Eshana De Silva appointed to Advisory Board of CWEIC

By Rishini Weeraratne

Eshana De Silva

Dubai-based entrepreneur and investor Eshana De Silva has been appointed to the Advisory Board of the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council (CWEIC). 

The council is the official business network for the 56 member countries of the Commonwealth. CWEIC, chaired by Lord Jonathan Marland with Lord Hugo Swire as Deputy Chairman, serves as a critical platform for fostering trade and investment across one of the world’s most diverse economic groupings.

In his new role, Eshana will join a distinguished panel of global leaders in business, policy, and strategy. Fellow Advisory Board members include Shanthi Annan (Africa House), Professor Asif Chaudry (Strategist & Surgeon), Anthony John Cowell (Impact Investor), Lord Dominic Johnson of Lainston CBE (Co-Chair of the UK Conservative Party), Rosie Glazebrook (Senior Independent Director), and Tulsi Wallooppillai (Strategic Adviser for Southeast Asia).

Eshana De Silva’s appointment underscores the growing role of Gulf-based investors and entrepreneurs in shaping the future of Commonwealth trade and economic collaboration. Dubai, where Eshana is based, has emerged as one of the world’s foremost hubs for finance, innovation, and international commerce. Its strategic location and investor-friendly environment make it a natural bridge between Asia, Africa, and Europe; three regions that account for the majority of the Commonwealth’s membership. 

The Commonwealth represents one-third of the global population, around 2.7 billion people, of which 60 percent are under the age of 30. Collectively, Commonwealth nations generate a combined GDP of US$14.2 trillion, a figure expected to exceed US$20 trillion by 2029.

The Advisory Board plays a pivotal role in guiding CWEIC’s strategic direction, ensuring that the council delivers value to its network of governments and private-sector partners while helping strengthen the “Commonwealth Advantage.” This term refers to the significant trade benefits enjoyed between member nations thanks to shared legal systems, common business practices, and established networks of trust. Research indicates that trade between Commonwealth nations is approximately 21 percent cheaper compared to global averages, providing a unique competitive edge.

Eshana’s appointment not only recognises his personal achievements as a business leader but also signals the vital contribution of Dubai and the wider Gulf region in shaping the future of Commonwealth trade and investment. With a network that spans five continents, the Commonwealth’s potential is vast, and with the support of leaders like Eshana, CWEIC is well-positioned to unlock it.