Per the invitation from Mr. Sarath
Weerasiri, Director of the International Cooperative Alliance and Honorary
Chairman of the Sri Lanka National Cooperative Board, Mr. Balu Iyer, Asia
Pacific Regional Director of the International Cooperative Alliance, undertook
a cooperative study tour in Sri Lanka. This visit aimed to explore and
understand the cooperative landscape in Sri Lanka and foster collaboration
within the cooperative movement.
During his visit, Mr. Balu engaged in discussions with various stakeholders, including government officials and representatives from local cooperative organizations. Among these discussions was a meeting with the state minister for trade, Mr. S. Viyalendran. The exchange likely covered topics such as the role of cooperatives in economic development and policy frameworks supporting cooperative enterprises, and potential areas for partnership between the International Cooperative Alliance and the Sri Lankan government.
A significant outcome of these
engagements was agreed in 2025 to host the Asia Pacific Annual General
Conference of the International Cooperative Alliance in Sri Lanka. This
decision reflects the growing recognition of Sri Lanka's role in the cooperative
movement within the Asia Pacific region. Plans for the conference were also
discussed during Mr. Balu's visit, including the agenda, logistical
arrangements, and expected participation from cooperative representatives
across the region.
Overall, Mr. Balu's visit to Sri Lanka served to strengthen ties between the International Cooperative Alliance and the Sri Lankan cooperative community, paving the way for enhanced collaboration and exchange of best practices in the field of cooperatives.