Indian Delegations Drive Trade at Sri Lanka Summit
Two 10-member business delegations from India, representing the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and the Cochin Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI), visited Colombo for the Sri Lanka Economic and Investment Summit 2026, which the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce organized on Oct. 12–13.
The visits explored trade and investment opportunities in Sri Lanka, strengthened business-to-business connections, and promoted greater economic engagement between India and Sri Lanka.
The CII delegation included representatives from healthcare, pharmaceuticals, solar energy, information technology, manufacturing, and footwear. It held a series of meetings with key stakeholders in Sri Lanka.
These meetings included discussions with Hon. Anura Karunathilaka, Minister of Energy; Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe, Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development; and senior officials from Sri Lanka’s Board of Investment (BOI) and Export Development Board (EDB).
The discussions focused on investment opportunities, trade prospects, and potential business collaborations in sectors of mutual interest.
The Cochin Chamber of Commerce and Industry delegation represented sectors including healthcare, logistics, building materials, business consultancy, information technology, and tourism. It also engaged with Sri Lankan stakeholders.
The delegation met with Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe, Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, and senior officials from Sri Lanka’s Board of Investment.
They also held B2B meetings with Sri Lankan companies to explore partnerships and collaboration opportunities. The delegation toured Nestlé and Elephant House manufacturing facilities for first-hand insight into industrial operations in Sri Lanka.
Both delegations also met with the High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka, H.E. Santosh Jha.
During these meetings, the High Commissioner shared his perspectives on the Sri Lankan economy and opportunities for Indian businesses. He encouraged the visiting companies to strengthen their engagement with Sri Lankan counterparts, establish business partnerships, and pursue trade and investment opportunities.
The Cochin Chamber delegation’s visit is part of the High Commission’s ongoing efforts to strengthen economic and commercial engagement with Sri Lanka at regional and sub-national levels, including greater interaction between regional business chambers and enterprises from various parts of India and their Sri Lankan counterparts.
Earlier this year, delegations from the South Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SGCCI) and the Tamil Nadu State Council of the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) also visited Sri Lanka.
The Cochin Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during the Sri Lanka Economic and Investment Summit 2026 to strengthen trade and business cooperation between Kerala and Sri Lanka.
Mr. C. S. Kartha, Past President and Executive Committee Member of the Cochin Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Mr. Krishan Balendra, President of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, signed the MoU. The agreement aims to enhance business engagement, promote closer commercial ties, and create mutually beneficial business opportunities.
The visits of both delegations highlight ongoing efforts to strengthen India–Sri Lanka economic and commercial ties through business-to-business engagement and institutional partnerships.