Global & International Business
View all(51)📈 Foreign Diplomats Briefed on Sri Lanka Economic & Investment Summit 2026
• Event Details: The 26th edition of the Sri Lanka Economic and Investment Summit (SLEIS) 2026, organized by the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, takes place on 12–13 October 2026 at Shangri-La Colombo. • Core Theme: Focusing on “Positioning Sri Lanka in a Changing Global Economy: Resilience, Reform, and the Future of Economic Policy.” • Diplomatic Outreach: Foreign diplomatic missions were briefed via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to promote the summit to global business networks, investment agencies, and private sector partners. • Key Priorities: Conversations aim to move beyond short-term economic stabilization toward long-term competitiveness, structural economic reforms, trade, and sustainable growth. • Private Sector Role: Emphasized structured private sector participation as vital for converting diplomatic efforts into tangible trade and investment outcomes.
🍍 Historic Milestone in Sri Lanka’s Fresh Fruit Exports to Pakistan
Sri Lanka achieved a major agricultural trade milestone on August 21, shipping its first-ever 20-foot container of fresh pineapples to Pakistan. The inaugural consignment was exported by C R Exports (Pvt) Ltd. • Market Potential & Trade Target: - Pakistan imports 2,000–5,000 MT of pineapples annually (~US$ 10 Mn value). - Sri Lanka generated ~US$ 2 Mn in pineapple export revenue in 2025. - Expands access under the Pakistan–Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement (PSFTA) to help reach Sri Lanka's 2030 export goals. • Quality & Regulatory Compliance: - Shipments sourced from Good Agricultural Practices (GAP)-certified fields and registered with the Department of Agriculture (DoA). - Approved following an audit by Pakistan’s National Plant Protection Organization (NPPO) and technical clearance via Phytosanitary Certificates from Sri Lanka's National Plant Quarantine Service (NPQS). - Supported by the EDB, Department of Commerce, and diplomatic missions of both nations. • Future Expansion: - Sri Lanka aims to gain market share from major suppliers (Thailand and the Philippines) leveraging taste, quality, and proximity. - Plans are underway to expand into other fresh produce markets like avocados and oranges.
Ceylon Chamber Expands Middle East Trade Ties via MoUs with Qatar & Lebanon 📈
• Key Partnerships: The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce signed two strategic MoUs with the Qatar Sri Lanka Business Council (QSLBC) in Colombo and virtually with the Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture of Beirut and Mount Lebanon (CCIA-BML). • Strategic Context: The QSLBC agreement coincides with Sri Lanka and Qatar celebrating 50 years of bilateral relations, targeting enhanced business-to-business engagement. • Framework & Impact: The agreements establish structured frameworks for economic data exchange, direct B2B contacts, and cross-border commercial opportunities to connect Sri Lankan businesses with overseas markets and foreign investment.
Oman & Sri Lanka Strengthen Investment Ties via Port City Colombo 📈
• Bilateral Engagement: Port City Colombo hosted a high-level Omani delegation led by H.E. Pankaj Khimji to establish a structured Oman–South Asia Investment and Trade Corridor and foster collaboration between Special Economic Zones (SEZs). • Trade Growth: Bilateral trade turnover expanded from US$ 118 Mn in 2018 to ~US$ 223 Mn in 2022, serving as a baseline for expanded commercial partnerships. • Investment Momentum: Port City Colombo has secured >US$ 1 Bn in investment between Q4 2025 and Q2 2026, with over 175 registered companies driving its Gulf region outreach.
26th Exporters’ Forum Sets $36 Bn Target for 2030 📈
• Overall Targets & Milestones: Sri Lanka recorded a historic export value of US$ 17.3 Bn in 2025. The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) is targeting US$ 19 Bn for 2026, aiming for US$ 36 Bn by 2030 under the National Export Development Plan. • Policy & Growth Strategy: The government is focusing on increasing total export volume and simplifying policy obstacles. Focus is shifting toward integrating rural producers into global markets through proper packaging, technology, and market understanding. • Regional & Decentralized Support: Issues are being resolved directly with government institutions at provincial and district levels to support regional growth beyond Colombo. • Trade Facilitation: Unresolved industry challenges were addressed directly at the forum, with a significant number already routed through the Export Facilitation Task Force.
📈 Invest Sri Lanka Forum Moves to Melbourne After Sydney Launch
• Overview: The Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka (SEC) and the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) commenced the Melbourne leg of the Invest Sri Lanka investor forum series in Australia, following a successful launch in Sydney. • Event Highlights: The first of three Melbourne events drew a packed audience at Hyatt Place Melbourne, Essendon Fields. Brought together investors, business leaders, and key stakeholders to promote investment opportunities and capital market potential. • Strategic Objective: Aimed at strengthening economic collaboration between Sri Lanka and Australia, driving foreign inflows, and engaging Australian investors and the Sri Lankan diaspora.
🏛️ BMICH Marks Golden Jubilee of Historic 1976 NAM Summit
• Historical Milestone: The Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the 5th Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Summit held in Colombo on 16–19 August 1976. The landmark event stands as a key highlight in Sri Lanka’s modern diplomatic history and international foreign policy. • Global Representation: Led by former Prime Minister Sirimavo Bandaranaike, the 1976 summit brought together heads of state, foreign ministers, and global delegates from over 85 nations. Key world leaders in attendance included Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and Egyptian President Anwar al-Sadat, along with coverage from over 300 international journalists. • Commemorative Events: To mark the 50-year Golden Jubilee, BMICH will launch retrospectives featuring archival photo exhibitions, historical journals, and retrospectives on past Central Bank commemorative currency and postal stamps issued for the event. • Venue Capabilities: South Asia’s first purpose-built convention centre has continually upgraded its multi-functional facilities over five decades, spanning 39 acres of prime land in Colombo to maintain its standing as a premier regional hub for the MICE sector (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) and hospitality industry.
