Luncheon Speakers
AmCham’s monthly luncheons feature high-profile member of the business/political community addressing the membership of issues of pressing concern. Recent speakers have included Dr P.B Jayasundera , secretary to the treasury , United Nations Resident Coordinator Mr Neil Buhne, European Union Ambassador Mr Bernard SAVAGE, U.S Ambassador Patricia. A. Butenis ,Professor Arnold Harberger, Chief Economic Advisor to USAID and Professor of Economics at the University of California, Los Angeles, Group Director of MAS Holdings and Head of the MAS Intimates Division Dian Gomes..

Luncheon events are regularly attended by AmCham members and are an excellent opportunity for networking

 

US Consular Briefings
The US Embassy in Colombo conducts briefings with the business community at large through AmCham. Issues such as bilateral trade, security issues for US companies in Sri Lanka and the US stance on local political issues are discussed so that members can stay informed with up to date news from the US Government’s perspective.

 

Industry Sector ‘Teas' with US Ambassador
The US Ambassador in Sri Lanka regularly meets with AmCham members representing different sectors in an informal, intimate setting to discuss issues of relevance to their industry. Such events are important to Embassy personnel and members alike, as it keeps both parties abreast of industry happenings and helps direct resources for lobbying and activism, if necessary. Successful sector teas have included events for the Apparel, IT, Financial ,F&B and Gem & Jewellery sectors of the AmCham membership.

 

Professional Development Seminars
The Chamber conducts various workshops to aid the professional development of its members and the staff of their organizations. Visiting professors and industry specialists facilitate seminars aimed at enhancing business and interpersonal skills. These seminars are often conducted jointly with professional management training organizations.

 

CEO Forums
On a bi-annual basis, AmCham invites the major players in local commerce and industry for discourse on the state of affairs of the country, the investment climate etc., providing business leaders an opportunity to share information relevant to the business community as a whole.

 

Ambassador’s Ball
The Annual Ambassador’s Ball, held in February or March of each year, features prominently on the local social calendar. This is an extremely well attended gala dinner, which aims to bring together the entire membership for one very memorable evening.

 

Charity Golf Tournament
AmCham’s Annual Charity Golf Tournament is a much anticipated event in local business and golf circles. Several million rupees have been raised from past tournaments, benefiting a wide range of charities. The 2009 tournament was a great success, with the proceeds benefiting the Castle Street Maternity Hospital, The tournament was followed by a cocktail and awards ceremony.

 

Networking Happy Hours
Networking Happy Hour was a new initiative by AMCHAM to promote fellowship among its members. The first such event was held at the Colombo Hilton where more than 60 members and guests attended the evening. Her Excellency Patricia A Butenis U.S Ambassador to Sri Lanka and Maldives was also present along with Valerie C Fowler Deputy Chief of Mission and Embassy officials.

 

 

 

Cocktail Mixers
AmCham regularly schedules evening cocktails to help foster relations among AmCham members.

Regional Events
AmCham Sri Lanka members are strongly encouraged to attend meetings of regional AmChams from within APCAC, when visiting those countries. Click on the websites of other AmChams in Asia if you plan to travel in the Asia Pacific region and want to know about networking opportunities in the cities you will visit. AmCham members are welcome to attend member functions at any ACHAM in the Asia-Pacific region at local member rates.

Press Conference
U.S Ambassador Patricia A Butenis hosted the Amcham Board and the Print and Electronic Media at a press conference at her official residence Jefferson House, on Monday, 22nd March 2010. Representatives of media organisations were briefed on Amcham and its activities and on upcoming AmCham events. Amcham President Moji Akingbade presented the first ticket for the Ambassador's Ball and the first copy of AmCham’s new Membership Directory for 2009/2010, to her Excellency during the event. The event concluded with a question and answer session, at which the Ambassador and AmCham Board Members participated.

 

Amcham Roundtable Discussions
Amcham organizes roundtable discussion on topics that are of interest to its members. The first such discussion, on the tourism industry and themed, 2.5 million tourist arrivals by 2016 - The Challenge to Demand Drive Arrivals, took place on

Wednesday, February 24, 2010. Stakeholders representing all sectors of the tourism industry participated in the discussions. The Panelists were industry experts, Renton De Alwis, Prema Cooray, Srilal Miththapala and the Economic Advisor to the Strategic Enterprise Management Agency (SEMA), Dr. Ranjith Bandara. Ranel Wijesinha, Chartered Accountant and Management Consultant moderated the sessions. The Roundtable was attended by over 80 participants.