📈 Indian CEO Forum Commits to Strengthening India-Sri Lanka Economic Ties

The Indian CEO Forum (ICF) concluded its Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Colombo on May 22, 2026, reinforcing its commitment to investment facilitation, corporate engagement, and bilateral commercial relations. • Key Highlights & Contributions: Represents over 70 member organizations, including Indian companies in Sri Lanka, multinational corporations, and Sri Lankan firms led by Indian leaders. Significantly drives Sri Lanka's economic activity, focusing on employment generation, skills development, management expertise, and foreign exchange earnings. ICF member companies contributed over US$ 2 Million to support disaster relief and government rebuilding efforts following Cyclone Ditwah. • Bilateral & Trade Insights: High Commissioner of India, Santosh Jha, emphasized expanding connectivity across digital, energy, maritime, and land sectors. Highlighted the urgency to upgrade the India-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement (FTA) to catalyze future growth and investment. Noted that Sri Lanka currently maintains a significant positive trade deficit with India specifically on FTA-enabled trade. Encouraged Indian corporate entities to adopt a ‘Neighborhood First’ policy to foster deeper regional integration.