Deputy Minister Chathuranga Abeysinghe promotes investment, industrial development and innovation during visit to New Delhi

Sri Lanka’s transition from economic stabilisation to sustainable growth, opportunities for Indian investment, and prospects for stronger partnerships in industry, technology and entrepreneurship were the key themes of the visit of the Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, Chathuranga Abeysinghe, to New Delhi from 22 to 23 October 2026.

The visit featured engagement with international media, discussions with Indian industry representatives, exploration of innovation partnerships with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi, and outreach to the diplomatic community. The Deputy Minister also invited Indian businesses to participate in Sri Lanka Expo 2027, the country’s flagship international trade exhibition.

A key highlight of the visit was the Deputy Minister’s participation in the NDTV World Summit 2026 on 22 October, where he joined a fireside conversation titled “Sri Lanka’s Economic Reset: Recovery, Resilience and the Road Ahead.” Held under the theme “A World Between Orders,” the Summit brought together political leaders, policymakers, diplomats and business leaders.

During the discussion, the Deputy Minister expressed Sri Lanka’s deep appreciation to the Government and people of India for their support during the economic crisis of 2022. Reflecting on the lessons of the crisis, he outlined the progress made in restoring financial stability, restructuring debt and implementing structural reforms. He emphasised that, although Sri Lanka had emerged from the crisis and achieved greater stability, the next challenge was to translate these gains into sustained economic growth.

The Deputy Minister highlighted the importance of greater integration with global markets. Drawing on India’s experience in opening its economy and strengthening international economic ties, he pointed to Sri Lanka’s ongoing trade reforms, including the removal of para-tariffs, as part of efforts to enhance competitiveness and facilitate further free-trade agreements.

Sri Lanka’s ambitions extended beyond economic recovery, with the country seeking to position itself as a regional hub for trade, industry, technology, research and development, logistics, value addition and skilled talent. He invited international investors to participate in this transformation, delivering a clear message: “Don’t just support Sri Lanka’s recovery, be part of its growth.”

The Deputy Minister identified manufacturing, agricultural value addition, logistics, renewable energy, marine industries and technology as key sectors for collaboration between Sri Lanka and India. He also outlined plans to establish new industrial zones through the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development and the Board of Investment of Sri Lanka to expand industrial capacity and attract domestic and international investment.

Emphasising the importance of a conducive business environment, he highlighted efforts to simplify investment procedures, digitise public services and strengthen regulatory clarity.

Engagements with Indian business organisations, including the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), the Chamber for Industrial Trade and Economic Cooperation (CITEC), the National Association of Software and Service Companies (NASSCOM), and the Federation for Global Economic and Cultural Relations (FGECR), formed another important dimension of the visit. The meeting on 23 October provided an opportunity to explore ways to translate the longstanding relationship between Sri Lanka and India into stronger industrial, investment and commercial partnerships. Discussions focused on investment opportunities in Sri Lanka, collaboration with Sri Lankan enterprises, technology transfer and expertise-sharing, with particular attention to manufacturing, information technology, renewable energy, logistics and value-added production.

The Deputy Minister also visited the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi on 23 October to explore collaboration between India’s innovation ecosystem and Sri Lanka’s emerging startup sector. Discussions focused on startup incubation programmes, institutional and legal frameworks supporting early-stage enterprises, and partnerships linking universities, researchers, entrepreneurs, investors and the private sector. The engagement also explored institutional partnerships, knowledge-sharing opportunities and ways to connect Sri Lankan entrepreneurs with India’s innovation networks. The Deputy Minister interacted with startups developing innovative solutions with global potential.

The Deputy Minister’s engagements with leading Indian media organisations, including NDTV, WION and Times Now, provided opportunities to communicate Sri Lanka’s economic priorities and its commitment to strengthening economic cooperation with India. These engagements reinforced Sri Lanka’s message that the country was seeking to consolidate its recovery, attract investment, expand industrial capacity and build mutually beneficial partnerships with Indian businesses.

The Deputy Minister also met with several Ambassadors of countries with resident diplomatic missions in New Delhi that were accredited to Sri Lanka. He outlined Sri Lanka’s economic priorities, industrial development agenda and investment prospects, while encouraging stronger commercial engagement and support for the country’s development objectives.

High Commission of Sri Lanka
New Delhi

29 October 2026