Sri Lanka to honour promoters of commerce

Dec 06, 2011 (LBO) - Sri Lankan institutions, companies and individuals who helped promote commerce, especially during the war years, are to be recognised by the 'Global Commerce Excellence' awards. The awards, to be held on December 13, 2011, are organised by the state-run Export Development Board and Sri Lanka Ports Authority, and the central bank along with the private Shippers’ Academy Colombo.

"The criteria behind the awards and medals are to recognise the contribution made by the business community at large and those who supported global commerce in Sri Lanka during the past three decades since the economy was liberalized," a statement said.

The Sri Lankan economy had an average growth of five percent during its 30-year ethnic war which ended in 2009.

"Due to the resilience of the local entrepreneurs and organisations both in the public and the private sector, the country managed to beat all odds against terrorism and continued to keep the hopes alive for the past 30 years."

The awards for facilitating global commerce will cover five categories, names business chambers, public institutions, listed large diversified conglomerates and companies, non-listed large companies in