The Council for Business with Britain (CBB) in co-operation with the Hambantota Chamber of Commerce will be organizing a half day field trip to Hambantota to expose key decision makers among our membership to the major infrastructure and other developments that are taking place in the deep south of the Country.

The cornerstone of the trip will be a visit to the soon to be operational Hambantota Port. Visits to the sites of the Hambantota Convention Centre and the Cricket Stadium together with an interaction with the members of Hambantota Chamber of Commerce over lunch are also included.

Please click here for further details.

The Council for Business with Britain (CBB) is the proud organizer of ““Ports Development in Sri Lanka towards a Logistics Hub” by Capt. Nihal Keppetipola. The forum was held at the main ballroom in Hilton Colombo Residence, Colombo 02.

Capt. Nihal Keppetipola joined the Ceylon Shipping Corporation as an officer cadet where he sailed on various types of ships such as container, general cargo, bulk, oil and gas tankers.

He obtained his Masters in Maritime Science and Navigation in 1985 at Melbourne, Australia. After sailing for several years as a Captain with many shipping lines such as Chepstow & Shipping – UK, V Ships - Monte carlo, Ahrenkiel – Germany, Pan Ocean – Korea and Ceylon Shipping Corporation, he joined the Sri Lanka Ports Authority as a Harbour Pilot in 1990.

After working as a Pilot in all ports in Sri Lanka, i.e. Colombo, Trincomalee, Galle etc., he rose to the position of Harbour Master of all ports in 1999.

Due to various request by senior management at different periods he, in addition to his portfolio as a Harbour Master, carried out specialized jobs such as handling operations, security and logistics connected with the maritime industry. Soon after, he obtained a promotion to Director Port Operations in 2005 and to Additional Managing Director in 2006.

Currently he is the Managing Director of Sri Lanka Ports Authority

The Presentation is a prelude to a proposed trip for the Council members to the new Hambantota Port project.

COUNCIL FOR BUSINESS WITH BRITAIN HOSTS 10TH AGM

The Council for Business with Britain (CBB) hosted its 10th Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Monday, 12 July, 2010 at the British High Commission in Colombo.

Welcoming guests to the event, Chief Guest and Acting British High Commissioner, Mr. Mark Gooding, said, “As patron of the CBB, I am pleased to support this group in their on-going efforts to promote bilateral business relations between the UK and Sri Lanka. Now is an important time in Sri Lanka’s economic development and the UK is already playing a role, through the companies represented by the CBB, but we can do more. This will help further develop the strong existing economic and cultural links between our two countries at this exciting time for Sri Lanka.”

Mr. Nick Nicolaou, Chief Executive Officer, HSBC Sri Lanka and Maldives, was elected as the Chairman of the Council for the year 2010/2011.   In his address, Mr. Nicolaou said, “Sri Lanka is on the threshold of a new economic era where the private sector will have to play an important role and the Council must look at ways to interact with its members in order to assist them in benefitting from the expected upturn in trade and business in general.”

Mr. Shirendra Lawrence, Managing Director, MAS Active (Pvt.) Ltd. was elected as the Vice Chairman of the Council. Meanwhile, Mr. Mustanser Ali Khan, Managing Director and CEO, Ceylon Tobacco Company PLC and Mr. Mohammed Ziauddin, Managing Director, Norfolk Foods (Pvt.) Ltd. were elected as the Hony. Secretary and Hony. Treasurer, respectively.

The following were appointed as Committee Members for the year 2010/2011:

• Mr. Manesh Fernando, General Manager, Hilton Residence Colombo
• Mr. Romesh David, President, Transportation & IT, John Keells Holdings PLC
• Ms. Janet Ford, Head of UK Trade and Investment, British High Commission, Colombo
• Ms. Gill Westaway, Director, British Council, Sri Lanka
• Mr. Lal de Alwis, President, National Chamber of Commerce
• Mr. Anil Wijesinghe, Chairman/Managing Director, AWS Institute of Education (Immediate Past Chairman, CBB)

The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce provides Secretarial services to the Council for Business with Britain.

The CBB has a diverse membership of over 140 companies, making it one of Colombo’s most prestigious networking business associations. To this end, the Council organises a series of events throughout the year for the benefit of its members, ranging from luncheon meetings with guests speakers on topical interest to sporting and social activities.

The CBB have also continued to support the English Language Teacher Training programme, now in its fifth year and run on their behalf by the British Council in association with the National Institute of Education and the Ministry of Education. Aimed at improving the English language skills of pupils in rural schools, the programme concentrates on building the capacity of English language teachers so they can deliver lessons more effectively. Another dimension to this programme is that CBB members also have the opportunity to sponsor individual teachers in an area of their choice and share in that individual’s teaching progress.

