Sri Lanka is positioning itself as a regional hub for trade, industry, technology and investment as the country moves from economic stabilisation towards sustainable growth, Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Chathuranga Abeysinghe stated.
The Deputy Minister made these remarks while participating in a discussion titled “Sri Lanka’s Economic Reset: Recovery, Resilience and the Road Ahead” at the NDTV World Summit 2026 in New Delhi, India.
Highlighting Sri Lanka’s potential to become a regional centre for trade, research and development, technology and skilled talent, the Deputy Minister invited international investors to go beyond supporting the country’s economic recovery and become partners in its next phase of growth.
He outlined plans to establish 18 new industrial zones, including 11 under the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development and seven under the Board of Investment of Sri Lanka. These zones are expected to expand industrial capacity and create new opportunities for both local and international businesses.
The Deputy Minister also encouraged foreign companies to explore partnerships with established Sri Lankan enterprises through investment, technology transfer and improved access to international markets.
Emphasising the potential to strengthen economic cooperation between Sri Lanka and India, he identified manufacturing, agricultural value addition, logistics, renewable energy, marine industries and technology as key sectors offering mutually beneficial partnership opportunities.
He further highlighted ongoing efforts to simplify investment procedures, digitise public services and improve regulatory clarity to create a more investor-friendly business environment.
The Deputy Minister stressed that sustained economic reforms, stronger governance, digital transformation and industrial development are essential to ensuring Sri Lanka’s long-term economic resilience and competitiveness.
Delivering a clear message to the international business community, he invited global investors not merely to support Sri Lanka’s recovery but to become active partners in the country’s future growth and development.
