Indian diplomat meets Sri Lanka’s business leaders as part of a fresh round of discussions aimed at strengthening bilateral economic cooperation, expanding investment opportunities and deepening commercial engagement between the two neighbouring countries.
Indian diplomat meets Sri Lanka’s business leaders to strengthen economic and investment ties
The Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka recently hosted a meeting with a group of prominent Sri Lankan business leaders to exchange views on the country’s economic outlook, emerging investment opportunities and the evolving business environment.
Among those attending the discussions were Bingumal Thewarathanthri, Chief Executive Officer of Standard Chartered Bank Sri Lanka, and Krishan Balendra, Chairperson and CEO of John Keells Holdings. The meeting brought together key representatives from Sri Lanka’s corporate sector to discuss avenues for expanding trade, investment and business collaboration with India.
Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha described the engagement as a productive dialogue focused on enhancing bilateral commercial relations.
“A useful exchange of views on trade, investment and commercial cooperation, reflecting the growing depth of our economic partnership,” Jha said following the meeting.
The discussions underscore the continued momentum in Sri Lanka India economic partnership, with both countries seeking to strengthen business links amid Sri Lanka’s ongoing economic recovery and increasing investor confidence.
Separately, the Indian envoy also met Dhammika Perera, Co-Chairman of Hayleys PLC and Chairman of Vallibel One PLC, for discussions covering the economy, entrepreneurship, business opportunities and the expanding partnership between India and Sri Lanka.
“Pleasure to meet Dhammika Perera, Chairman Vallibel One PLC, for a conversation on economy, business, entrepreneurship and the India-Sri Lanka partnership,” Jha said.
The latest meetings follow an earlier discussion between the High Commissioner and Central Bank Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe, where both sides explored economic developments, investment prospects and the potential of a Rupee-to-Rupee commercial corridor to facilitate bilateral trade and financial transactions.
India continues to play an increasingly significant role in Sri Lanka’s infrastructure and investment landscape. One of the most notable examples is the Colombo West International Terminal, a joint venture backed by India’s Adani Ports and Sri Lanka’s John Keells Holdings. The terminal surpassed one million Twenty-foot Equivalent Units (TEUs) within its first year of operations, highlighting growing maritime trade and port efficiency.
Infrastructure cooperation has also expanded in the energy sector. Earlier this year, Sri Lanka’s Cabinet approved the award of a contract worth Rs. 2.269 billion (excluding taxes) to the JSL & Fentons Joint Venture – Intend, comprising India’s Jyoti Structure Limited and Sri Lanka’s Hayleys Fentons Limited, to construct a power transmission line linking Mannar and Mullikulam.
The project demonstrates continued collaboration between Indian and Sri Lankan companies despite challenges faced in other investment initiatives. In early 2025, Adani Green Energy withdrew from its proposed 484-megawatt wind power projects in Mannar and Pooneryn following disagreements over electricity tariff pricing.
Nevertheless, both governments and private sector leaders continue to pursue broader opportunities across infrastructure, trade, finance and investment. The latest business discussions reflect a shared commitment to expanding economic cooperation while creating new avenues for sustainable growth and cross-border investment.
As bilateral commercial engagement continues to evolve, Indian diplomat meets Sri Lanka’s business leaders represents another step toward reinforcing long-term economic ties. The continued dialogue between policymakers, investors and corporate leaders is expected to support stronger trade flows, greater investment and deeper business collaboration between the two countries.