The third Annual General Meeting of the Council for Startups (CFS) of The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce (CCC) was held on the 8th of June 2023. Members, invitees & extended members of the startup community were in attendance for this prestigious event to welcome Mr. Shalin Balasuriya, an eminent figure in the entrepreneurial realm, as the Chairperson for the year 2023/2024, a CCC news release said.
Mr. Prajeeth Balasubramaniam, the outgoing Chairperson completed a successful tenure of two years since its inception to date, leveraging multiple parties for the betterment of the startup community. Mr. Balasuriya extended his thanks to Mr. Balasubramaniam for initiating & creating this council in time of dire need to help startups flourish through uncertain times in reference to funding, market access, taxation & other needs, the release added.
CFS comprises members that can aid in all aspects of business, from audit to HR, to presentations & more, as well as plays an active role in simplifying policy-related issues, enabling startups to carry out activities such as share swaps & expanding overseas. Before handing over, Mr. Balasubramaniam concluded by addressing the audience.
“This council was created with the sole intention of helping startups via the Chamber, leveraging over 30 bilateral councils to gain access to new markets. CCC is the largest private sector body in the country & also makes an effort through policy changes to create a conducive environment for business.”
Newly appointed Chairperson Balasuriya shared his remarkable background, recounting the success story of his own startup, celebrated both locally in Sri Lanka and on a global scale. Driven by a desire to contribute his invaluable expertise, he expressed his wholehearted commitment to empowering the Council for Startups.
He emphasized greatly on the importance & significant role that market segmentation plays in regard to expanding businesses internationally, sharing that tailoring & curating one’s approach to diverse markets is the key to unlocking their full potential.
Moreover, he highlighted that the Council is proactively seeking out areas in which assistance is most needed. CFS stands ready to provide comprehensive support in a multitude of ways through the Council’s influential connections with The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce & the Bi-Lateral Business Councils, emphasizing the organization of its renowned accelerator program called ‘Innovate Lanka,’ through which selected startups gain entry into the GEN Global Entrepreneurship program.
He assured extending his personal support & guidance to aspiring startups & entrepreneurs, further magnifying the impact of this alliance. Stressing on the fact that collaborations between startups & CFS are highly encouraged, Mr. Balasuriya stated that this would be essential & necessary for sustainable operation & success of the Council.
Consisting of distinguished business leaders of multiple sectors that will offer their services & experience to the members of CFS, the Executive Committee was appointed for the year 2023/2024; Mr. Shalin Balasuriya, Chairperson – CFS; Mr. Ashique Ali; Mrs. Brindha Selvadurai-Gnanam; Mr. Chandula Abeywickrema; Mr. Eric Dathika Wickramanayake; Mr. Sanji De Silva; Mr. Shiluka Goonewardene.