The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce

What The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce does

The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, founded in 1839 and headquartered at 50 Navam Mawatha, Colombo 02, is Sri Lanka's oldest and most established private sector representative organization. Operating as a non-profit trade association (101-250 employees), it functions as a confederation of trade associations, sectoral chambers, bilateral business councils, and employer organizations. Its service portfolio spans policy advocacy (representing private sector interests in national economic policy, including incorporation of 18 recommendations into Budget 2026), trade facilitation (e-Certificate of Origin issuance, GS1 barcode registration for Sri Lanka, document endorsement), economic research (Outlook annual reports, Monthly Economic Updates, Business Opportunities Bulletin, Sri Lanka Economic Acceleration Framework), commercial arbitration and mediation, secretariat services for sectoral trade associations, SME support through the Centre for SMEs (1,800+ SMEs annually), and training via the Chamber Academy.

The Chamber monetizes through six revenue streams: recurring membership subscriptions (patron, corporate, and association tiers with Sri Lanka's largest corporates including John Keells, Hayleys, Hemas, Standard Chartered, HSBC, Unilever, Nestle, Dialog Axiata), events and conferences (annual Sri Lanka Economic and Investment Summit 26th edition in October 2026 with 850+ delegates from 20+ countries; biennial Sri Lanka Climate Summit; BCCS awards), publications and research reports (Outlook 2026 at LKR 12,000, Business Opportunities Bulletin annual subscription, Directory of Members at LKR 10,000), training and advisory services, transaction-based trade facilitation fees, and meeting venue rentals. Internationally, the Chamber operates 20+ bilateral business councils spanning India, China, the US, the UK, Germany, Japan, Korea, Australia/New Zealand, Canada, Singapore, Benelux, Russia, Italy, France, Indonesia, Malaysia, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Maldives, and the Nordic countries. Technology infrastructure is administrative rather than proprietary — a WordPress-based website (chamber.lk), an economic news portal (economy.lk), and a trade information portal (TradeWatch.lk) — with no AI/ML, API, or SDK capabilities disclosed. The organization is led by Chairperson Krishan Balendra (also Chairperson of John Keells Holdings PLC) and Secretary General/CEO Shiran Fernando (appointed April 2026).

Name

The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce

Legal name

The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce

Website

https://chamber.lk

Company type

Private

Founded year

1839

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce is a 187-year-old Sri Lankan non-profit trade association providing policy advocacy, trade facilitation, bilateral business council services, SME support, and economic research to Sri Lankan businesses and international partners across 20+ countries.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Trade Association and Chamber of Commerce Services

NAICS

Convention and Trade Show Organizers (561920), Wholesale Trade Agents and Brokers (42512)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

Trade Policy, Agreements & Negotiations (BPADAMAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Policy, Regulatory & Public Affairs Research (BPAHALAF), Trade, Export Controls & Customs Compliance (BPAHAFAN)

Keywords

• Trade association services
• Policy advocacy
• Trade facilitation
• Certificate of origin
• Economic research

Headquarters

HQ city

Colombo

HQ country

Sri Lanka

HQ region

Asia

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Membership Fees: The Chamber operates as a membership-based organization, generating revenue from annual membership subscriptions paid by Sri Lankan businesses, corporations, and trade associations. The membership structure encompasses patron members, corporate members, and association members across multiple sectors.
2. Events and Conferences: Revenue generated from organizing flagship events including the annual Sri Lanka Economic and Investment Summit, Sri Lanka Climate Summit, India-Sri Lanka Business Forum, bilateral business council meetings, and AGM events. Delegate fees and sponsorship revenue contribute to this stream.
3. Publications and Research Reports: Sale of economic outlook publications including the annual Outlook report series (Outlook 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026), Sri Lanka Economic Acceleration Framework 2021-26, Business Opportunities Bulletin (annual subscription), Directory of Members PDF, and Monthly Economic Updates. Prices range from free to LKR 15,000 depending on publication and membership status.
4. Training and Advisory Services: Revenue from Chamber Academy training programs, SME Centre advisory services, and specialized training programs such as the International Trade Facilitation Programme conducted at IIFT New Delhi. The Chamber supports over 1,800 SMEs through training, advisory services, and market access initiatives.
5. Trade Facilitation and Certification Services: Fees for document registration services including e-Certificate of Origin issuance, endorsement services, GS1 barcode registration, commercial arbitration and mediation services, and secretarial services. The Chamber also facilitates visa facilitation services.
6. Meeting Venue Rental: Revenue from rental of meeting venues and facilities to members and external organizations for conferences, seminars, and business events.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit trade association that sells membership subscriptions, trade-facilitation services (including e-Certificate of Origin issuance, endorsement and GS1 barcode registration), policy advocacy, commercial arbitration and mediation, economic research publications, secretarial services, training through the Chamber Academy, SME development support, meeting venue rental, and visa facilitation to Sri Lankan businesses and trade associations. It also convenes flagship paid and sponsored events such as the annual Sri Lanka Economic and Investment Summit and the biennial Sri Lanka Climate Summit, and publishes authoritative macroeconomic research including the annual Outlook report series.

