The Sri Lanka Business Forum 2026, held on January 30 in Paris and organized by MEDEF International in collaboration with the Sri Lankan Embassy in France, renewed momentum in investment ties between France and Sri Lanka.
MEDEF International, the French Business Confederation of leading French companies, organized the event in partnership with the Embassy of Sri Lanka in France, at the MEDEF Office in Paris.
The hybrid-format event drew participation from several leading French companies, marking a significant step toward expanding bilateral economic collaboration.
Delivering the keynote address, the Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development of Sri Lanka Chathuranga Abeysinghe presented the Government’s policy framework and the reform agenda aimed at strengthening investor confidence, improving ease of doing business, and accelerating export-led growth.
The Deputy Minister elaborated on upcoming legislative reforms, including amendments to the Minerals Act, the Colombo Port City legislative framework, implementation of the Investment Single Window, and the Government’s broader digitizationdrive which would contribute towards enhancing transparency and business confidence.
Highlighting Sri Lanka’s comparative advantage in the South and Southeast Asian region, the Deputy Minister emphasised France’s role as a strategic investment partner, while inviting French companies to engage with Sri Lanka. The Deputy Minister’s address was followed by a vibrant Q&A where he responded to several questions posed.
The Forum was moderated by Mr. Eric Le Corre, Chairman of the France–Sri Lanka Business Council at MEDEF International and Advisor to the Chairman of the Michelin Group.
Delivering welcome remarks, the Ambassador of Sri Lanka to France and Permanent Delegate to UNESCOManisha Gunasekera applauded the convening of the Forum a first step in broadening and deepening the investment partnership. She appreciated the role of MEDEF in connecting reputed French companies with potential investors andpartners in Sri Lanka.
The Executive Director of the Board of Investment (BOI) of Sri Lanka Priyanka Samaraweera, in her presentation detailed, inter alia, investor facilitation measures, fiscal incentives including tax holidays, tariff benefits under preferential trade agreements, and upcoming industrial zones. The BOI also invited potential French investors to participate in the upcoming Investors’ Forum scheduled to be held in Colombo on 30 March 2026.
The presentation of the CEO of Orange Marine, Didier Dillardon the company’s successful collaboration with Colombo Dockyard PLC in building their cable vessel “Sophie Germain” in 2023; and two additional vessels scheduled for delivery in 2028 and 2029, helped position Sri Lanka as an attractive and competitive investment destination.
The Embassy highlighted “Sri Lanka Expo 2026” which will be held in Colombo from 18-21 June 2026, as a key global platform for buyers and investors; and encouraged French companies to participate.
Reputed French companies, SNCF, Bureau Veritas, Carrefour, Deviseo Fret, Emovis SAS, Union de Banques Arabes et Françaises (UBAF), Michelin, and Top Tech College, participated in the Forum, thus demonstrating the interest among French cooperates in doing business with Sri Lanka. The participating companies reaffirmed that the engagement marked a first step in expanding dialogue and collaboration between France and Sri Lanka.
Senior officials of the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, and the Export Development Board of Sri Lanka (EDB) also participated in the forum. The Forum was organised by the Commercial Section of the Embassy led by First Secretary (Commerce) PrasadiBoomawalage, in consultation with relevant stakeholders. The success of the Forum reflects the strong commitment of the parties concerned to organise a broader, outcome-oriented engagement with the French private sector in the future.