The Council for Business with Britain (CBB) is the proud organizer of “Our Journey to Sri Lanka” by The London Stock Exchange. The forum was held at the main ballroom in Hilton Colombo Residence, Colombo 02. Addressing the gathering was Mr. David Lester, Director of Information Services of the London Stock Exchange (LSE). Mr. Lester spoke predominantly on the acquisition of MilleniumIT, and further spoke in elaborate detail of the increasingly competitive landscape and how technology is a key differentiator for exchanges.

In his presentation, Mr. Lester talked about the tough calls LSE had to make when they embarked on their adventure to Sri Lanka, and how it culminated in the acquisition of MilleniumIT, thus creating an offshore footprint in the country.

The Council for Business with Britain (CBB) is the proud organizer of “Our Journey to Sri Lanka” by The London Stock Exchange. The forum was held at the main ballroom in Hilton Colombo Residence, Colombo 02. Addressing the gathering was Mr. David Lester, Director of Information Services of the London Stock Exchange (LSE). Mr. Lester spoke predominantly on the acquisition of MilleniumIT, and further spoke in elaborate detail of the increasingly competitive landscape and how technology is a key differentiator for exchanges.

In his presentation, Mr. Lester talked about the tough calls LSE had to make when they embarked on their adventure to Sri Lanka, and how it culminated in the acquisition of MilleniumIT, thus creating an offshore footprint in the country.

It was a fantastic opportunity to hear first hand, how and why a major UK corporate entity has invested in Sri Lanka. The CBB must be commended for hosting such programmes to educate and motivate its members and Sri Lankan enterprises of the opportunities that await them globally. It is a motivating factor to see such reputed and dynamic investments from Europe strengthening Sri Lankan business. It was a fantastic opportunity to hear first hand, how and why a major UK corporate entity has invested in Sri Lanka. The CBB must be commended for hosting such programmes to educate and motivate its members and Sri Lankan enterprises of the opportunities that await them globally. It is a motivating factor to see such reputed and dynamic investments from Europe strengthening Sri Lankan business.

The Council for Business with Britain (CBB) recently felicitated 119 English Language teachers at its annual awards ceremony, where they received their University of Cambridge Teaching Knowledge Test (TKT) certificates. The ceremony is the yearly culmination of the CBB’s English Language Teacher (ELT) Training Programme. Carried out in association with the Ministry of Education and the National Institute of Education and managed by the British Council with HSBC as the Principal Sponsor and MAS Holdings as the Co Sponsor and Ceylon Tobacco Company as a Donor, the Programme is one facet of the CBB’s goal of building bridges between Sri Lanka and the UK.

Attached to 26 Regional English Support Centers (RESC) around the country, the 119 teachers who received their TKT certificates have undergone extensive English teacher training as part of the CBB’s ELT Training Programme. The TKT examination comprises of three modules which focus on the core knowledge and skills needed by teachers. As an activity-centred course, the CBB’s ELT Training Programme strives to impact students’ English language skills by encouraging their participation in classroom discussions and group activities.

Featuring luminaries from the British and Sri Lankan communities, the annual event saw the handing over of certificates and awards by Guests of Honour including the Minister of Education, Hon. Susil Premajayantha, Janet Ford, Head of UK Trade and Investment at the British High Commission, Gil Westaway, Country Director for the British Council Sri Lanka, Anil Wijesinghe, Chairman of the CBB, and Nick Nicolaou, CEO of HSBC Sri Lanka and Maldives, and Vice Chairman of the CBB.

Speaking at the event, Hon. Susil Premajayantha the Chief Guest at the event lauded the work of the CBB, noting that the Government has identified and highlighted the importance of English for the development of Sri Lanka into a globally competitive nation. Praising the CBB’s work towards this goal, he stated that “teacher training is at the heart of improving student performance and helping them achieve more in the workplace.”

Gil Westaway, Country Director for the British Council noted that the CBB’s ELT Training Programme has impacted the lives of more than 30,000 Sri Lankan children. In his Welcome address, Anil Wijesinghe, Chairman of the CBB, stressed the importance of continuing to expand the organization’s current initiatives. For example, in 2009, the CBB began a Sponsor-A-Teacher scheme that allows corporates to directly invest in the effort to upgrade the level of English language instruction. Companies that are members of the CBB have already sponsored 35 teachers within a few months of the scheme’s launch. Mr. Wijesinghe concluded his remarks by mentioning that the next phase is to actively promote this Sponsor-A-Teacher scheme on a nationwide level. He also thanked HSBC for being the Principal sponsor since the inception of the project in 2006.

Janet Ford, Head of UK Trade and Investment (UKTI), addressed a capacity crowd at a luncheon meeting recently hosted by the Council for Business with Britain (CBB) at the Hilton Colombo Residence. Speaking enthusiastically about the opportunities that exist for Sri Lankan companies to expand their businesses in the UK, she highlighted the services offered for free by the UKTI, fielded questions from local business luminaries, and lauded the work of the CBB in improving business relations between Sri Lanka and the UK.

