A new Sri Lanka–Viet Nam Business Council will help businesses in both countries expand trade, find investment opportunities and build new business partnerships.
The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce launched the Council with 30 companies joining as its first members. The new Council comes as both countries work towards a US$1 billion bilateral trade target by 2030.
Council to Connect Businesses in Both Markets
The new Council will give Sri Lankan and Vietnamese companies a place to connect and explore new business opportunities. It will focus on areas such as manufacturing, agriculture, logistics, tourism, ICT, renewable energy and professional services.
In addition, the Council will support business partnerships, trade visits and investment opportunities between the two markets. This will give companies a more direct way to find business partners and explore new markets.
The Council is the 22nd bilateral business council under the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce.
The Chamber first announced the Council in May 2026 at the Sri Lanka–Viet Nam Trade, Investment and Tourism Cooperation Forum.
New Council Leadership
Mahen Kariyawasan, Managing Director of Andrew the Travel Company, will lead the Council as its first President. Suranjaya Rajaguru, Director of Millennium Transportation (Pvt) Ltd, will serve as Senior Vice President.
Meanwhile, Kamal Wimalaratne, Chief Executive Officer of Hayleys Engineering, will serve as Vice President. Malith Thilakarathne of Nations Trust Bank PLC will serve as Treasurer.
The Executive Committee will also include representatives from AgStar PLC, Aitken Spence Cargo, Hirdaramani International Exports, Linea Aqua and Maliban Biscuits.
At the launch, Ceylon Chamber Chairperson Krishan Balendra said both countries have room to grow their business ties across several sectors. He pointed to opportunities in manufacturing, agriculture, logistics, tourism, ICT, renewable energy and professional services.
Meanwhile, Vietnamese Ambassador Trinh Thi Tam said stronger business links will play an important role as both countries work towards the US$1 billion trade target.
She also encouraged the Council to create opportunities for companies of different sizes. The Council’s first President, Mahen Kariyawasan, called for more active business ties between the two countries.
He said the Council should help turn the long-standing relationship between the two countries into more trade, investment and business activity.
He also pointed to tourism, aviation, agriculture, manufacturing, technology and logistics as areas with room for greater cooperation.
The Council will now work to connect companies, identify market opportunities and support new trade and investment partnerships between Sri Lanka and Viet Nam.
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Last modified: October 21, 2026
