Opening Ceremony of the ICC Sri Lanka Arbitration and Mediation Hearing Centre at the Mezzanine Floor, Suncity Building, Colombo 03 on 10th September 2025
The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) inaugurated the Arbitration and Mediation Hearing Centre in South Asia on 10th September 2025 in Colombo 03. The Centre was officially declared
open by Mr. Tejus Chauhan, Director Arbitration & ADR, South Asia, ICC Dispute Resolution Services, Singapore on the invitation of Mr. Shanil Fernando, Attorney – at -Law, Chairman of ICC Sri Lanka and the ICC Sri Lanka Arbitration and Mediation Hearing Centre by marking a historic milestone for the region.
The ICC Sri Lanka Arbitration and Mediation Hearing Centre was established through the ICC Sri Lanka chapter. The Centre will serve as a hub for commercial arbitration and mediation proceedings under ICC rules, offering businesses a reliable platform to resolve disputes efficiently. Speaking at the opening, Mr. Shanil Fernando noted that the Centre will also function as an educational platform to promote learning in arbitration and mediation practices.
Purpose-built to international standards, the new facility provides a dedicated and professional setting for arbitration and mediation, strengthening Sri Lanka’s capacity to handle commercial dispute resolution efficiently and transparently.
Mr Tejus Chauhan underscored the significance of the initiative, noting that the Centre positions Sri Lanka as a potential regional hub for alternative dispute resolution (ADR) in South Asia. He highlighted ICC’s global mission to promote trust, fairness and efficiency in international business practices.
“The Centre will grow stronger in the years ahead, aspiring to match the standards of ICC’s renowned centres in Abu Dhabi, Paris and Singapore, with ICC Sri Lanka committed to delivering world-class facilities and services that will raise the bar for alternative dispute resolution in the region,” he added.
Outlining the broader services of ICC Sri Lanka, the Chairman Mr. Shanil Fernando emphasized that the Centre complements ICC’s portfolio of offerings, which include: Commercial Arbitration and Mediation; ATA Carnet and Certificate of Origin services; ICC Publications; Seminars and training workshops; International certifications in trade finance; and Business consultancy.
Mr. Shanil Fernando added that the establishment of the Hearing Centre reflects ICC Sri Lanka’s long-term commitment to fostering a rules-based business environment and offering companies effective alternatives to costly and time-consuming litigation.
ICC Sri Lanka serves as the country’s premier institution for impartial and efficient dispute resolution. Operating under the International Chamber of Commerce’s global standards, it provides a trusted alternative to litigation for commercial, corporate and cross-border disputes through a panel of experienced arbitrators and mediators. Dedicated to promoting best practices in arbitration and mediation, the Centre strengthens Sri Lanka’s position as a regional hub for international dispute resolution.
With this development, ICC Sri Lanka joins the global ICC Dispute Resolution Services network, reinforcing the country’s role as a gateway for trade, investment and cross-border dispute settlement in South Asia.
