri Lanka - Germany Business Council of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce was inaugurated on September 24, 1999, with the primary objective of promoting trade, investments, tourism and services between Sri Lanka and Germany and particularly to promote exports from Sri Lanka to Germany. The proposal made by the Deputy Ambassador for Germany in Sri Lanka Dr. Hans Von Bothmer resulted in the formation of Sri Lanka - Germany Business Council and Mr. R Sivaratnam, Chairman and Managing Director, Aitken Spence & Co. Ltd., was appointed as the 1st President of the Council. The Council continues to develop new initiatives and areas of corporation between business communities of the two countries with the exchange of trade missions, delegations, new investments and joint ventures. The membership of the Council was 101 as at 31st March 2023
President's Message
Good Evening!
Dr. Felix Neumann, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany,
Mr. Buwaneka Perera, Secretary General ang CEO, Ceylon Chamber of Commerce,
Ms. Dharini Daluwatte, German Embassy,
Past Presidents, Members, guests, invitees, ladies and gentlemen,
It is with great honour and a deep sense of responsibility that I assume office as the President of the Sri Lanka – Germany Business Council. I sincerely thank the members for the trust and confidence placed in me. I also wish to acknowledge and appreciate the exemplary leadership of the outgoing President and the dedicated service rendered by the Council, which has significantly contributed to strengthening the longstanding relationship between Sri Lanka and Germany.
The partnership between our two nations is built on mutual respect, trust, and shared economic interests. It is a relationship that has stood the test of time, and I believe there remains substantial potential to further enhance cooperation across multiple sectors.
During my tenure, I intend to focus on several priority areas that can generate meaningful and measurable outcomes for our members and both economies.
Tourism remains a key pillar of collaboration. Germany continues to be one of Sri Lanka’s most important source markets. We must continue to actively promote Sri Lanka as a preferred destination while supporting sustainable growth, improved connectivity, and value-driven tourism development.
Investment promotion will also be a central focus. I am committed to encouraging increased bilateral investments, particularly in sectors such as renewable energy, logistics, manufacturing, digital services, and vocational training. Strategic collaboration in these sectors can create long-term economic value and strengthen resilience in both countries.
In the area of trade and joint ventures, there is considerable untapped potential. Sri Lankan products and services have promising opportunities in the German market, just as German expertise and innovation can further support Sri Lanka’s development. The Council will work towards facilitating stronger business linkages, promoting partnerships, and creating platforms for meaningful engagement.
Vocational education and skills development will continue to be a priority. Germany’s globally recognized expertise in vocational training presents valuable opportunities to enhance the capabilities and competitiveness of Sri Lanka’s workforce, contributing to sustainable economic progress.
My vision is to lead a Council that is focused, proactive, and results-oriented. Strengthening member engagement, deepening partnerships, and delivering measurable impact will remain at the core of our efforts. I also look forward to continued collaboration with the German Ambassador and all relevant stakeholders to further elevate Sri Lanka–Germany economic relations.
Together, let us build on our strong foundation and work towards a future of greater cooperation and shared success.
Ambassador's Message
I had the privilege of meeting with HE the President soon after his appointment and expressed Germany’s willingness to work together in the path to economic recovery. We discussed that Germany is ready to support the Sri Lankan efforts for skilled labour migration. German vocational training has been part of skills development for decades, German tech Moratuwa and Kilinochchi are a testament to this cooperation.
There are about 300 German brands present in the Sri Lankan market place. German brands and investments have a positive reputation as being extremely reliable and long lasting. Germany is here for the long-term, no German company left Sri Lanka during the difficult economic times. On tourism, Germany is the 4th largest source market for tourist arrivals to Sri Lanka, with a market share of over 7%. Tourism remains a strong connector between Sri Lanka and Germany and it is this people to people connection that lasts and ignites new life to the bilateral relationship.
Executive Committee 2025/2026
Seated from left: Ms. Pasandi Senara, Secretariat of The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Karim Schadlou, Senior Vice President, Dr. Felix Neumann, Ambassador, Embassy of Germany in Sri Lanka, Mr. Gerard Victoria, President, Mr. Asoka Hettigoda, Immediate past president, Mr. Sudath Tennakoon Vice president.
