• 1: Aims to drive economic recovery through strategic investments in key sectors
• 2: Indian expertise to be leveraged to drive digital economy, tourism, sustainability

The Board of Investments of Sri Lanka (BOI) successfully hosted an investor roundtable titled ‘Supporting Sri Lanka’s Recovery through Resource Commitment’ at the Ministry of Investment Promotion on 2 September.

The event brought together prominent Sri Lankan and Indian investors, industry leaders to explore strategic investment opportunities aimed at supporting Sri Lanka’s economic recovery.

It explored the potential for investment across sectors including technology, tourism, financial services, and minerals, addressing challenges such as regulatory hurdles, infrastructure constraints, and the need for streamlined processes to facilitate investments.

BOI Investment Promotion Executive Director Prasanjith Wijayathilake said: “Sri Lanka’s resilience is evident in the steady inflows of foreign direct investment and worker remittances. By addressing infrastructural gaps and policy consistency, we can further attract and retain foreign investors.”

The dialogue highlighted several key areas for improvement, including infrastructure development, and the need for enhanced market access.

Discussions were also held on leveraging India’s expertise in digital public infrastructure to drive the digital economy, expanding the tourism sectors, and promoting sustainability initiatives in energy efficiency and wastewater management.

BOI Chairperson Dinesh Weerakkody said: “This roundtable marks the beginning of a continuous dialogue, one that will ensure sustained collaboration between India and Sri Lanka, fostering long-term investments that benefit both nations.”

Addressing trade imbalances under the Free Trade Agreement (FTA), India-Sri Lanka Society President and Indian CEO’s Forum Vice President Kishore Reddy stressed on the need for restructuring current incentives to better balance trade between India and Sri Lanka.

Reddy advocated for promoting tourism from India to Sri Lanka and highlighted India’s projected economic growth, which could significantly benefit Sri Lanka.

The roundtable also discussed the introduction of a formal mineral policy to encourage investment in Sri Lanka’s mineral sector.

Representatives from prominent organisations, including Talliance, Taj Samudra, and the Geographical Survey and Minerals Bureau (GSMB), shared valuable insights into expanding opportunities in their respective sectors, reaffirming their commitment to Sri Lanka’s recovery.