Product overview

The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce is Sri Lanka's premier private sector representative organization offering a comprehensive suite of publications, services, and events. Its core product portfolio includes annual Outlook economic reports (Outlook 2023-2026) providing macroeconomic analysis, the Directory of Members for networking, Business Opportunities Bulletin, and the Sri Lanka Economic Acceleration Framework. The Chamber provides business services including Trade Promotion & Facilitation, Commercial Arbitration & Mediation, Economic Research, GS1 Barcodes, Meeting Venues, Policy Advocacy, Visa Facilitation, SME Development, Chamber Academy training, Secretarial Services, and Document Registration. It organizes major events including the annual Sri Lanka Economic and Investment Summit (26th edition), biennial Sri Lanka Climate Summit, and Best Corporate Citizen Sustainability Awards. The organization facilitates bilateral business relations through 20+ country-specific business councils and coordinates inbound/outbound business delegations.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Trade Watch: A trade and investment information service providing updates on trade, investment, services, and tourism
• Best Corporate Citizen Sustainability Awards (BCCS)
• Sri Lanka Economic and Investment Summit
• Sri Lanka Climate Summit

Products and services

• Outlook Annual Economic Reports Annual economic outlook publications published by the Chamber's Economic Intelligence Unit, providing in-depth macroeconomic analysis of Sri Lanka's economy, sectoral reviews, and global economic trends. Sold as E-Copy editions (Outlook 2024 free; Outlook 2025 LKR 8,000; Outlook 2026 LKR 12,000) and primarily aimed at corporate members, policymakers, and business decision-makers.
• Business and Trade Promotion and Facilitation Trade promotion and facilitation services that help Sri Lankan businesses access international markets, identify partners, and grow export/import activities via Chamber networks, delegations, and bilateral councils. Targeted at Sri Lankan businesses seeking international trade opportunities.
• Commercial Arbitration and Mediation Formal dispute-resolution services for commercial disputes between businesses, administered by the Chamber under its published Chamber Arbitration Rules. Intended for member companies and the wider Sri Lankan business community needing neutral, institutional arbitration.
• Economic Research Services Macroeconomic research, policy analysis, and economic intelligence delivered through the Economic Intelligence Unit, including monthly economic updates, survey-based research (e.g., Export Barometer), and policy briefs. Aimed at member companies, policymakers, and the Sri Lankan business community.
• GS1 Sri Lanka Barcode Registration GS1 barcode registration and management services administered through the Chamber, providing product identification and supply chain standardization for Sri Lankan manufacturers, distributors, and retailers.
• Document Registration and e-Certificate of Origin Electronic registration of commercial documents and issuance of e-Certificates of Origin and endorsements, accessible via the edocs.lk platform. Required export documentation for Sri Lankan exporters shipping under trade agreements including the India-Sri Lanka FTA.
• Meeting Venue Rental Rental of meeting and conference facilities at the Chamber's Colombo headquarters for member and external organizations hosting conferences, seminars, AGMs, and business events. Bookable via the Chamber receptionist.
• Policy Advocacy Advocacy service representing private sector interests in policy formulation, regulatory design, and national economic reform discussions with government. Aimed at member companies and the wider Sri Lankan business community; evidence of impact includes 18 recommendations incorporated in Budget 2026.
• Visa Facilitation Assistance with business visa processing and immigration documentation for traveling executives and delegations, including support letters and liaison with embassies and high commissions. Aimed at member companies and visiting business travelers.
• SME and Entrepreneurship Development Support services for Sri Lankan small and medium enterprises including training, advisory, market access facilitation, and entrepreneurship development delivered through the Centre for SMEs. The Centre supports over 1,800 SMEs annually.
• Chamber Academy Training Programs Professional development and training programs for Chamber members and the Sri Lankan business community, including the International Trade Facilitation Programme at IIFT New Delhi. Aimed at upskilling corporate professionals and SME owners.
• Secretarial Services Corporate secretarial and administrative support services for trade sections and associations under the Chamber umbrella (Palm Oil, Rubber, Renewable Energy, Dairy, Pharmaceuticals, Exporters, Biotech, Airline, Motor Traders, Industrial, Tourism). Aimed at member trade associations and their secretariats.
• Business Delegations Inbound and outbound business delegation services that arrange trade missions, B2B matchmaking, and high-level participation in international forums (e.g., India-Sri Lanka Business Forum in Mumbai, delegation to CII Partnership Summit in Visakhapatnam, trade mission to Canada). Aimed at Sri Lankan businesses seeking international partners and foreign businesses entering Sri Lanka.
• Trade Watch Information Portal Online portal providing updates on trade, investment, services, and tourism regulations and opportunities. Aimed at member companies, traders, and investors needing current information on Sri Lanka's trade and investment environment.
• Bilateral Business Councils Network Network of more than 20 bilateral business councils operating under the Chamber umbrella (Sri Lanka-India/ILCCI, Sri Lanka-Canada, Sri Lanka-Singapore, Sri Lanka-Korea, Sri Lanka-Germany, Sri Lanka-China, Sri Lanka-France, Sri Lanka-Japan, Sri Lanka-Benelux, Sri Lanka-Maldives, Sri Lanka-USA, Council for Business with Britain, Sri Lanka-Australia-New Zealand, Sri Lanka-Italy, Sri Lanka-Bangladesh, Sri Lanka-Russia, Sri Lanka-Indonesia, Sri Lanka-Pakistan, Sri Lanka-Greater Mekong, Sri Lanka-Nordic, Sri Lanka-Malaysia) organizing meetings, seminars, and diplomatic engagements with partner countries.
• Sri Lanka Economic and Investment Summit Annual premier economic policy forum bringing together policymakers, business leaders, development partners, and international experts for dialogue on Sri Lanka's economic future. The 26th edition is scheduled for 12-13 October 2026. Generates delegate registration fees and sponsorship revenue.
• Sri Lanka Climate Summit Biennial climate summit focused on climate action integration into Sri Lanka's growth agenda, with Platinum, Gold, Strategic, and Knowledge sponsorship tiers and high-profile panelists from government, multilaterals, and business. The 2026 edition was held on 9 June 2026.
• Best Corporate Citizen Sustainability Awards (BCCS) Annual paid-entry corporate sustainability recognition program organized by the Chamber, evaluating participating Sri Lankan corporates on ESG (planet, people, profit) and strategic ESG integration dimensions. The 2026 edition introduces a refreshed framework with new categories including ESG Integration Champion and Future-Ready Enterprise Award.
• Directory of Members Comprehensive business directory listing Chamber members, used for networking and business referrals. Sold as a PDF publication at LKR 10,000 per copy.
• Business Opportunities Bulletin Annual subscription publication providing business opportunity listings and trade intelligence for Sri Lankan and international businesses. Annual member subscription priced at LKR 15,000.
• Sri Lanka Economic Acceleration Framework 2021-26 Economic framework document outlining Sri Lanka's economic acceleration strategy for the period 2021-2026, published by the Chamber to inform public-private dialogue on growth priorities.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 850 participants and 40+ speakers from 20+ countries attracted to annual Economic and Investment Summit
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

34 partnerships are on record, tiered platinum, gold, strategic, knowledge, core and minor.