The address by Ms. Janet Ford touched on several key points that were especially germane given current trade relations between Sri Lanka and the UK, including the issue of preferential trade tariffs. She noted that although the UKTI charged UK companies for access to its bespoke services, which are aimed at helping them thrive in foreign markets while maximizing investment opportunities for foreign companies in the UK, the organization also offers free ad hoc help to Sri Lankan firms, such as advertising their services on its website and facilitating business introductions.

The Council for Business with Britain (CBB) held its annual Christmas get-together on December 10, 2009 at Westminster House – the residence of H.E. Dr. Peter Hayes, British High Commissioner.

This evening of community carols organized by the CBB for its members, non-members, family and friends, was accompanied by the Elizabeth Moir School Choir and also featured a guest performance by Mrs. Dinali David. The programme consisted of members and family reading some Christmas selections for the enjoyment of those present.

Mr. Nick Nicolaou, CEO, HSBC for Sri Lanka & Maldives, who serves as Vice Chairman of the CBB was master of ceremonies.

The Christmas goodies were sponsored by Hilton Colombo Residence; while the wine was part-sponsored by Alpha Orient Lanka Ltd.
Proceeds from this event will be used for the CBB/English Language Teacher Training Programme (CBB/ELT), a project aimed at giving English language training for teachers in rural areas.

The Pub Night organized by the Council for Business with Britain was held on the 27th of November 2009 at the Union Ballroom, Hilton Residence and saw the participation of over 130 guests.

Guests were treated to a typical British atmosphere with music by French Connection and games such as drafts and foosball.

All proceeds from the fundraiser will go towards the CBB ELT Project.

The Council of Business with Britain (CBB) sports triangular, sponsored by HSBC for the fourth consecutive year, took place on Saturday, 27 June 2009, at the P Sara Stadium in Colombo.

This year’s event featured 40 cricket, 5 netball and 8 badminton teams. MAS Intimates/Unichela emerged as Champions of the cricket tournament while Quantum Clothing was the runner up. A special award was presented to Mr. Lassana Perera from Unichela for scoring 74 runs in the final and being the first person to score 50 runs in a CBB Sixes final.

The netball championship was bagged by Commercial Bank PLC with HSBC as runners up; the badminton championship was taken by HSBC while WNS Global Services (Pvt) Ltd emerged as runners up.

The sport triangular was co-sponsored by John Keells Logistics Lanka (Pvt) Ltd., Mackwoods (Pvt) Ltd. and Shell Company in Sri Lanka.

The project sponsors were Alpha Orient Lanka Ltd., Computers and Telecommunication Systems (Pvt) Ltd., Cathay Pacific and AWS Institute of Education; the ground sponsor was McLarens Holdings Ltd. and the healthcare sponsor, Apollo Hospitals Colombo (Lanka Private Hospitals).

The Council for Business with Britain hosted its Annual General Meeting on Tuesday 23 June. 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 Mr 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 corporate level". He went on to thank the general membership for their good will and support saying that without which "nothing is possible".

The Council for Business with Britain has a diverse membership of over 130 companies making it one of Colombo’s most prestigious networking associations. The Council organise a series of events throughout the year for the benefit of its membership including monthly business briefing lunches and visits to places of commercial interest. This year members have taken a private tour of Parliament kindly hosted by the Honourable Speaker WJM Lokubandara and the new British High Commission building to see the international award nominated architecture.

The last year also saw the continuing success of the CBB website. Under the stewardship of Philip Goodstein, MD Brand Partners, the website 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.

The Council have continued to support the English Language Teacher Training programme, now in it’s fifth year and run on their behalf by the British Council in association with the National Institute of Education and the Ministry of Education. Aimed at improving the English language skills of pupils in schools, the programme concentrates on building the capacity of English language teachers so they can deliver lessons more effectively. The programme runs nation wide and has so far worked directly with over 400 teachers, benefiting an amazing 24,000 pupils (June 09 estimate).

Vice Chairman of the CBB and CEO of HSBC Nick Nicolaou said "The HSBC Group's global Corporate Sustainability programme gives education a high priority especially English language training for underprivileged children. We seek to open doors of opportunity for young people by helping to raise their academic achievement and improve their life skills with formal and informal learning. Hence the CBB ELT project was a natural fit to achieve our goals in Sri Lanka, and merit HSBC's support, and we are pleased to be the main sponsor of this programme".

CBB members have the opportunity to sponsor individual teachers in an area of their choosing and have the opportunity to share in that individual teacher’s progress.

Looking to the future the Council hopes to build on its continuing success. Ambitious plans for a Sri Lanka – Britain business week in early 2010 hopes to bring together companies from Sri Lanka and the UK to forge ongoing trade & investment partnerships. This coming weekend’s cricket sixes, an ongoing business lunch programme and plans for a charity ball in October make for an interesting and worthwhile upcoming programme.