Chairman’s Message
Mr. Ushan de Silva
Chairman’s Message
It is my privilege to serve as the Chairman of the Import Section of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce. I would like to begin by expressing my sincere gratitude to the outgoing Chairman, Vice Chairmen, Immediate Past Chairmen, Executive Committee and the Members for placing their confidence in me. It is a great honor to lead an association that has been a cornerstone of Sri Lanka’s trade sector since 1935.
As I take on this responsibility, I am committed to building on the strong foundation laid by my predecessors while bringing fresh perspectives to further strengthen the Import Section and its membership. I look forward to working collaboratively with a diverse and passionate group of individuals to foster an inclusive, solution-oriented environment for the benefit of our industry.
Global merchandise imports surpassed USD 25 trillion last year. Even in a challenging environment, Sri Lanka imported over USD 18 billion worth of goods—much of it critical for our industries and exports. Behind these numbers is the strength of this association—over 100 leading companies driving trade, creating jobs, and powering the economy.
Although we are called the “Import Section,” it is important to emphasize that most of these imports are not for consumption alone—they are raw materials, machinery, and components essential for local manufacturing, which in turn supports domestic demand and export competitiveness. This makes our role central to sustaining production, employment, and growth.
Today, the global trade environment is shaped by geopolitical tensions, conflicts, and sudden supply chain disruptions, all of which add costs and risks for businesses. At the same time, changes in tariff regimes—particularly in key markets like the United States—pose new challenges for exporters who rely on imported inputs. Ensuring smooth access to these inputs, removing unnecessary regulatory bottlenecks, and maintaining policy consistency is vital for Sri Lanka to stay competitive in global value chains.
Looking ahead, I will continue to build on the priorities set by the outgoing Chairman, with a focus on three key areas:
- 1. Trade Facilitation and Policy Advocacy – We will continue to advocate for a predictable and transparent policy environment, push for genuine 24/7 border operations at Colombo Port, and work closely with government authorities to streamline import procedures and reduce delays. The Import Section will also lobby to strengthen the role of the National Trade Facilitation Committee and seek formal inclusion in its structure to ensure importer representation in national-level decision-making.
- 2. Digital Transformation – We will support the realization of a National Digital Single Window that integrates all relevant border control agencies into a unified digital framework. We will also promote paperless transactions and advocate for the acceptance of digital signatures by all stakeholders to enhance speed, transparency, and efficiency across trade-related processes.
- 3. Sustainable and Responsible Trade – We intend to partner with the Central Environment Authority to fast-track import approvals for energy-efficient and environmentally sustainable technologies, aligning trade policy with Sri Lanka’s broader climate commitments. Additionally, we will support the implementation of a National Quality Policy and the establishment of a National Quality Secretariat to ensure standards, safety, and compliance across imported goods. A strong effort will also be made to prevent gray imports, which undermine legitimate trade and pose risks to consumers.
As the Import Section, our commitment remains clear: to be the voice of importers, advocate for policy reforms, and collaborate with authorities to create a facilitative environment for legitimate trade.
Let me close with this thought: Trade is not just about goods crossing borders; it is about opportunities crossing barriers. Together—with the right policies, digital solutions, and collaborative spirit—we can transform these challenges into a stronger, more connected future for Sri Lanka.