• Commercial Bank of Ceylon PLCplatinumStrategic or Co-development Partner · 9 June 2026Platinum Sponsor of Sri Lanka Climate Summit 2026, held on 9 June at Taj Samudra Hotel. Managing Director Sanath Manatunge participated as panelist in technical session on sector pathways for climate action.
• Dilmah TeaplatinumStrategic or Co-development Partner · 9 June 2026Platinum Sponsor of Sri Lanka Climate Summit 2026. Chairman and CEO Dilhan Fernando served as panelist in opening plenary on Sri Lanka's climate investment readiness.
• Hirdaramani GroupgoldStrategic or Co-development Partner · 9 June 2026Gold Sponsor of Sri Lanka Climate Summit 2026. General Manager – Group Sustainability Dr. Leonie Vaas participated in boardroom climate session as panelist.
• Nestlé LankastrategicStrategic or Co-development Partner · 9 June 2026Strategic Sponsor of Sri Lanka Climate Summit 2026, supporting the event as part of the Chamber's sustainability-focused programming.
• Cargills CeylonstrategicStrategic or Co-development Partner · 9 June 2026Strategic Sponsor of Sri Lanka Climate Summit 2026, contributing to the Chamber's climate action platform.
• Colombo Stock ExchangestrategicStrategic or Co-development Partner · 9 June 2026Strategic Sponsor of Sri Lanka Climate Summit 2026. Senior Vice President Punyamali Saparamadu participated as panelist in climate finance session.
• Colombo West International TerminalstrategicStrategic or Co-development Partner · 9 June 2026Strategic Sponsor of Sri Lanka Climate Summit 2026, supporting the Chamber's climate action initiative.
• Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)knowledgeStrategic or Co-development Partner · 9 June 2026Knowledge Partner for Sri Lanka Climate Summit 2026. UN-FAO Country Representative for Sri Lanka and Maldives Vimlendra Sharan served as panelist in opening plenary on climate investment readiness.
• Confederation of Indian Industry (CII)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 13 May 2026Strategic partnership with CII for organizing the India-Sri Lanka Business Forum: Partnering in Sri Lanka's Growth and Investment in Mumbai on 13 May 2026. The forum brought together senior government representatives, industry leaders, and business delegates from both countries to deepen economic engagement in trade, investments, connectivity, tourism, renewable energy, logistics, digital transformation, and manufacturing. CII co-chairmanship included Anurag Agarwal (Polycab India Ltd) and Vishal Kamat (Kamat Hotels India Ltd).
• Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT), New DelhiminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 1 March 2026Conducted prestigious International Trade Facilitation Programme at IIFT New Delhi, with a delegation of 30 Chamber professionals completing specialized residential training on international trade.
• Indo-Lanka Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ILCCI)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAffiliated bilateral chamber operating under the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce umbrella. Hosts interactive sessions on Sri Lanka's investment opportunities and facilitates business dialogue between India and Sri Lanka. Led by President M. Raghuraman. Organized sessions with government representatives including Dr. Satyanjal Pandey and Aritha Wickramasinghe (Chief of Staff to Presidential Special Envoy on Foreign Investment).
• Sri Lanka-Canada Business Council (SLCBC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBilateral business council under the Chamber organizing networking events and diplomatic engagements. Hosted Welcome Reception on 29 January with Canadian High Commission representatives. Part of the Chamber's network of 20+ bilateral business councils facilitating trade and investment between Sri Lanka and partner countries.
• Sri Lanka-Benelux Business Council (SLBBC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBilateral business council facilitating trade relations between Sri Lanka and Belgium, Netherlands, and Luxembourg. Hosted seminar on Quality Assurance, Safety Standards and Certification. Met with Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Held 28th Annual General Meeting with H.E. Bonnie Horbach, Ambassador for the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Sri Lanka and Maldives.
• Sri Lanka-Germany Business Council (SLGBC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBilateral business council hosting exclusive meetings with key economic stakeholders. Organized Breakfast Meeting with Dr. P. Nandalal Weerawardena, Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, providing private sector perspective on monetary policy and economic conditions.