Standing left to right (Committee members): Mr. Aflal Khan Ismail, Ms. Dhilmini Palipane, Ms. Dharini Daluwatte, Advisor – Trade, Development & Political Affairs Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany, Mr. Nalaka Amaratunga, Treasurer, Mr. Suranga Ratnayake, Mr. Mark Francis, Mr.Surendra Ediriweera, Mr. Ryan Gonawela, Mr. Roy Anthony (Not in the picture)
PRESIDENT
Mr. Gerard Victoria
Director / Chief Executive Officer
Air Global (Pvt) Ltd
No.400, Deans Road, Colombo 10
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT
Mr. Karim Schadlou
General Manager
Hilton Colombo Residences
No.200, Union Place, Colombo 02
Email: karim.schadlou@hilton.com
VICE PRESIDENT
Mr. D. Sudath Tennakoon
Chairman/CEO
Central Bearings & Machinery (Pvt) Ltd
CBM House, No.2A, Lake Drive, Colombo 08
Email: sudath@centralbearing.com
IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT
Mr. Asoka Hettigoda
Managing Director
Hettigoda Industries (Pvt) Ltd
No.33/3, Sri Dharmarama Road, Ratmalana
Email: asokahet@gmail.com
COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Ms. Dhilmini Palipane
Assistant General Manager
Aitken Spence Cargo (Pvt) Ltd
Level 07, Aitken Spence Tower I, No.315, Vauxhall Street, Colombo 02
Email: dhilmini.p@aitkenspence.lk
Mr. Suranga Ratnayake
Vice President
Aitken Spence PLC
No.315, Vauxhall Street, Colombo 02
Email: suranga@aitkenspence.lk
Mr. Roy Anthony
Director
C.G.V Anthony & Sons (Pte) Ltd
No.155, Muthuwella Mawatha, Colombo 15
Email: antoneng@sltnet.lk
Mr. Surendra Ediriweera
Managing Director
Ceylon Tours Ltd
No.8A, Sir Ernest De Silva Mawatha, Colombo 07
Email: suren@ceylontours.com
Mr. Aflal Khan Ismail
Chief Operating Officer
Detroves Travels (Pvt) Ltd
No.31/1, Ridgeway Place, Colombo 04
Email: aflal@detrovestravels.com
Mr. Mark Francis
Executive Director
Malship (Ceylon) Ltd
No.55/16, Vauxhall Lane, Colombo 02
Mr. Ryan Gonawela
Vice President
Rosen Enterprises (Pvt) Ltd
No.15 A, De Fonseka Road, Colombo 05
Email: ryan@mandarahotels.com
Past Presidents
- Mr. Karim Schadlou
- Mr. Roy Anthony
- Mr. Karim Schadlou
- Mr. Roy Anthony
- Mr. Asoka Hettigoda
- Mr. Sudath Tennakoon
- Mr. Asoka Hettigoda
- Mr. Sudath Tennakoon
- Mr. Neil Umagiliya
- Mr. Ranjith Pandithage
- Mr. Neil Umagiliya
- Mr. Ranjith Pandithage
- Mr. Neil Umagiliya
- Mr. Ranjith Pandithage
- Mr. Neil Umagiliya
- Mr. Ranjith Pandithage
- Mr. Neil Umagiliya
- Mr. Ranjith Pandithage
- Mr. Neil Umagiliya
- Mr. Ranjith Pandithage
- Mr. Neil Umagiliya
- Mr. Ranjith Pandithage
- Mr. Neil Umagiliya
- Mr. Ranjith Pandithage
- Mr. Neil Umagiliya
- Mr. Ranjith Pandithage
- Mr. Neil Umagiliya
- Mr. Ranjith Pandithage
- Mr. Neil Umagiliya
- Mr. Ranjith Pandithage
- Mr. Mark Francis
- Mr. Neil Umagiliya
- Mr. Mark Francis
- Mr. Neil Umagiliya
- Mr. Mark Francis
- Mr. Neil Umagiliya
- Mr. Michael Elias
- Mr. Mark Francis
- Mr. Michael Elias
- Mr. Senake Amarasinghe
- Mr. N Ramaiah
- Mr. Michael Elias
- Mr. N Ramaiah
- Mr. Stefan Pfeiffer
- Mr. Jayantha Fernando
- Mr. N Ramaiah
- Mr. H R Reuter
- Mr. Jayantha Fernando
- Mr. H R Reuter
- Mr. Jayantha Fernando