Public Seminar

The public seminar organized by the Trade Finance Association of Bankers on the theme “Increasing Opportunities in International Trade - Are You Risk Covered?” on Saturday, 14 November 2009 at the Grand Ballroom, Galadari Hotel, Colombo was a resounding success with the Association having to refuse some of the last-minute applicants due to exceeding the capacity. This seminar was aimed at importers, exporters, bankers engaged in trade services and financing, and businessmen who are eager to venture into International Trade in a whole new economic order presented after the Global meltdown and the local post conflict scenario. Mr. Parama Dharmawardene, Consultant, Sampath Bank, President of the Trade Finance Association of Bankers (former Deputy General Manager, Sampath Bank), made a presentation on Documentary Credits and Collections by using a number of interesting case studies to bring out the learning points on the subject. Mrs. Shanthi Gooneratne - Head of Corporate Credits DFCC Vardhana Bank handled the Financing of Imports and exports and explained the need for financial discipline by importers / exporters and how a package of financial facilities should be structured in order to ensure that an importer / exporter can carry out his business without running to financial difficulties. Mr. Dilruk Ranasinghe, General Manager, Sri Lanka Export Credit Insurance Corporation, explained the export credit insurance facilities offered to the exporters and the commercial banks by SLECIC. Mr. Jayantha Silva – Senior Manager, Marine Cargo Claims Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation, discussed the marine insurance risks, the different types of cover available and the risks covered by the different Cargo Clauses. A Panel Discussion was held as the last session of the seminar at which Mr. Jegan Durairatnam, DGM International, Commercial Bank of Ceylon, displayed his knowledge and experience by his contribution.