India–Sri Lanka Business Forum Highlights New Momentum in Trade, Investment and Connectivity as senior government representatives, business leaders, and policymakers from both countries gathered in Mumbai to strengthen bilateral economic engagement and explore new opportunities for collaboration across key sectors.
India–Sri Lanka Business Forum boosts trade, investment and regional connectivity
Organised by the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), the India–Sri Lanka Business Forum: Partnering in Sri Lanka’s Growth and Investment and the accompanying CII–Ceylon Chamber CEOs Interaction took place on 13 May 2026 in Mumbai.
The event brought together leading public and private sector stakeholders from India and Sri Lanka, reflecting growing confidence in the future of bilateral economic relations. Discussions focused on expanding partnerships in areas including trade, tourism, renewable energy, logistics, healthcare, education, digital transformation, manufacturing, infrastructure, and technology.
Participants included senior diplomatic representatives and industry leaders such as Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to India Mahishini Colonne, Senior Economic Advisor to the President Duminda Hulangamuwa, Ceylon Chamber Chairperson Krishan Balendra, and several prominent business executives representing both countries.
Welcoming delegates to the forum, Anurag Agarwal, Co-chairman of the CII Western Region Sub-committee on International Trade and Investment and CEO of Polycab India Ltd, highlighted the increasing momentum in India-Sri Lanka economic cooperation.
He noted that both countries are entering a significant phase of economic collaboration driven by stronger regional connectivity, investment opportunities, innovation, and sustainable partnerships. Agarwal also emphasised the substantial growth potential across sectors such as renewable energy, tourism, ICT, logistics, healthcare, education, manufacturing, and infrastructure development.
According to him, improved maritime links, expanding ferry services, enhanced air connectivity, and digital payment integration are contributing to greater ease of doing business between the two nations while strengthening regional commerce.
India–Sri Lanka Business Forum Highlights New Momentum in Trade, Investment and Connectivity at a time when Sri Lanka is actively pursuing economic recovery and long-term growth through stronger regional partnerships and foreign investment.
Addressing the forum, High Commissioner Mahishini Colonne stated that the next phase of India-Sri Lanka economic cooperation will increasingly be shaped by sectors such as renewable energy, digital innovation, financial services, infrastructure, manufacturing, tourism, and logistics.
“This is not simply about increasing trade volumes. It is about building long-term partnerships, joint ventures, regional value chains, technology collaborations, skills partnership and stronger private sector connectivity between our two countries,” she said.
Senior Economic Advisor to the President, Duminda Hulangamuwa, told participants that Sri Lanka has moved from economic stabilisation toward a growth-oriented trajectory. He identified India as a key strategic partner in supporting Sri Lanka’s efforts to expand trade, tourism, and investments.
He also invited Indian investors to explore opportunities in high-growth sectors including transport and logistics, digital services, tourism, and high-value manufacturing.
Krishan Balendra, Chairperson of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce and Chairperson of John Keells Holdings PLC, stated that the Chamber aims to function not only as a facilitator but also as an active bridge connecting businesses and enabling meaningful partnerships.
“Sri Lanka is now pivoting towards a growth-oriented future. In this context, India is not just a neighbour, but a critical partner,” he said.
Throughout the discussions, participants expressed strong optimism regarding the future of India-Sri Lanka economic cooperation, particularly in relation to improving logistics integration, strengthening energy partnerships, and enhancing tourism and digital infrastructure collaboration.
The role of sustainability, skilling initiatives, technology partnerships, and people-to-people connections also featured prominently during the forum, reflecting a broader focus on long-term regional development.
The event attracted active participation from companies operating in infrastructure, hospitality, renewable energy, ICT, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, logistics, financial services, and trade facilitation sectors. Business networking sessions and B2B meetings enabled delegates to identify potential investment opportunities and commercial partnerships.
Delivering concluding remarks, Vishal Kamat, Chairman of the CII Western Region Sub-Committee on Tourism and Hospitality and Executive Director of Kamat Hotels India Ltd, said the India-Sri Lanka partnership is entering a new phase driven by trust, resilience, and shared regional aspirations.
He reaffirmed CII’s commitment to supporting continued business engagement between the two countries through investment facilitation, CEO interactions, business delegations, and policy advocacy initiatives.
The India–Sri Lanka Business Forum Highlights New Momentum in Trade, Investment and Connectivity while underscoring the shared commitment of both nations to deepen private sector collaboration, improve regional connectivity, and build sustainable long-term economic partnerships.