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)

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By Santosh Menon, President of Lanka India business association (LIBA) 

Lanka India Business Association ( LIBA) is holding its first ever forum  in Sri lanka called “ India calling”. This on August 6 th, 2026 at the Taj Samudra. 

The forum  will feature key note presentations and panel discussions involving diplomats, political leaders, business people and other key opinion leaders from both India and Sri Lanka. 

Topics ranging from the Indian economic opportunity to the mythology of the relationship between the two countries, the strategic imperatives of partnership and the Sri Lankan context to the relationship will all be discussed.

The speakers include David Pines, HC of NZ, Theresa Mahoney, DHC of Uk, Daisuke Shikama of Jethro. Devdutt Pattanaik, Professor C RajaMohan and Montek Singh Alhuwalia are all coming from India to discuss and find ways of enhancing the relationship. Governor Hanif Yousuf will talk about India through the Sri Lankan prism. And high commissioner of India Santosh Jha will speak about the expansive relations between the two countries 

The 4 panel discussions will feature Ravi Jayawardene from Maliban who will talk about how Maliban cracked the Indian market, Illango Ram will talk about how he took his box office movie to India, Thilan Wijesinghe will share previously unknown stories of how the SL- India FTA was signed in 2000. 

So why are we doing this event? Because we think a closer economic trade and business engagement with India can help transform Sri Lanka. And why do we say this?

Proximity and access: 

Just 30 kms away to the north of Sri Lanka is one of the world’s fastest growing economies. An economy that’s expected to be the 2nd largest economy by 2047 and already boasting a middle class of 300 million, who have huge purchasing power. In fact in the last two years The EU, UK, Singapore, UAE , New Zealand have all signed significant trade agreements with India to access this market and to benefit from its growth story. Perhaps the time has come for Sri Lanka to enhance the economic engagement with India. 

Hub to India 

Japan has mooted an export corridor from Sri Lanka into South India- one that Japanese companies can access to service the fastest growing markets ( South India) within India. The Japanese envision basing its manufacturing facilities for high quality electronics in Sri Lanka thus creating job opportunities and employment for Sri Lankans. Crucial to its success is a trade agreement between India and Sri Lanka that goes beyond the current FTA- one that provides easy access to South India 

The energy provider to India 

South India with its impressive growth is also energy hungry. With the right investments in renewables, Sri Lanka could become the provider of energy to starved Indian markets. Renewable energy has the potential to become a huge export product providing invaluable foreign exchange for Sri Lanka. 

Technology connector 

India has been a shining example of Digital Public infrastructure- where a unique digital identity is stacked up to a bank account and a movie service to provide unparalleled convenience to consumers paying – no need for cash, reduced spends on credit cards and bringing more revenue into the banking started. But most importantly this provides significant social Inclusion as the state can provide direct money benefits to the needy without any leakages. 

The oil pipeline- A method of providing fuel security such that reduces possibility of Sri Lanka facing a fuel crisis again. 

The tourism and investment dividends- With 30 Million Indians travelling globally every year, easy connectivity can ensure significant increase in tourist traffic into Sri Lanka. And if Sri Lanka can attract the cream of Indian travellers that will create huge positive impact on the economy. With an improved access to India companies and investors from India too could potentially look at shifting base to Sri Lanka to gain easy access to South Indian markets- colombo is closer to kochi, Chennai, Bengaluru and Hyderabad than Delhi. 

There are significant reasons why Sri Lanka must heed this calling from India. A positive and sustained engagement with India can enhance the economic development of sri lanka substantially. And the “ India calling” session could be the perfect forum to involve fully to hear about the opportunities at length. And make up your mind. 

It’s important the opportunity is not missed. 

Tickets to the session can be bought at 

https://indiacalling.rush.lk 

(Santosh Menon is the President of Lanka India business association ( LIBA) and can be reached on santoshmenon1@me.com) 

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