• Sri Lanka-Maldives Business Council (SLMLBC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBilateral business council facilitating trade and tourism relations between Sri Lanka and Maldives. Conducted CSR initiative strengthening community healthcare through donation activities. Hosted interactive session with High Commissioner designate to the Maldives H.E. Ranga Goonawardena.
• Sri Lanka-Korea Business Council (SLKBC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBilateral business council hosting awareness sessions on business opportunities. Organized networking evening for members and hosted session titled 'Doing Business with South Korea' featuring Korean Chamber of Commerce representatives.
• Sri Lanka-China Business CouncilcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBilateral business council celebrating 21st Annual General Meeting, facilitating trade and investment dialogue between Sri Lankan and Chinese businesses under the Chamber umbrella.
• Sri Lanka-France Business CouncilcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBilateral business council hosting Members' Day Evening events and facilitating French-Sri Lankan business relations. Part of the Chamber's extensive bilateral business council network.
• Sri Lanka-Japan Business CouncilcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBilateral business council within the Chamber network facilitating Japanese-Sri Lankan business engagement and investment promotion.
• Sri Lanka-Bangladesh Business CouncilcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBilateral business council within the Chamber network facilitating trade and investment between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.
• Sri Lanka-USA Business CouncilcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBilateral business council within the Chamber network facilitating American-Sri Lankan trade and investment relations.
• Sri Lanka-Russia Business Council (SLRBC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBilateral business council hosting Members' Night events and facilitating Russian-Sri Lankan business engagement.
• Sri Lanka-Pakistan Business CouncilcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBilateral business council hosting diplomatic outreach with Pakistani High Commission and facilitating trade relations between Sri Lanka and Pakistan.
• Sri Lanka-Italy Business CouncilcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBilateral business council within the Chamber network facilitating Italian-Sri Lankan trade and investment.
• Sri Lanka-Greater Mekong Business CouncilcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBilateral business council within the Chamber network facilitating trade between Sri Lanka and Greater Mekong Sub-region countries.
• Sri Lanka-Indonesia Business CouncilcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBilateral business council within the Chamber network facilitating Indonesian-Sri Lankan trade and investment relations.
• Sri Lanka-Australia-New Zealand Business CouncilcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBilateral business council within the Chamber network facilitating Australasian-Sri Lankan trade and investment relations.
• Sri Lanka-Nordic Business CouncilcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBilateral business council within the Chamber network facilitating Nordic-Sri Lankan trade and investment relations.
• Council for Business with Britain (CBB)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBilateral business council facilitating British-Sri Lankan trade relations. Supported initiative for restoring safe drinking water access for cyclone-affected communities through fundraising activities.
• Sri Lanka-Singapore Business CouncilcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBilateral business council within the Chamber network facilitating Singapore-Sri Lankan trade and investment relations.
• Sri Lanka-Malaysia Business CouncilcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBilateral business council within the Chamber network facilitating Malaysian-Sri Lankan trade and investment relations.
• MVIRDC World Trade Center MumbaiminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnered with MVIRDC World Trade Center Mumbai for India-Sri Lanka Business Forum, hosting interactive sessions for Sri Lankan business delegations exploring partnerships in logistics, tourism, renewable energy, infrastructure, technology, and manufacturing.
• All India Association of Industries (AIAI)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnered with All India Association of Industries for hosting interactive sessions and business forums between Indian and Sri Lankan businesses.
• HSBC and LTL HoldingsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnered with HSBC and LTL Holdings to facilitate donation of 45 refurbished laptops to students affected by Cyclone Ditwah, demonstrating CSR engagement.

