Health and Mass Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said Sri Lanka should transform its long-standing relationship with India into a stronger and more productive economic partnership by expanding cooperation in investment, industry and innovation.
He made the remarks while addressing the opening session of “India Calling,” a business forum organised by the Lanka India Business Association (LIBA) to strengthen Sri Lanka-India economic relations.
The event, held at the Taj Samudra Hotel in Colombo, brings together policymakers, investors, economists and business leaders to discuss investment opportunities, industrial collaboration and regional trade, with a particular focus on expanding opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises.
The Minister said Sri Lanka is not only recovering from economic challenges but is also building a new economic foundation based on discipline, transparency and productivity.
He said the government’s objective is to move away from a dependency-driven economic model and build a competitive, export-oriented economy driven by value creation and innovation.
Describing India as more than just a neighbouring country, Dr. Jayatissa said it is a key partner linked to Sri Lanka through history, geography and future economic opportunities.
He stressed that bilateral economic ties should go beyond trade volumes by strengthening manufacturing supply chains, industrial cooperation, technology transfer and new investment opportunities.
The Minister also said Sri Lanka’s strategic location in the Indian Ocean positions it to become a regional manufacturing and supply hub.
He identified pharmaceuticals, apparel, food processing, renewable energy and technology as sectors with significant potential for joint ventures and investment between the two countries.
Dr. Jayatissa further said economic growth must benefit all sections of society, highlighting the need to integrate small and medium-sized enterprises into regional and global value chains.
He added that investors seek stability, confidence and a clear policy environment rather than promises, and said creating an ease-of-doing-business environment remains a key responsibility of the government.
The Minister said forums such as “India Calling” should produce tangible outcomes through investments and business partnerships that benefit people, rather than remaining limited to discussions. (Newswire)