France-Sri Lanka investment ties gained renewed momentum following a high-level business forum in Paris that brought together policymakers and leading French corporates. The engagement highlighted Sri Lanka’s reform agenda and signalled growing confidence in bilateral investment prospects.
France-Sri Lanka investment ties strengthen at Sri Lanka Business Forum
France-Sri Lanka investment ties entered a new phase of engagement with the successful hosting of the Sri Lanka Business Forum 2026 in Paris, signalling renewed interest among French corporates in exploring opportunities in the island nation. The forum was organised by MEDEF International, the French Business Confederation representing leading French companies, in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Embassy in France.
Held in a hybrid format at the MEDEF headquarters on January 30, the event attracted participation from a broad spectrum of reputed French enterprises, reflecting sustained private-sector interest despite recent global and regional economic challenges.
Delivering the keynote address, Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Chathuranga Abeysinghe outlined the Government of Sri Lanka’s policy framework and reform agenda aimed at restoring investor confidence and accelerating export-led growth. He emphasised ongoing efforts to improve the ease of doing business through legal, institutional, and digital reforms.
The Deputy Minister detailed several upcoming legislative initiatives, including amendments to the Minerals Act, enhancements to the Colombo Port City legislative framework, and the rollout of the Investment Single Window. He noted that these measures, combined with a broader government-led digitisation drive, are expected to enhance transparency, predictability, and overall business confidence.
Positioning Sri Lanka as a competitive investment destination within South and Southeast Asia, Abeysinghe underscored France’s importance as a strategic investment partner. He encouraged French companies to leverage Sri Lanka’s geographic location, skilled workforce, and expanding trade connectivity to serve regional and global markets.
A moderated question-and-answer session followed the keynote, allowing participants to seek clarification on policy reforms, sector-specific opportunities, and investment facilitation mechanisms. The forum was moderated by Eric Le Corre, Chairman of the MEDEF International France–Sri Lanka Business Council and Adviser to the Chairman of the Michelin Group.
Sri Lankan Ambassador to France and Permanent Delegate to UNESCO, Manisha Gunasekera, delivered the welcome remarks, describing the forum as a meaningful first step toward broadening and deepening bilateral investment engagement. She acknowledged MEDEF International’s role in connecting established French companies with potential partners and opportunities in Sri Lanka.
The investment narrative was further strengthened by a presentation from the Board of Investment of Sri Lanka. BOI Executive Director Priyanka Samaraweera outlined investor facilitation measures, available fiscal incentives, tax concessions, and tariff advantages under preferential trade agreements. She also highlighted the development of new industrial zones and invited French investors to attend the upcoming Investors’ Forum scheduled to be held in Colombo in March.
A case study presentation by Orange Marine CEO Didier Dillard provided a practical demonstration of successful France-Sri Lanka investment collaboration. He shared insights into the company’s partnership with Colombo Dockyard PLC in constructing the cable vessel Sophie Germain in 2023, along with two additional vessels scheduled for delivery in 2028 and 2029. The project underscored Sri Lanka’s competitiveness in specialised manufacturing and maritime services.
The Sri Lanka Embassy also spotlighted Sri Lanka Expo 2026, scheduled to take place in Colombo from June 18 to 21, positioning it as a global platform for buyers, investors, and business leaders. French companies were encouraged to participate and explore sectoral opportunities ranging from manufacturing and logistics to digital services and education.
Several prominent French corporates, including SNCF, Bureau Veritas, Carrefour, Deviseo Fret, Emovis SAS, Union de Banques Arabes et Françaises, Michelin, and Top Tech College, participated in the forum. Their presence demonstrated tangible interest in expanding commercial dialogue and collaboration with Sri Lanka.
Senior officials from Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development and the Export Development Board also attended the forum, reinforcing institutional support for foreign investment engagement. The event was coordinated by the Commercial Section of the Sri Lanka Embassy in France, led by First Secretary for Commerce Prasadi Boomawalage.
The success of the forum reflects a shared commitment by both public and private stakeholders to pursue more structured, outcome-focused engagement with the French business community, setting the stage for deeper cooperation in the years ahead.