A delegation from the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce visited Canberra to strengthen commercial ties with Australia, meeting with government officials, parliamentarians and business institutions across multiple sectors.

A business delegation from the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce concluded a visit to Canberra on August 20, 2026, marking the first official trade mission from Sri Lanka's leading business chamber to Australia in over 15 years. The visit was facilitated by the Sri Lankan High Commission and involved representatives from the technology, artificial intelligence, marketing technology, venture capital, fisheries and logistics sectors.

The delegation engaged in substantive discussions with key Australian stakeholders to explore commercial opportunities and strengthen bilateral partnerships. High-level meetings included a roundtable with members of the Federal Parliament led by Cassandra Fernando MP, Chair of the Australia-Sri Lanka Parliamentary Friendship Group, along with Steve Georganas MP, Senator Andrew McLachlan CSC and Matt Burnell MP. These conversations centered on deepening commercial linkages and utilising diaspora networks to promote two-way trade between the nations.

On the government side, the delegation met with Bruce Soar, Assistant Secretary of the Indian Ocean and South Asia Maritime Branch at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and other senior DFAT officials who outlined Australia's macroeconomic outlook and investment opportunities for Sri Lanka. Additional meetings included Laura Phillips from the Australian Trade and Investment Commission and Lachlan Smith from the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, providing further insight into trade pathways.

The visit was designed to showcase emerging commercial opportunities in Sri Lanka while revitalising institutional connections between the government, parliamentary and business sectors of both countries. Officials characterised the mission as a significant step toward renewing engagement and establishing future commercial partnerships.