SLEIS 2025 will focus on designing the next phase of Sri Lanka’s economic playbook to build on its recent macroeconomic stability. The two-day summit will bring together global experts and local leaders to shape a forward-looking investment and growth strategy.
SLEIS 2025 will spotlight Sri Lanka’s next economic strategy, focusing on investment-led sustainable growth.
The Sri Lanka Economic and Investment Summit 2025 (SLEIS 2025) is set to play a pivotal role in shaping the country’s post-crisis economic roadmap. Scheduled for December 2 and 3 at Shangri-La Hotel Colombo, the event comes at a crucial time when Sri Lanka has largely restored macroeconomic stability and is preparing to design the next stage of its growth strategy.
The summit’s opening day will feature a headline session focused on how Sri Lanka can transform short-term stability into lasting prosperity. The discussion will explore practical, actionable steps to drive sustainable, inclusive, and investment-led growth—an essential foundation for long-term economic resilience.
A central theme of SLEIS 2025 is learning from global success stories. Countries that have successfully navigated severe economic crises offer valuable lessons, and Sri Lanka aims to draw on these experiences to design its own playbook for recovery and expansion.
This session will highlight the critical elements required to create a robust and forward-looking economic plan. These include implementing reforms that boost competitiveness, fostering public-private collaboration, and building institutional frameworks that can sustain and accelerate progress over the coming decade.
The keynote address will be delivered by Dr. Alex Patelis, former Chief Economic Adviser to the Prime Minister of Greece. Drawing from Greece’s own post-crisis recovery, Dr. Patelis will offer comparative insights into how structural reforms, global partnerships, and disciplined fiscal strategies can fuel economic renewal. His extensive career includes leadership roles in London, New York, and Athens, including positions such as Global Head of FX & Debt Strategy, Managing Director of Global Research, Head of International Economics at Merrill Lynch, and Chief Economist at PSQR, a global macro hedge fund.
Joining Dr. Patelis on the panel will be several distinguished voices in Sri Lanka’s economic and business landscape. Dr. Harsha de Silva, Member of Parliament and a strong advocate for market-based reforms, will bring a policy-making perspective. Bernie Stefan, Chairman/Managing Director of Nestlé Lanka PLC and Board Member of the Ceylon Chamber, will provide insights from the private sector, while Rajitha Jayasuriya, President of the Apparel Exporters Association, will share the industry’s outlook on trade, exports, and investment.
The discussion will be moderated by Bingumal Thewarathanthri, CEO of Standard Chartered Bank Sri Lanka and Vice Chairperson of the Ceylon Chamber. His expertise in international finance and investment will help bridge global perspectives with domestic economic strategies.
SLEIS 2025 is backed by strong partnerships across multiple sectors, reflecting the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration in shaping Sri Lanka’s future. Platinum sponsors include Nestlé, Standard Chartered Bank, and Unilever. VISA is the Silver Sponsor, while South Asia Gateway Terminals serves as Bronze Sponsor. Session sponsors include the Colombo Stock Exchange and Sunshine Holdings. Dialog acts as both Television and Telecommunications Partner, with Shangri-La Hotel Colombo as Hospitality Partner.
Strategic partners include the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Department of Commerce, Ministry of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Co-operative Development, Board of Investment, Export Development Board, Sri Lanka Convention Bureau, and the Asian Development Bank as Strategic Development Partner. The World Bank joins as Knowledge Partner, Hayleys Advantis as Logistics Partner, and SriLankan Airlines as Official Airline.
This extensive network of sponsors and partners underscores the significance of SLEIS 2025 in advancing Sri Lanka’s investment agenda. It also highlights the collective recognition that economic transformation requires unified efforts across government, business, finance, and international development.
The summit’s key message is clear: macroeconomic stability is not an endpoint but a foundation. To turn stability into sustained growth, Sri Lanka must adopt forward-thinking strategies that prioritize investment, innovation, and inclusivity. Through high-level dialogue and knowledge sharing, SLEIS 2025 aims to catalyze these efforts and set the tone for the nation’s economic trajectory in the years ahead.
Early registration for SLEIS 2025 is now open. The event promises not only thought-provoking discussions but also unparalleled opportunities for networking with policymakers, investors, and industry leaders. Those interested in attending are encouraged to register soon to secure their place.