Sri Lanka has highlighted its position as a strategic gateway to South Asian markets at Sri Lanka Connect 2026, a bilateral business and investment forum held on Friday at the JW Marriott Hotel in Jakarta.
Organised by the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Jakarta under the theme “Bridging Markets, Unlocking Growth,” the forum brought together policymakers, investment promotion agencies, business leaders and investors from both countries, with the Board of Investment of Sri Lanka (BOI) also participating.
Indonesia’s Minister of Investment and Downstream Industry, Rosan Roeslani, delivered the keynote address, while Sri Lanka’s Deputy Minister of Economic Development, Nishantha Jayaweera, addressed the gathering through a video message.
The opening panel discussion focused on Sri Lanka’s strategic geographical location, access to regional markets and business-friendly investment environment. Discussions covered government incentives, improvements to the ease of doing business, major national development projects and opportunities for public-private partnerships.
Key investment sectors highlighted included real estate, logistics and supply chain management, maritime and port-related industries, textiles and apparel, and pharmaceutical and healthcare manufacturing.
A second panel examined Indonesia’s growing appeal as an investment destination, highlighting its strong economic fundamentals, expanding consumer market, investment reforms and industrial development. Participants also discussed Sri Lankan investment activities in Indonesia, priority sectors for international investors and opportunities to strengthen institutional cooperation between the two countries.
The panel featured BOI Executive Director (Promotion) Ganga Palalkatiya, Danantara Chief Economist Reza Siregar, and representatives from Kalbe International, CBL Global Foods, Hayleys Aventura and MAS Holdings.
The event attracted representatives from major Indonesian business groups, chambers of commerce, government institutions, Sri Lankan companies operating in Indonesia, honorary consuls and a delegation from the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce.
The BOI stated that it would continue engaging with Indonesian investors who expressed interest in Sri Lanka, in collaboration with the Sri Lankan Embassy in Jakarta, to facilitate potential investment opportunities.
Sri Lanka–Italy Business Council Appoints Dushy Jayaweera as President at 27th AGM
The Sri Lanka–Italy Business Council (SLITBC) of The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce has elected a new leadership team for the coming year at its 27th Annual General Meeting (AGM), reaffirming its commitment to strengthening trade and commercial relations between Sri Lanka and Italy.
Dushy Jayaweera of the Acorn Group was elected President of the Council, while Shamil Mendis of Spear International was appointed Senior Vice President. Anika Williamson of JAT Holdings was elected Vice President, with outgoing President Daminda Mulgama continuing as Immediate Past President.
The AGM was attended by five of the Council’s 13 former presidents, highlighting its 27-year history and the contributions of successive leadership teams towards promoting trade, investment and commercial cooperation between the two countries.
The gathering was also attended by the Council’s Patron, Damiano Francovigh, Ambassador of Italy to Sri Lanka, and Dr. Alberto Arcidiacono, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Italy. Their participation demonstrated the Italian Embassy’s continued support for the Council’s initiatives and the strengthening of business relationships between the two nations.
The keynote address was delivered by Timothy O’Reilly, Managing Director of Taprobane Seafoods, who shared insights into his company’s business journey and development experiences in Sri Lanka and Italy. He also highlighted entrepreneurial lessons and potential opportunities for Sri Lankan businesses seeking to expand into the Italian market.
During the meeting, members reviewed the Council’s activities and achievements over the past year and discussed future strategies to further strengthen bilateral trade, encourage investment and develop new business partnerships between Sri Lanka and Italy.
Sri Lanka Promotes Investment Opportunities to Indonesian Business Leaders at Jakarta Forum
