Over 200 business leaders, investors and policymakers attend event to explore cross-border investment opportunities
Colombo Port City has stepped up efforts to attract Indian investment, hosting its inaugural investor forum in India in Chennai on 4 November, bringing together over 200 business leaders, investors, policymakers and industry representatives from both countries.
The Colombo Port City Investor Forum – Chennai 2026 was organised by the Deputy High Commission of Sri Lanka in Chennai in collaboration with Port City Colombo, with a focus on investment opportunities in real estate, financial services, logistics, IT and technology.
Addressing the forum, Deputy High Commissioner of Sri Lanka for Southern India Dr Ganesanathan Geathiswaran highlighted the longstanding economic and cultural ties between India and Sri Lanka, stressing the potential to expand bilateral trade, investment and business cooperation.
Delivering the keynote address, Colombo Port City Economic Commission Chairperson Harsha Amarasekera highlighted the investment framework, regulatory certainty and safeguards available to investors, positioning Port City Colombo as a potential regional business hub for Indian companies seeking to expand their operations.
CHEC Port City Colombo (Pvt) Ltd Deputy Managing Director Thulci Aluwihare outlined the investment opportunities available within the development, highlighting its status as Sri Lanka’s only foreign currency-designated Special Economic Zone.
He also highlighted facilities including a single-window approval mechanism, 100% foreign ownership and the ability to conduct transactions in 16 foreign currencies, including the Indian rupee.
A panel discussion featuring TVS Vehicle Mobility Solutions Chief Executive Officer Madhu Raghunath, JLL Senior Director and Head of Centre of Excellence, Strategic Consulting and Value & Risk Advisory for India and Sri Lanka Robin S Amarasekera and Aluwihare examined sector-specific investment opportunities, regulatory facilitation and prospects for strengthening India-Sri Lanka business partnerships.
The discussions also focused on how Indian businesses could use Sri Lanka's strategic geographical location, investment framework and regional connectivity to expand their operations and access wider markets.
The forum was coordinated by the First Secretary (Commercial) of the Deputy High Commission of Sri Lanka in Chennai A M Heshani Kaushalya, under the guidance of the Deputy High Commissioner.
The event marks Port City Colombo’s first investor forum in India and forms part of efforts to strengthen engagement with the Indian business community and attract cross-border investment into Sri Lanka.