RUZAIK FAROOK
COLOMBO — The Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Sri Lanka (CanCham SL) commemorated the 159th Canadian Confederation Day with a flagship celebration in Colombo, bringing together members of the diplomatic corps, government officials, business leaders, and key stakeholders on Wednesday July 1 at the Cinnamon Grand Hotel.
The event was graced by Her Excellency Isabelle Martin, High Commissioner of Canada to Sri Lanka and the Maldives, who joined the celebrations marking Canada’s national day and the strengthening of bilateral relations between the two countries.
Established with the support of Global Affairs Canada and under the patronage of the Canadian High Commissioner, CanCham SL has rapidly evolved into a leading platform promoting bilateral trade, investment, innovation, and people-to-people cooperation between Sri Lanka and Canada.
Since its inception, the Chamber has established its Secretariat at Horton Place in Colombo, launched a membership drive, and introduced sector-focused working groups covering Tourism, Global One Health, IT and FinTech, Women in Development, and Education and Skills.
Highlighting its achievements in 2026, CanCham SL announced the launch of the One Global Health Initiative in collaboration with partners from Saskatchewan, the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the CanCham network in the presence of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, and high-level engagements with Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe and ICECD India.
As part of the Canada Day celebrations, the Chamber, together with Lions Club International District 8, also conducted a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme at Camilla School, Mattegoda, benefiting more than 70 differently abled students.
Looking ahead, CanCham SL revealed plans to lead a Business Promotion Mission to Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver later this year. The Chamber is also preparing to host several major initiatives in 2027, including an ocean clean-up campaign to mark its first anniversary, a Peace-led Climate Friendly Sustainable Development Forum, its inaugural Annual General Meeting (AGM), and a Global Health and Wellness Conference.
CanCham SL expressed its appreciation to High Commissioner Isabelle Martin, her team, and the Canadian Chambers of Commerce across the Indo-Pacific region for their continued support in advancing Canada–Sri Lanka economic cooperation.
The Chamber also invited businesses across Sri Lanka to join its growing network and contribute to further strengthening trade and investment ties between Sri Lanka and Canada.
High Commissioner of Canada Isabelle Martin, together with Canadian Chamber of Commerce Founder and Board Director Mohamed Hameez and Board Director Priyantha Chandrasekara, ceremonially cut the Canada Day cake during the celebration.
