Bank of Ceylon as the Bankers to the Nation has announced that they have pledged their support as a principal sponsor of the Commonwealth Business Forum - 2013. Bank of Ceylon considers this as an opportunity to sponsor the landmark event, the CBF- 2013. This is co-organised by the Commonwealth Business Council (CBC) and the Government of Sri Lanka and forms a part of the overall Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).

Commonwealth Business Forum – 2013 with the theme of “Partnership for wealth creation and social development: The Commonwealth, Indian Ocean and SAARC” will be held in 12th The Forum is the premier business event in the Commonwealth bringing together Heads of Government, Ministers, and top business leaders from around the world and will be attended by over a thousand delegates. This is a golden opportunity for the country to showcase the strength of our economy and to market the business opportunities available to business delegations representing 55 commonwealth member countries and around 10 invited countries.

Over 12 Heads of Government are scheduled to address the event, over 1000 delegates from 60 countries and 100 international business leaders are expected to speak at this forum. Among the Business leaders addressing the Forum is Bank of Ceylon Chairman President’s Counsel Mr Razik Zarook who will address the gathering about “Strengthening National Economies through Global Business and Trade”on the day three, 14th Global business provides employment and gives consumers increased choice at lower prices. So the session will examine how economic growth can be enhanced through further linkages between large and small business and partnerships between government and business.

Mr. D.M. Gunasekara, General Manager, Bank of Ceylon commenting on this partnership said “as this forum will also bring many investment opportunities that are looking for funding, equity or business partners and will also facilitate participants to meet with potential investors, investment bankers, and potential knowledge partners to present their projects, this will be a great opportunity for potential investors to establish strong partnerships and explore investment opportunities in key sectors such as ICT, financial services, tourism, infrastructure, agriculture and manufacturing. So, Sri Lankan companies too have an opportunity to explore investment opportunities in commonwealth member countries. This will definitely be a milestone to the development programme of our country. Bank of Ceylon – as Bankers to the Nation- is willing to facilitate these investment opportunities for the benefit of our customers and as well as the development of the country”.

The CBF – 2013 will provide a valuable opportunity for high level dialogue on trade and investment between business and government leaders from the Commonwealth and beyond. The governments, businesses and all other participants at this forum will benefit by the opportunity to network and build stronger partnerships in promoting sustainable growth to the benefit of the whole of global society.

The CBF 2013 will be officially inaugurated by President Mahinda Rajapaksa.