Scale indicators11 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Others

• GS1 (Global): The Chamber operates GS1 Sri Lanka as a wholly owned subsidiary; GS1 is the enabling standards body for the barcode services the Chamber provides, making it a parent/administrative peer in one of the Chamber's revenue lines.

Broad incumbents

• International Chamber of Commerce (ICC): The global apex chamber of commerce network; while the Ceylon Chamber is Sri Lanka-domiciled, ICC provides the international umbrella for trade facilitation, arbitration (ICC International Court of Arbitration), and policy advocacy — directly comparable in mission and service mix.
• World Trade Centers Association (WTCA): Global network of trade facilitation centers that, like the Chamber, connect SMEs to international markets via trade missions, research, and convenings — a global peer in trade promotion infrastructure.

Direct peers

• Bombay Chamber of Commerce and Industry: One of the oldest chambers in Asia (founded 1836), providing policy advocacy, trade facilitation, certification services, and economic research — closely mirrors the Ceylon Chamber's heritage-driven, multi-service trade association model.
• Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce: Long-established trade association combining certification of origin services, trade intelligence, policy advocacy, and extensive bilateral networks — comparable to the Ceylon Chamber's mix of trade facilitation plus convening role.
• Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI): India's premier trade association and the Ceylon Chamber's most active bilateral partner through the ILCCI; offers the same combination of policy advocacy, economic research, trade facilitation, and large-scale flagship events (FICCI Frames, AGM).
• Confederation of Indian Industry (CII): Strategic co-partner with the Ceylon Chamber for the India-Sri Lanka Business Forum in Mumbai (May 2026); operates as a membership-based industry body delivering policy advocacy, business councils, and trade missions — directly comparable in service architecture.
• Singapore International Chamber of Commerce: Active bilateral partner via the Sri Lanka-Singapore Business Council; offers comparable services including arbitration, trade documentation, and policy advocacy for a small, trade-dependent economy — closely analogous business model.

Regional players

• Malaysian International Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MICCI): Bilateral partner via the Sri Lanka-Malaysia Business Council; operates similar membership-driven trade facilitation, networking events, and policy advocacy for a Southeast Asian economy.
• Federation of Sri Lankan Local Government & Municipal Authorities (or local apex body): Domestic Sri Lankan counterpart organizations representing employer federations and sectoral apex bodies (e.g., Ceylon Employers Federation, National Chamber of Industries) — compete for the same membership pool and government policy access.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/CeylonChamber
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/the-ceylon-chamber-of-commerce
• Facebookfacebook.com/Ceylon.Chamber

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles15 records

Subsidiaries24 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce