BEIRUT; A significant milestone in strengthening economic and commercial relations between Sri
Lanka and Lebanon was reached with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding
(MoU) between the Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture of Beirut and Mount
Lebanon (CCIA-BML) and The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce (CCC) on 20 August 2026
in Beirut. This marked the first-ever MoU between the chambers of commerce of Sri Lanka
and Lebanon.
The MoU was signed in Beirut by Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce, Industry and
Agriculture of Beirut and Mount Lebanon, Mohamed Choucair, and Chairperson of The
Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, Krishan Balendra.
The conclusion of the MoU marked an important achievement under the Embassy of Sri
Lanka’s ongoing economic diplomacy programme in Lebanon. Ambassador of Sri Lanka to
Lebanon, Anura Withanage, played a key role in initiating, facilitating and following up the
process leading to the successful conclusion of the agreement, in close coordination with the
leadership and officials of both Chambers.
Since assuming his duties in Lebanon, Ambassador Withanage had placed strong emphasis
on expanding trade, investment and private-sector engagement between Sri Lanka and
Lebanon. The initiative was advanced through close cooperation between the Embassy and
both Chambers.
The agreement established a structured framework to promote economic cooperation and
trade relations between Lebanese and Sri Lankan companies. Under the MoU, the two
Chambers would cooperate in trade, investment, technology transfer and industrial activities,
while exchanging information on business opportunities, supporting the identification of
investment projects and potential partners, encouraging joint ventures and facilitating greater
interaction between private-sector companies in the two countries.
The agreement also provided for cooperation in organising seminars, programmes, courses
and conferences; exchanging business and industrial delegations; sharing information on
commercial and economic regulations; and supporting companies from both countries to
participate in trade fairs and exhibitions. The Chambers would also encourage the exchange
of technical and professional expertise and periodically review progress and identify new areas
for cooperation.
Ambassador Withanage welcomed the signing as an important platform for transforming the
longstanding friendship between Sri Lanka and Lebanon into stronger commercial
partnerships and tangible economic opportunities.
The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Beirut would continue to work closely with both Chambers and
the business communities of the two countries to translate the MoU into practical outcomes,
including increased business-to-business contacts, trade delegations, investment
opportunities, participation in exhibitions and stronger links between Sri Lankan and
Lebanese companies
