SL, Indian CEOs explore investments in fintech, manufacturing and tech corridor as Sri Lanka intensifies efforts to attract Indian investment and strengthen bilateral economic cooperation. High-level discussions between Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Minister Sunil Handunneththi and the Indian CEO Forum focused on accelerating strategic investments across multiple sectors.
SL, Indian CEOs explore investments in fintech, tech corridor and industrial growth
The meeting, held on Tuesday, highlighted Sri Lanka’s broader push to position itself as a competitive regional hub for technology, industrial manufacturing and innovation-led partnerships with India.
According to details shared by the Minister on social media, both sides discussed several initiatives aimed at deepening economic collaboration while encouraging long-term Indian private sector participation in Sri Lanka’s development agenda. Among the key priorities was the identification and fast-tracking of five investment projects considered critical to the country’s industrial and economic expansion.
The discussions come at a time when Sri Lanka is actively pursuing foreign direct investment inflows to support economic recovery, improve export competitiveness and generate employment opportunities. Policymakers have increasingly focused on sectors capable of delivering higher value-added growth, including digital technology, manufacturing and logistics.
A significant part of the meeting centred on strengthening Sri Lanka’s fintech ecosystem by learning from India’s successful digital transformation models. Officials explored opportunities to adopt best practices from India’s rapidly expanding financial technology sector, which has gained international recognition for digital payment systems and innovation-driven financial services.
The delegation also examined potential joint ventures in pharmaceuticals, apparel and electronics manufacturing. These sectors are viewed as strategically important for Sri Lanka’s industrial diversification efforts and export development strategy. Increased collaboration with Indian investors is expected to support technology transfer, improve supply chain integration and create new market opportunities for local industries.
Another major proposal discussed during the engagement was the establishment of a Bengaluru Colombo technology corridor. The proposed initiative aims to strengthen cooperation between the two regional innovation hubs by encouraging startup partnerships, entrepreneurship development, research collaboration and knowledge sharing.
Industry analysts believe such a corridor could help Sri Lanka integrate more closely with South Asia’s growing digital economy while creating opportunities for local startups and technology entrepreneurs to connect with Indian investors and innovation ecosystems.
The talks also extended to cooperation in ports and tourism, two sectors considered essential for Sri Lanka’s long-term economic growth. Enhanced connectivity and infrastructure collaboration with India could provide additional momentum for trade, logistics and regional tourism development.
The latest engagement reflects the growing importance of Sri Lanka India investment ties amid broader regional economic integration efforts. India has remained one of Sri Lanka’s key economic partners, with investments spanning banking, energy, manufacturing, infrastructure and services.
Business leaders attending the meeting included Indian CEO Forum President Kishore Reddy, Lanka Ashok Leyland Managing Director Umesh Gautam, State Bank of India CEO Anita Sontumyra and Powertech Managing Director Gaurav Mehta.
Also present were Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Ministry Secretary Thilaka Jayasundara and Export Development Board Chairman Mangala Wijesinghe, together with several senior ministry officials.
Economic observers note that closer collaboration between Sri Lanka and India in emerging industries could support long-term regional competitiveness, particularly in technology-driven sectors. The emphasis on fintech innovation, manufacturing partnerships and digital entrepreneurship signals Sri Lanka’s intention to attract higher-quality investments capable of delivering sustainable economic value.
The discussions further underline Colombo’s efforts to strengthen investor confidence and expand regional economic partnerships as the country navigates a challenging but gradually improving economic environment. With India continuing to expand its economic footprint across South Asia, initiatives such as the proposed technology corridor and sector-specific joint ventures may play an increasingly important role in shaping future bilateral trade and investment relations.