📈 NCE Expands Global Network with 21 Foreign MoUs to Boost Exporters
• Strategic MoUs & Network: National Chamber of Exporters of Sri Lanka (NCE) expands its global footprint by signing 21 MoUs with trade bodies across Australia, Canada, China, India, Italy, UK, US, and others. The latest partner is the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC). • Key Initiatives: Chamber facilitates B2B meetings, trade delegations, and market intelligence exchanges. Upcoming business delegations planned for India and Italy. • H1 2026 Country Growth: • India: US$ 688.47 Mn (+36.16% YoY; June spike of +156.73%) • Italy: US$ 337.20 Mn (+6.58% YoY) • China: US$ 159.22 Mn (+19.56% YoY) • Australia: US$ 135.86 Mn (+9.89% YoY) • Belgium: US$ 120.36 Mn (+4.72% YoY) • Japan: US$ 104.20 Mn (+15.74% YoY) • Other June Spikes: Türkiye (+74.37%), Mexico (+42.86%) • National Export Totals: H1 2026 merchandise exports reached US$ 6.9 Bn (+6.3% YoY), while total national export earnings grew +3.3% YoY to US$ 10.4 Bn.
Sri Lanka–India Integration Demands Political Will & Institutional Reform 📈
A high-powered panel at the _India Calling_ forum emphasized moving beyond traditional trade to deep economic integration through supply chains, services, and investments. • Key Structural & Political Priorities: • Need for political champions, research-backed strategy, and negotiating talent to push second-generation FTAs (ETCA). • Overcoming institutional silos, vested interests, and five-year political cycle disruptions to build policy continuity. • Elevating public sector remuneration to attract top expertise and retain institutional memory. • Trade & Currency Realignment: • Calls to establish a direct INR–LKR settlement mechanism to bypass US Dollar intermediate conversions, lowering transaction costs and easing foreign exchange pressure. • Transitioning from "Made in Sri Lanka" vs "Made in India" to joint production networks targeting broader regional markets (e.g., BIMSTEC, Indian Ocean). • Sectoral & Economic Impact: • Upgrading trade frameworks benefits key growth areas like tea, apparel & textiles, logistics, renewable energy, tourism, and digital services. • Historical Indo-Lanka FTA drove Sri Lankan exports from $50M to $550M within 5 years, highlighting the potential for current integration effort.
🇯🇵 Japan Grants Rs. 591 Mn for Sri Lanka Public Sector Capacity Building 🤝
• Financial Package: JPY 282 million (approx. Rs. 591 million) provided as grant assistance under Japan's Human Resource Development Scholarship (JDS) project. • Key Highlights: - Funds 15 young public sector officials to complete 2-year Master’s degree programs at Japanese universities starting in 2027. - Focus areas include public policy, international relations, macroeconomics, public finance, investment management, and industry development policy & investment promotion. - Agreement formalised via exchange of notes between Japanese Ambassador Akio Isomata and Treasury Secretary Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma. • Strategic Impact: - Aims to build leadership capabilities, enhance individual and institutional capacities, and support national economic development. - Strengthens bilateral Sri Lanka-Japan diplomatic, professional, and institutional networks. - Expands on JDS legacy in Sri Lanka, which has empowered 254 public officers since 2010.
🇮🇳 India Marks 80th Independence Day with Cultural & Bilateral Events in Sri Lanka
• Diplomatic Highlights: High Commissioner Santosh Jha hoisted the Indian Tricolor at India House, Colombo, as part of the global _Suryapath Tiranga_ relay. Homage was paid at the IPKF Memorial to honor fallen Indian soldiers. • People-to-People Ties: Record participation by Sri Lankans in the special edition of the _Bharat ko Janiye_ (Know India) Quiz. The top local winners were felicitated at the main celebration. • Cultural Initiatives: Events included art workshops (Madhubani and Warli), the India-Sri Lanka Maitri Painting Competition, and the India Through My Lens photography contest. • Public Engagement: Celebrations featured the "Swar Sangam" musical fusion concert with Veena Maestro Rajhesh Vaidhya and Sri Lankan artist Yohani, alongside India Fest 2026 at Havelock City Mall showcasing fashion, cuisine, and handicrafts. Special events were also held in Kandy, Jaffna, and Hambantota.
📈 Sri Lanka-China Business Council Marks 25 Years, Urges Balanced Trade & Investment
The Sri Lanka-China Business Council (SLCBC) celebrated its 25th anniversary, focusing on deepening bilateral trade, addressing the longstanding trade imbalance, and boosting investment into Sri Lanka. • Key Priority Areas & Reforms Free Trade Agreement (FTA): Push to restart negotiations on the proposed Sri Lanka-China FTA. Tariff Rationalization: Sri Lanka plans to remove para-tariffs (CESS and PAL) by 2029 to enhance competitiveness and open markets. Trade Imbalance: Focus on reducing the import-export gap by expanding market access for Sri Lanka's key exports to China, particularly tea, gems, rubber, and spices. • Investment & Future Growth Sectors Key Industries: Calls for Chinese investment in value-added manufacturing, renewable energy, tourism, logistics, digital economy, and modern agriculture. Partnerships: Emphasis on joint ventures with local Sri Lankan businesses and expanding access for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in emerging areas like AI and digital trade. Frameworks: Strengthening risk management, transparency, and business facilitation mechanisms for long-term economic recovery.