Anthony M Shanil Fernando, re-elected as Chairman of ICC Sri Lanka at the AGM for the year 2024

The 57th Annual General Meeting of the International Chamber of Commerce Sri Lanka (ICC SL) was held at the BMICH, Colombo recently where Shanil Fernando was re-elected as its President. ICC Sri Lanka has been operating in Sri Lanka for over 70 years and was incorporated 57 years ago. ICC Sri Lanka journey was memorable and one of incomparable achievements in supporting the business community of Sri Lanka. Through the commitment and hard work, sta? members and the unstinted support and guidance of the Executive Committee under the able leadership of the Chairman, ICC Sri Lanka is happy to note that a positive recovery has been achieved following the adverse e?ects of the pandemic and the global and Sri Lankan economic turmoil.

Chairman Shanil Fernando is a Lawyer by profession and Director of Asian Logistics Park (Pvt) Ltd, World Express (CMB) Pvt Ltd, AFA Corporate (Pvt) Ltd, and Air and Sea Logistics (Pvt) Ltd. He is also partner of Anton Fernando Associate, Law firm and Director of AFA Corporate Services (Pvt) Ltd and Director of Ceylon Port City Corporate (Pvt) Ltd and a former Director of the Colombo Stock Exchange.

The International Chamber of Commerce Sri Lanka (ICCSL) is the domestic chapter of Paris based international world business organization. ICC Paris is over 105 years old and it is represented in 170 countries with over 45 million corporate members around the world.

Trade and investment facilitation, Export & Import and Cross Border Issues pertaining to goods and transport, Arbitration are some of the areas addressed by the ICC. ICC was accorded a seat as an observer in the UN, the first time a private-sector chamber has received such an honour.

The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) is a global business organization that represents the interests of companies from all sectors and regions. It serves as a platform for businesses to engage in dialogue, shape policy, and promote international trade and investment. The ICC provides a range of services and initiatives to support businesses, including arbitration and dispute resolution, policy advocacy, and the development of international trade rules and standards. With its extensive network of members and expertise in global business, the ICC plays a crucial role in fostering economic growth and promoting a rules-based international trading system.

ICC Arbitration is a widely recognized and trusted method for resolving international commercial disputes. It is administered by the International Court of Arbitration, which is part of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC). ICC Arbitration offers a neutral and efficient process for parties to resolve their disputes outside of national courts. The ICC Arbitration process is guided by the ICC Rules of Arbitration, which provide a comprehensive framework for conducting arbitration proceedings. These rules ensure fairness, transparency, and enforceability of the arbitral awards.

Parties involved in an ICC Arbitration have the opportunity to select arbitrators with relevant expertise and experience in their specific industry or legal field. The arbitrators, who act as neutral decision-makers, are chosen based on their impartiality and independence. ICC Sri Lanka will setup the Proposed Colombo International Arbitration Facilitation Center to promote Hearing of ICC Arbitration in Sri Lanka.

ICC Arbitration also benefits from the support and expertise of the ICC Secretariat, which assists parties throughout the arbitration process. The Secretariat helps with administrative tasks, facilitates communication between the parties and the tribunal, and ensures compliance with the ICC Rules. One of the key advantages of ICC Arbitration is its global enforceability. The resulting arbitral awards are widely recognized and enforceable in over 160 countries, thanks to the New York Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards. Overall, ICC Arbitration provides a reliable and effective means for businesses to resolve their international disputes in a fair and efficient manner, contributing to the stability and predictability of international trade and investment.