The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce (CCC) celebrated 168 years of exemplary service to the business community this year. Established on March 25, 1839, CCC is amongst the few legendary institutions in the Asia Pacific Region to hold such an unbroken record.

Having commenced operations with coffee, followed by tea, rubber and coconut sectors, CCC has now evolved to cover all sectors of the economy and identifies itself as a Confederation of Regional and Sectoral Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Trade Associations, Employer Associations and Bilateral Business Councils. CCC claims this status having formed alliances with 13 Regional Chambers, 41 Trade, Product and Service Associations and 18 Bilateral Business Councils.

Playing a catalytic role in the development of the business sector it initiates action to identify future trends, focuses on key issues, and assists in the development of strategic plans to meet new challenges and opportunities. It also maintains close links with the government sector and multilateral aid agencies and provides a platform for the Private Sector to discuss issues affecting industry. CCC’s role extends to that of an intermediary between the public and private sectors.

Placed in an enviable position of pre-eminence in its membership coverage, business acumen and range of services, while being responsive to the needs of business in times of rapid change, it has expanded its scope and expertise to areas as diverse as HIV/AIDS, Human Resources and Education, Law and Order, Financial Sector Reforms, CSR and Public Awareness. It is further enriched with sector specific/regional experience and expertise through its affiliated Associations and Regional Chambers, which have taken it to the grass roots level of business.

The CCC is the only Chamber in Sri Lanka with ISO certification and works towards its vision of being the Benchmark Chamber of Commerce in the Asia Pacific Region.

Today the CCC comprises over 520 members covering the entire spectrum of the business community ranging from sole proprietors to multinationals. In the International business scene in addition to being a primary member of the Confederation of Asia Pacific Chambers of Commerce and the Sri Lanka National Council of the International Chamber of Commerce, Sri Lanka it enjoys links with over 55 local and overseas Chambers and Trade Associations through Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) thus making the network advantageous to the members for promotion of trade/investment.

The Chamber works closely with 18 Bilateral Business Councils covering Australia/ New Zealand, Britain, Benelux, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Nordic, Pakistan, Poland, Russia and Singapore.

With the leadership of Chairman, Mahen Dayananda, Vice Chairman J.D. Bandaranayake, and Dr. Anura Ekanayake as Deputy Vice Chairman, the CCC’s activities are steered by Prema Cooray as Secretary General/ CEO supported by a highly experienced and qualified staff.