The Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Sri Lanka (AHK Sri Lanka), in collaboration with the German Embassy in Colombo, will host the Sri Lankan–German Business Forum 2026 from 27 to 29 May 2026 in Colombo.
The forum will bring together a high-level German delegation comprising public and private sector representatives, alongside key Sri Lankan stakeholders. It aims to further strengthen the long-standing economic and diplomatic relationship between Sri Lanka and Germany, built over decades of cooperation and growing trade and investment ties.
The event will focus on promoting Sri Lanka as an attractive destination for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), with particular emphasis on maritime, logistics, and related sectors. It also seeks to foster new business partnerships and deepen collaboration between Sri Lankan and German companies, highlighting Sri Lanka’s strategic position along key global shipping routes.
The three-day programme will begin on 27 May 2026 at TRACE Expert City in Colombo with a startup night, showcasing Sri Lanka’s emerging innovation and IT ecosystem. This session will provide a platform for local startups to present their technologies and solutions to an international audience.
The main conference will be held on 28 May 2026 at ITC Ratnadipa Hotel, featuring senior government officials, business leaders, and international experts in high-level discussions and networking sessions. The event will be attended by Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya as Chief Guest, underscoring its national significance.
High Commissioner Jha praises Indian CEO Forum for strengthening Sri Lanka–India business ties
High Commissioner of India Santosh Jha attended the Annual General Meeting of the Indian CEO Forum (ICF) in Colombo on Friday, where he commended the Forum for its continued efforts in strengthening India–Sri Lanka economic and commercial relations.
The Indian CEO Forum concluded its AGM on 22 May 2026, reaffirming its commitment to enhancing investment facilitation, corporate engagement, and broader bilateral economic cooperation between the two countries.
Comprising Indian companies operating in Sri Lanka, Indian-led multinational corporations, and Sri Lankan firms led by Indian business leaders, the Forum now represents over 70 member organisations. These members play a significant role in employment generation, skills development, foreign exchange earnings, and overall economic activity in Sri Lanka.
During Cyclone Ditwah, ICF member companies contributed more than US$2 million to support relief and rebuilding efforts in Sri Lanka.
At the AGM, High Commissioner Jha praised the Forum’s consistent contribution to strengthening corporate and economic ties between India and Sri Lanka. In a fireside discussion with ICF President Kishore Reddy, he highlighted the growing importance of connectivity across digital, energy, maritime, and land sectors.
He also underscored the need to upgrade the India–Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement, suggesting that a renewed framework could unlock a new wave of investment and growth. Jha noted Sri Lanka’s significant trade dynamics under the FTA and encouraged greater engagement from Indian companies under a “Neighbourhood First” approach.
The event was attended by more than 100 companies, along with Sri Lankan industry leaders, senior government officials, and members of the diplomatic corps.
Sri Lankan–German Business Forum 2026 set to commence on Wednesday
