The Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka (SEC) and the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) concluded its ‘Invest Sri Lanka’ Investor Forum in Dubai last week (22) at the Sheraton Grand Hotel, as part of a series of roadshows across the Middle East.

The forum, targeting the international investment community and Sri Lankan diaspora, served as major events in Dubai and Abu Dhabi to spotlight Sri Lanka's emergence as a rising frontier market with zero capital gains tax amid a sustained rally that has delivered rapid growth over the past few years.

Addressing the gathering, Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the United Arab Emirates Prof. Arusha Cooray noted that the UAE is Sri Lanka's largest trading partner in the Middle East, and was Sri Lanka's 7th largest export destination with exports valued at $ 335 million in 2025. She further added that the UAE was Sri Lanka's 3rd largest import origin, with imports valued at $ 1.3 billion also last year.

Speaking on investment opportunities, she emphasised that the UAE is additionally the sixth largest investor in Sri Lanka and as identified, there is large potential in several areas including logistics, energy, ports, IT, agriculture, hospitality, tourism, and real estate.

She noted: “Our focus has primarily been on FDI, but the presence of this delegation signals growing potential for portfolio investment as well.”

Turning to labour cooperation, she pointed out that labour is another key area of cooperation, given the 350,000 Sri Lankans residing in the UAE.

Highlighting market performance, CSE Director Ray Abeywardena stated: “The All-Share-Price-Index (ASPI) has experienced exponential growth and today, as we gather here, it sits over 23,800 points, representing a staggering 120% growth since October 2024, post the Presidential Election.”

Emphasising the investment opportunity, he noted: “To put that in perspective: An investment made in our equity market just over a year ago would have more than doubled in value.” He added, “And as you are aware capital gains acquired in our market are free of tax.”