About Us - ECCSL

ABOUT ECCSL

The European Chamber of Commerce
of Sri Lanka

The European Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka (ECCSL) was established in 1996 to foster and enhance economic and business relations between Sri Lanka and 50 European countries. Over the years, ECCSL has become a vibrant association representing European and local companies engaged in business activities in Sri Lanka. The chamber’s membership comprises diverse commercial interests, reflecting its strong and influential presence in the country.

As a non-profit organization, ECCSL is dedicated to promoting trade and investment between Europe and Sri Lanka. It serves as a valuable platform for networking, business development, and knowledge sharing among its members. Additionally, ECCSL actively advocates for regulatory reforms and improved market access for European businesses in Sri Lanka.

ECCSL offers a comprehensive range of services and resources to support its members. These include market intelligence, business matching, and various advocacy initiatives. By collaborating closely with Sri Lankan authorities, the chamber strives to create an enabling business environment for European companies. Through policy dialogue and engagement, ECCSL works towards regulatory improvements and enhanced market opportunities for its members.

The activities of ECCSL contribute to the promotion of sustainable and responsible business practices in Sri Lanka. By facilitating economic growth and development, the chamber plays a crucial role in strengthening the partnership between Europe and Sri Lanka. It acts as a catalyst for the success and expansion of European businesses in the country, while also contributing to the overall prosperity of the Sri Lankan economy.

Services

Advocacy

ECCSL represents the interests of its members in Sri Lanka by engaging with the Government and other stakeholders on issues related to trade, investment, and business regulations. Example: EU-Sri Lanka Investor Dialogue and other trade and investment fora/working groups.

Business services

ECCSL offers a range of business services to its members, including business matching and consulting services. It also provides information and assistance on legal, financial, and tax matters related to doing business in Sri Lanka.

Events and networking

The chamber organises regular events and networking opportunities for its members, including seminars, workshops, business luncheons, and other industry-specific events. Bilateral chamber services (business matchmaking, business delegations, etc.) are included.

Trade and Investment inquiries Help Desk

Assistance with trade regulations, investment opportunities, and support for navigating bureaucratic processes in various sectors.

Publications

ECCSL publishes monthly newsletters and quarterly magazines that provide valuable insights and information on business related topics in Sri Lanka and Europe.

1. Position Papers: ECCL inquires from members about their concerns and industry issues during sector group member meetings, which then conduct the research and prepare position papers for respective stakeholders and Government institutions.

2. EuroLink (quarterly magazine): Accessible to all members of the chamber (200+), ECCSL partner organisations, European diplomatic missions in Sri Lanka, Sri Lankan diplomatic missions abroad, and to European Chambers of Commerce worldwide. It is also published on social media platforms for the local business community. Available in both digital and print media formats.

3. Monthly newsletter: Digital newsletter published every month. Provides trade news, market analysis, product insights, and up-to-date information.

Board Members

Office Bearers - ECCSL

Mr. John Wilson

AAL and NP and In-house Counsel & Legal Advisor

John Wilson Partners

Mr. Mario Stubbs

Vice President

The Serendipity Collection Pvt Ltd

Mr. Hatem Rajabdeen

Immediate Past President

Future Fibres Lanka Pvt Ltd

Mr. Ahamed Rahman

Hellmann Worldwide Logistics (Pvt) Ltd

Ms. Yishani Abeysuriya

Treasurer

DHL Global Forwarding Lanka (Pvt ) Ltd

Advisory Board - ECCSL

Mr. Arnold Perera

Glen Nevis Plantation (Pvt) Ltd

Mr. Hans O. Svendsen

Danish Agency (Pvt) Ltd

Mr. Dilipan Tyagarajah

Energy & Power Development (Pvt ) Ltd

Mr. Koenraad Pringiers

Honorary Consul - Consulate of the Kingdom of Belgium in Colombo

Board Directors - ECCSL

Mr. John Wilson

AAL and NP, President and In-house Counsel & Legal Advisor

John Wilson Partners

Mr. Mario Stubbs

Vice President

The Serendipity Collection Pvt Ltd

Mr. Hatem Rajabdeen

Immediate Past President

Future Fibres Lanka Pvt Ltd

Ms. Yishani Abeysuriya

Treasurer

DHL Global Forwarding Lanka (Pvt ) Ltd

Mr. Ahamed Rahman

Hellmann Worldwide Logistics (Pvt) Ltd

Mr. Thomas Daetwyler

Swiss Ceylon (Associates) Pvt Ltd

Mr. Aruna Siriwardena

AGIO Tobacco Processing Co (Pvt ) Ltd

Mr. Sean Umagiliya

Dial Textile Industries (Pvt ) Ltd

Ms. Manori Unambuwe

IronOne Technologies (Pvt) Ltd

Mr. Ruwan Welikala

Nestle Lanka PLC

Secretariat Team - ECCSL

Ms. Dhishna Bastiansz

General Manager and Head of Secretariat

Mr. Ifzal Mohideen

Finance and Administration Manager

Ms. Andrea Moore

Trade & Partnerships Officer

Mr. Ashenka Silva

Marketing & Events Officer

Mr. William Baxter

Project Lead - Inclusive Business Practices /SCOPE Project

Mr. Tiran Wijegoonawardena

Operations Intern

Key objectives of EBOWN include:

1.

Support: Assisting the development of EBOs in non-EU markets.
2.

Strengthening Links: Enhancing connections between EU institutions and EBOs globally.
3.

Economic Diplomacy: Promoting EU economic interests through diplomacy.
4.

Advocacy: Producing position papers and advocating for European businesses in third markets.
5.

Internationalization of SMEs: Helping SMEs to enter and sustain their presence in international markets.

The European Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka [ECCSL] is a member of the European Business Organisations Worldwide Network [EBOWWN]. EBO Worldwide Network is the sole organization representing European business interests in markets outside the European Union. It has a strong presence in over 54 key markets, supporting European multinational corporations and micro, small, medium, and large companies. European chambers of commerce and European business associations within the EBO Global Network collaborate daily with European Union delegations worldwide to collectively support European companies. EBOWN operates by providing a forum for sharing best practices, fostering collaboration, and engaging with EU institutions on policy issues. It represents over 30,000 businesses across 45 countries and covers more than 40 sectors with the support of over 250 experts.

Vacancies

INTERNSHIP - MARKETING AND EVENTS

Internship Details:

Start Date: Immediate
Duration: 6 months to 1 year (full-time)
Compensation: Stipend offered

Eligibility:

Please reach out if you meet the following criteria:
Fluency in English
Proficient writing and basic design skills
Tertiary education in Marketing, Communications, or Sales preferred
Open to non-Sri Lankans, provided there are no work visa restrictions
Ability to work in a small team with strong multitasking, organizational skills, and attention to detail
Pleasant, positive, and outgoing personality
Flexible, proactive attitude and ability to work under pressure
IT savvy and familiar with Microsoft Office and G Suite
Additional graphic design skills (e.g., Adobe Creative Cloud, iMovie, Canva) are a plus

Responsibilities:

a) Marketing/Communication:
Update ECCSL’s social media and website with event information
Follow up with potential advertisers and secure sponsorships for events
Create social media posts and engage in creative writing
Video conceptualization and editing (preferred but not mandatory)

b) Event Management:
Manage event registrations and communications before and after events, including tracking payments and attendee information
Design visuals, flyers, invitations, and eDMs for event promotion (preferred but not mandatory)
Liaise with ECCSL members, associates, partners, etc.
Manage CRM and database of current and potential members

Application Process:

Please submit your CV to [email protected].
This role reports to the General Manager.