Indian CEO Forum reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening bilateral economic engagement between India and Sri Lanka during its Annual General Meeting (AGM), where members also re-elected Kishore Reddy as President for another term.
Indian CEO Forum strengthens investment and economic cooperation at AGM
The AGM underscored the Forum’s ongoing efforts to promote investment, professional networking, corporate engagement, and stronger commercial partnerships between the two neighboring countries. The re-election of Reddy reflects the confidence member organizations place in his leadership and the strategic direction of the Forum as it continues to play a growing role in fostering cross-border business collaboration.
The event was attended by Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Santosh Jha, who praised the Forum’s contribution to enhancing economic cooperation and strengthening bilateral partnerships. Addressing business leaders, diplomats, government officials, and corporate representatives, Jha highlighted the importance of maintaining strong government-to-government and business-to-business relationships to drive economic growth and regional prosperity.
He noted that the relationship between India and Sri Lanka has continued to expand across multiple sectors, creating new opportunities for businesses and investors in both countries. According to the High Commissioner, organizations such as the Indian CEO Forum have become increasingly important in facilitating commercial partnerships, encouraging investment flows, and building confidence among enterprises operating across borders.
During a fireside discussion with Reddy, Jha emphasized the importance of improving connectivity between the two nations, including digital, energy, maritime, and land connectivity. He also highlighted the need to modernize and upgrade the existing India-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement (FTA), noting that a renewed framework could help unlock a new phase of growth, investment, and economic cooperation.
The AGM attracted participation from more than 100 companies, alongside leading figures from Sri Lanka’s corporate sector, senior government officials, and members of the diplomatic community. Discussions focused on strengthening trade, investment, infrastructure development, tourism, technology, education, logistics, and service-sector collaboration.
Reddy’s re-election comes at a time when the Forum is expanding its influence as a platform for business networking, policy engagement, investment facilitation, and corporate responsibility initiatives. His renewed mandate reflects a broader commitment to continuity, stability, and deepening the long-standing partnership between the two countries.
With extensive experience across real estate, hospitality, investments, and business networking, Reddy has played a key role in enhancing the Forum’s visibility within Sri Lanka’s business and diplomatic landscape. Under his leadership, the organization has strengthened engagement among Indian companies, Sri Lankan enterprises, policymakers, and other key stakeholders.
Speaking at the AGM, Reddy emphasized that the Forum’s success is driven by the active participation and collaboration of its members.
He noted that every interaction, initiative, and partnership developed through the Forum contributes not only to individual businesses but also to the broader economic relationship between India and Sri Lanka. He stressed that business networking should be viewed as a collective effort that strengthens the wider business ecosystem while promoting stronger people-to-people connections between the two nations.
Today, the Indian CEO Forum represents more than 70 member organizations, including Indian companies operating in Sri Lanka, multinational corporations led by Indian executives, and Sri Lankan companies headed by Indian-origin business leaders. Collectively, these organizations contribute significantly to employment generation, skills development, technical expertise, foreign exchange earnings, and overall economic activity in Sri Lanka.
Over the years, the Forum has evolved into one of the country’s most influential business platforms. It regularly organizes networking sessions, policy discussions, institutional dialogues, and knowledge-sharing events that bring together business leaders, entrepreneurs, diplomats, government officials, and policymakers.
The AGM also highlighted the Forum’s commitment to corporate social responsibility and humanitarian assistance. Member companies have actively supported community outreach initiatives and relief programs during periods of national crisis. During Cyclone Ditwa, Forum members contributed more than US$2 million in assistance and essential supplies to support affected communities and government rebuilding efforts.
Beyond networking and advocacy, the Forum continues to support prospective investors seeking opportunities in Sri Lanka. Through its extensive network and partnerships, it helps facilitate market understanding, institutional engagement, and sector-specific collaboration. The organization actively promotes opportunities in tourism, information technology, infrastructure, education, manufacturing, and services.
As part of its long-term mission, the Indian CEO Forum aims to strengthen India–Sri Lanka business relations by encouraging investment, innovation, trade, employment generation, and knowledge sharing. It serves as a bridge between businesses in both countries, helping Indian investors explore opportunities in Sri Lanka while supporting Sri Lankan enterprises seeking partnerships and expansion opportunities in India.
Looking ahead, the Forum remains focused on advancing economic cooperation, strengthening bilateral partnerships, and creating new opportunities for businesses operating across both markets. With renewed leadership and growing engagement from members, the organization is expected to continue playing a significant role in supporting investment, trade, and regional economic development in the years ahead.