The Council for Business with Britain (CBB) hosted its Annual General Meeting recently. Hosted by the British High Commission, over 60 members attended to review the year and elect their council.

Welcoming guests to the event, chief guest and British High Commissioner Dr. Peter Hayes said "As patron of the CBB, I am pleased to support this group in their ongoing efforts to promote bilateral business relations between the UK and Sri Lanka. Now that Sri Lanka is no longer held back by war the CBB will play a crucial role in developing partnerships between businesses in Sri Lanka and the UK."

CBB Chairman Anil Wijesinghe of the AWS Institute of Education was re-elected and praised by colleagues for his tireless efforts on behalf of CBB. He added to the High Commissioners comments saying, "locally, the most significant development was the conclusion of the north-east war. Vast opportunities loom on the horizon with new markets opening up. However, the lingering ravages of the war remain a grave responsibility at an individual and corporates level". He went on to thank the general membership for their good will and support saying that without which "nothing is possible".

The last year also saw the continuing success of the CBB website. Under the stewardship of Philip Goodstein, MD Brand partners, the websites proved successful in reaching companies both here and in the UK, promoting the CBB and its events as well as attracting new sponsors to the English Language Teacher Training Programme.