Shaameel Mohideen Elected President of Sri Lanka–France Business Council, Signaling a New Chapter in Bilateral Trade.
Paris Telegraph Business News — 25 July 2026
Business leader Shaameel Mohideen has been elected President of the Sri Lanka–France Business Council (SLFBC) at the Council’s 22nd Annual General Meeting (AGM), held on 23 July 2026 at the historic Galle Face Hotel in Colombo.
The event was attended by French Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Rémi Lambert, who participated as the Chief Guest, underscoring the importance of the longstanding economic relationship between Sri Lanka and France.
In his acceptance speech, Mohideen paid tribute to the Council’s distinguished members, acknowledging their leadership and commitment in navigating Sri Lanka through challenging economic periods.
“Together, we have supported and guided one another through some of the country’s most challenging economic periods. As the next generation of business leaders, we have both an opportunity and a responsibility to build on this strong foundation and shape the Council’s future,” he said.
Mohideen emphasized that under his leadership, the Council will focus on promoting innovation, sustainability, and inclusive partnerships, while further strengthening trade, investment, and economic cooperation between Sri Lanka and France.
He also expressed gratitude to the Council members for placing their confidence in him and pledged to work closely with the Executive Committee to elevate the Council’s role in advancing business opportunities between the two nations.
Newly Elected Leadership
The AGM also elected the following office bearers:
- Senior Vice President: Zafir Hashim (John Keells Holdings)
- Vice President: Husni Salieh (Noyon Lanka Pvt Ltd)
- Vice President: Manura Wickramasingha (Puritas Pvt Ltd)
- Immediate Past President: Andre Fernando
Executive Committee
The following companies were elected to serve on the Executive Committee:
- A. Baur & Co. (Pvt) Ltd
- Aitken Spence Travels
- CEVA Logistics Lanka (Pvt) Ltd
- Diesel & Motor Engineering PLC
- Universal Travel Bureau (Pvt) Ltd
Sub-Committee Members
The Council also elected the following organizations to its Sub-Committee:
- International Distillers Ltd
- Jayantha Premachandra Foundation
- Maliban Healthcare (Pvt) Ltd
- Marlbo Trading Company
- Propylon One (Pvt) Ltd
- Web Lankan.com (Pvt) Ltd
Strengthening Sri Lanka–France Economic Relations
The Sri Lanka–France Business Council has long played a vital role in promoting commercial ties, investment opportunities, and business collaboration between the two countries. Mohideen’s appointment comes at a time when Sri Lanka continues to expand international partnerships aimed at driving sustainable economic growth and attracting foreign investment.
Business observers expect the Council to play an increasingly important role in encouraging bilateral trade, facilitating business networking, and supporting new investment initiatives that benefit both Sri Lanka and France.
PARIS TELEGRAPH Business News Desk
Photo: Sri Lanka–France Business Council
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