Welcome to the Sri Lankan Business Council!

The Sri Lankan Business Council in Dubai & Northern Emirates was formed in the year 1991 under the umbrella of the Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Dubai & Northern Emirates. Later it evolved into a registered Business Council under the auspices of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry in the year 2004.

The SLBC has grown into an organization consisting of Sri Lankan Entrepreneurs and Senior Professionals in the UAE as its Individual Members and a number of organizations interested in Sri Lankan business as its Corporate Members.

Our
History

The Sri Lankan Business Council (SLBC) in Dubai & Northern Emirates was formed in the year 1991 under the umbrella of the Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Dubai in the UAE. Later it evolved into a registered Business Council under the auspices of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry in the year 2004.

Our
Mission

To foster robust trade relationships between Sri Lanka and the UAE by uniting the business community, facilitating mutual opportunities, and promoting sustainable economic growth.

Our
Vision

o become the benchmark for dynamic business councils, inspiring emulation through our innovative approaches and impactful contributions to bilateral trade and investment between Sri Lanka and the UAE.

Chairman’s Message


I am deeply honored and humbled to share with you that I have been re-elected as the Chairman of the Sri Lankan Business Council (SLBC).

Your trust and support mean the world to me, and I am committed to steering SLBC towards greater heights of success and inclusivity.

As we embark on this journey together, I am thrilled to announce some pivotal developments aimed at enhancing our council’s impact and fostering inclusiveness within our community.

Firstly, I am delighted to share that we are redoubling our efforts to increase women’s participation within SLBC. Recognizing the invaluable contributions of our female members, I have appointed a Co-Vice Chairperson for the Ladies Wing, elevating a Board Director to this esteemed position. Additionally, we have expanded the representation of female Board Directors from one to three, constituting one-third of our current Board. This step underscores our unwavering commitment to gender parity, diversity and inclusivity.

Furthermore, I am pleased to announce a significant expansion in our representation from the country’s capital, Abu Dhabi. We have increased our Board presence from one to three members, underscoring the strategic importance of this region in fostering stronger ties between Sri Lanka and the UAE.

At the core of our vision lies the principle of inclusiveness. I firmly believe that diversity in perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences enriches our collective journey and propels us towards greater success. It is my earnest desire to see inclusiveness ingrained as a cornerstone of our council’s future endeavors.

In line with our commitment to driving industry-centric solutions, we are establishing sub-committees aimed at addressing the unique challenges faced by businesses in Sri Lanka and the UAE. These committees will work closely with the Board of Directors to devise strategies that foster growth, innovation, and resilience within our respective industries.

Additionally, we are steadfast in our resolve to expand our membership base and enhance bilateral trade between our nations. Through collaborative efforts and strategic partnerships, we aim to create a conducive environment for sustainable economic growth and prosperity.

As we embark on this journey, I am cognizant of the importance of succession planning within our Board of Directors. It is imperative that we nurture talent, groom future leaders, and ensure a seamless transition of leadership to sustain SLBC’s momentum and vision.

In closing, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to each of you for your unwavering support and dedication to the Sri Lankan Business Council. Together, let us chart a path of inclusivity, innovation, and prosperity, as we strive to realize our collective aspirations.

With warm regards,

Suren Swaminathan

Chairman
Sri Lankan Business Council – Dubai and the Northern Emirates

Upcoming Events

hope-blossoms
Hope Blossoms Breast Cancer Awareness hosted by the Ladies of the Sri Lanka Business Council.

Testimonials

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Eminent Senior Advisors to the Board

Mr. C. Chakradaran

Founding and Life Member - SLBC UAE He was the first recipient of the SLBC Lifetime Achievement Award in 2014/15 for his outstanding contributions to the Sri Lankan community and SLBC.

Mr. Farook Kassim

Founding and Life Member - SLBC. 3 times former chairman of SLBC Dubai.

Mr. Gamini Kannangara

A senior member who served previous boards, and a stalwart for the Sri Lankan community.