The Indo-Lanka Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ILCCI), affiliated to The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, hosted an interactive session on Sri Lanka’s Investment Future: Policy, Opportunity & Growth at Jetwing Colombo Seven. The session was attended by Dr. Satyanjal Pandey as Chief Guest, while Aritha Wickramasinghe delivered the keynote address in his capacity as Chief of Staff to the Office of the Presidential Special Envoy on Foreign Investment, Hanif Yusoof.

ILCCI President M. Raghuraman, in his remarks, expressed appreciation to Dr. Pandey for his service during his tenure in Sri Lanka and underscored the timeliness and importance of the session topic in the context of the current global economic and geopolitical climate.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Pandey observed that in a period marked by geopolitical and economic turbulence – reliability, trustworthiness, and secure supply chains have become increasingly important. He also highlighted the strong and growing economic partnership between India and Sri Lanka, noting several significant Indian investments in Sri Lanka, including those by ITC Limited and CEAT Limited, while indicating that further investments are expected in the future.

As a representative of the state, Aritha Wickramasinghe stated that it is the responsibility of the government to ensure that, even amid global turbulence, Sri Lanka remains stable in its policy direction, credible in its economic management, and consistent in its engagement with investors. He also emphasised the opportunities available to the Sri Lankan economy through deeper engagement with India’s fast-growing economy, noting that while India and Sri Lanka are neighbours, the relationship is regarded as one of family rather than mere proximity.

The session which included a highly engaging and interactive Q&A session with the audience, concluded with a productive exchange of views between the distinguished guests, speakers and participants, reaffirming the importance of continued dialogue and collaboration in strengthening investment and economic ties between Sri Lanka and India.

The Australian Border Force and Sri Lanka Coast Guard have launched Disi Rela 2026, marking the third consecutive year of the joint maritime security initiative aimed at strengthening maritime surveillance, operational capability, and public awareness across Sri Lanka’s coastal regions.

This year, Disi Rela 2026 expands its community engagement and public awareness activities to Sri Lanka’s Eastern Province, following successful activations conducted in the Western and Southern Provinces in previous years.

Meaning “keeping a watchful eye over the maritime environment,” Disi Rela reflects the continued partnership between Australia and Sri Lanka to strengthen maritime security, combat transnational maritime crime, and promote safer seas across the region. Through intelligence sharing, operational cooperation, advanced equipment support, and public awareness initiatives, both countries continue to work together to address threats including people smuggling, drug trafficking, illegal fishing, and other unlawful maritime activities.

Over the past three years, the Australian Government has supported Sri Lanka’s maritime security efforts under the Disi Rela initiative through the donation of 24 surveillance drones, three all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), three Stabicraft patrol vessels, and the establishment of a dedicated 24/7 hotline number — 106.

Further strengthening Sri Lanka Coast Guard’s operational capability, the Australian Government will donate an additional five all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) under Disi Rela 2026 to support coastal surveillance and rapid response operations.

In reflecting upon the continued partnership and shared commitment of both nations to safeguard Sri Lanka’s maritime boundaries and coastal communities, the Director General of the Sri Lanka Coast Guard,

The Sri Lanka Chamber of Small and Medium Industries (SLCSMI) and the National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka (NCCSL)  have jointly announced the National SME Revival Programme, a forum dedicated to identifying practical challenges, opportunities, and strategic pathways for the growth and sustainability of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across Sri Lanka.

The programme is scheduled for 16th June 2026 from 2.00 p.m. to 5.00 p.m., at the Auditorium of the National Chamber of Commerce, 450, D. R. Wijewardena Mawatha, Colombo 10. The forum will bring together MSMEs from diverse sectors and regions to engage in substantive dialogue on competitiveness, sustainability, and their contributions to the national economy, both locally and in global markets.

The programme will feature two eminent guest speakers who bring deep expertise in economics, business strategy, and financial management: Talal Rafi is an Economist; Former Consultant to the Asian Development Bank and the European Union; Former Director, Ernst & Young. Rafi brings extensive international experience in economic policy and development finance, having advised leading multilateral institutions on growth and reform initiatives. Chaaminda Kumarasiri is a Senior Chartered Accountant, Management Consultant, and Business Advisor. Kumarasiri is a distinguished professional with a strong track record in financial management and strategic advisory services for businesses across multiple sectors.

The initiative reflects a shared commitment by both organisations to support Sri Lanka’s SME sector, which forms the backbone of the national economy. Interested participants are encouraged to reach out to +94 762 555707/ 11 4741788 (Nishanthi) or +94 77 4586940 (Gerard).