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 on “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 as a regional centre for trade, research and development, technology and skilled talent, the Deputy Minister invited international investors to move 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, 11 through the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development and seven through the Board of Investment of Sri Lanka—to expand industrial capacity and create new opportunities for local and international businesses.
The Deputy Minister also encouraged foreign companies to explore partnerships with established Sri Lankan enterprises through investment, technology transfer and expanded access to international markets.
Emphasising the potential for stronger economic cooperation between Sri Lanka and India, he identified manufacturing, agricultural value addition, logistics, renewable energy, marine industries and technology as key areas for mutually beneficial partnerships.
He further highlighted ongoing efforts to simplify investment procedures, digitise public services and strengthen 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 securing Sri Lanka’s long-term economic resilience and competitiveness.
His message to the international business community was clear: Don’t just support Sri Lanka’s recovery be part of its growth.