Some of the CorporateConnections India members at the Park Street Mews during their stay in Sri Lanka
The high net worth CorporateConnections India members had picked Sri Lanka for the first ever overseas retreat giving a boost to the growing tourism profile of the country as well as to woo more similar visitors from the giant neighbour.
CorporateConnections (CC) is an international grouping of high net worth or wealthy business owners, leaders and executives enjoying global business networking with a purpose. Founded in Canada, CC has reached 22 countries across four continents. It connects leaders around the world and empower them to create opportunities and meaningful change in their organisations, communities and lives.
CorporateConnections Indian oversee Sri Lanka and curated a three day retreat for over 30 members from different parts of India. Within pan-India there are 13 CorporateConnections Chapters (minimum membership to set up a chapter is 12) with a membership of nearly 300. Plans are afoot to expand the network by a further nine chapters by the first half of this year.
The high net worth Indians along with their spouses had a well curated program in Sri Lanka enjoying luxury and exotic hospitality, cuisine, entertainment and shopping apart from meeting like-minded Sri Lankans privately. The CC India also held its gala awards in Colombo.
The visit by the Indian CC members comes hot on the heels of the Dubai Chapter holding its retreat in Sri Lanka recently.
CorporateConnections is built on a strong set of Core Values that guide how members engage and conduct business. This alignment creates a unique atmosphere to facilitate growth and transformation. With a growing membership of over 600 at present, it creates meaningful relationships, extraordinary experiences, fosters culture of excellence and empowers members to be catalysts for change. To qualify for this exclusive yet impactful membership, an individual’s net worth has to be or responsible for a turnover of over $ 10 million. Global members meet annually at an event called The Forum with this year’s city being Portugal in September.
“Common ground makes the world go around,” points out National Director for India, Nepal and Sri Lanka Yash Vasant in describing CC as the world’s fastest growing premier global business community.
He told the Daily FT that for some in the Indian Group it is the first visit to Sri Lanka. Overall, the Indian members who visited Sri Lanka have interests in multiple businesses including manufacturing, construction, logistics, IT and startups, wine and spirits, textiles, higher education as well as investment banking and funds. They hail from cities such as Mumbai, New Delhi, Gujarat, Bangalore and Telangana.
To promote CC in Sri Lanka, Yash is getting the support of hospitality industry fame Harpo Gooneratne as well as Managing Director of Shubham Tanks and Liners Sunil Uplap and frequent visits to Sri Lanka.
Making a special trip to be with Indian members is Lalith Gunaratne, a Sri Lankan now resident in Ottawa, Canada. Lalith is a member of CC and is part of the team setting up a chapter in Ottawa. Lalith says thanks to CC he has made a lot of valuable and inspiring connections with Indian members and businesses whom he helps to build connections with prospective Canadian business partners. Lalith also believes businesses can play a key role in boosting Indo-Lanka ties stronger for mutual benefit.
Sri Lanka Travel Feneteko