The event, which took place on September 26, 2023, in Colombo, attracted 85 guests. Among the attendees were representatives from the tourism and agriculture industries, Sri Lankan agencies, professional associations, and other relevant stakeholders.
Addressing the gathering, Ms. Myanthi Peiris, Business and Human Rights Specialist at UNDP Sri Lanka, emphasized the programme's significance in fostering sustainable and responsible practices in the tourism and agriculture sectors: “
“Increasingly, we see how Sri Lankan businesses are responding to global and regional trends around business practices and conduct that put the rights holder at the centre of decision-making processes. They understand that to keep or expand their consumer base and be future-proof, they should act responsibly.”
Moreover, Ms. Marie Antonia Von Schönburg, Chief Delegate of AHK Sri Lanka, highlighted the collaborative effort, stating, "This collaboration between AHK Sri Lanka, UNDP, and the EU signifies a commitment to advancing sustainable and responsible business practices that will play a pivotal role in the evolution of Sri Lanka’s tourism and agriculture sectors.”
She added, “By fostering this synergy, we envision not only a substantial increase in export volumes from Sri Lanka but also the fortification of the country’s reputation for exports within important trading blocs, notably the European Union.”
The event featured insightful panel discussions, bringing together industry leaders. The tourism panel featured Ms. Gayangi Wirasinha – Managing Director of Abercrombie and Kent Sri Lanka; Mr. Asoka Hettigoda – Chairman & Managing Director of Hettigoda Group of Companies; Mr. Suranga Ratnayake – Chief Operating Officer/Vice President of Aitken Spence Travels; and Mr. Nalaka Amaratunga – CEO of Destination Management Sector, Senior Vice President of John Keells Holdings. The agricul–ure panel included Mr. Chamika Dinesh Wimalasiri – Business Manager – Knowledge of SGS Lanka Pvt Ltd; Mr. Imdadh Marikkar – Vice Chairman of LFVPPEA; and Mr. Roshan Perera – Chief Operating Officer of Waguruwela Oil Mills.
The programme will extend beyond the initial awareness session. The second phase comprises a comprehensive 16-hour training course scheduled on various dates between October 16th and November 17th. These interactive sessions offer participants an in-depth understanding of the German Supply Chain Due Diligence Act.
These training courses are offered at no cost, with the support received from UNDP and the European Union under its Regional Programme on Business and Human Rights. For those keen on participating in the training, securing a spot is imperative. Limited spaces are available, and interested individuals are encouraged to add their names to the waiting list by contacting AHK Sri Lanka on +94-112-314364/67 or e-mail to communication@srilanka.ahk.de.
AHK Sri Lanka is part of the German Chamber Network supported by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK). With 150 locations in 93 countries around the world, the members of the German Chamber Network (AHKs) offer their experience, connections, and services to German and companies of the respective partner countries. AHKs are located in all countries of particular importance to German companies and are closely connected to the Chambers of Industry and Commerce (IHKs) in Germany.