News Today: President meeting Ceylon Chamber of Commerce economic reforms focuses on trade, tourism, digital economy, and private sector collaboration.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake yesterday met with the newly appointed Board of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce at the Presidential Secretariat. During the meeting, the President outlined the Government’s current economic approach, its strategic direction, and the integration of State and private sector roles to accelerate development and provide the necessary facilities to Sri Lanka’s business community.

The Chamber’s leadership, led by Chairman Krishan Balendra, presented their vision, contributions to the national economy, and key proposals for the National Budget 2026. These discussions highlighted reforms to strengthen competitiveness and ensure Sri Lanka’s sustainable growth trajectory.

Senior Economic Advisor to the President Duminda Hulangamuwa, Vice Chairman Bingumal Thewarathanthri, Deputy Vice Chairman Vinod Hirdaramani, and other senior officials participated in the meeting.

According to the Ceylon Chamber, their budget proposals were structured across five broad reform areas:

• Trade and Investment Facilitation – introduction of a National Single Window, modernization of the Customs Ordinance, establishment of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiation team, creation of private-sector-led investment zones, and improved import/export facilitation with the BOI.

• Tourism and Infrastructure – global marketing campaign for tourism and expediting the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) terminal expansion project.

• Digital Economy and Innovation – fast-tracking the rollout of a National Digital ID, expansion of 5G broadband, and increased rural broadband coverage.

• Ease of Doing Business – establishment of a National B-READY Task Force, introduction of a Public-Private Partnership Act, and strengthening the National Agency for PPPs.

The Chamber also reported progress on its 2025 budget proposals, noting that 17 were integrated into the national framework, with 14 already showing tangible progress.

President Dissanayake reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building investor confidence, enhancing public–private partnerships in sectors like tourism, energy, and agriculture, and simplifying pre-approval processes to fast-track investments.