Port City Colombo participated as the Platinum Sponsor of the second edition of Sri Lanka Beyond Your Dreams, a major diplomatic and investment-focused gathering hosted by the Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Dubai and the Northern Emirates. The event was held on 2 September 2026 at Hilton Dubai Al Habtoor City, bringing together more than 400 UAE-based business leaders, investors, diplomats and institutional representatives alongside senior Sri Lankan government officials.
The event featured H.E. Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade of the United Arab Emirates, as Guest of Honour, while Sri Lanka was represented by Hon. Vijitha Herath, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism.
A senior Sri Lankan government delegation also attended the event, reflecting the Government’s focus on strengthening economic and investment relations with the UAE. The delegation included Mr. G. Pradeep Saputhanthri, Secretary to the Prime Minister; Mr. Duminda Hulangamuwa, Chairman of the Board of Investment of Sri Lanka; Mr. Mangala Wijesinghe, Chairman of the Export Development Board; and Mr. Somasena Mahadiulwela, Director General of Commerce.
H.E. Prof. Arusha Cooray, Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the United Arab Emirates, commended the Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Dubai for its efforts in organising the high-profile gathering. She highlighted the event’s importance as a platform for strengthening economic ties and expanding bilateral business engagement between Sri Lanka and the UAE.
In his keynote address, Minister Herath highlighted the longstanding relationship between Sri Lanka and the Arab region, while identifying the UAE as an important economic partner. He stressed the importance of concluding a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between Sri Lanka and the UAE, noting that such an agreement could provide a stronger framework for expanding trade, investment and broader economic cooperation.
He also reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s readiness to welcome Gulf-based investors and positioned Port City Colombo as a key platform through which the growing economic partnership could translate into investment opportunities.
“As a SEZ with a dedicated legal and regulatory framework and competitive incentives, Port City Colombo is where Sri Lanka’s economic mission becomes a physical reality. For UAE businesses and investors, PCC offers a modern and internationally designed platform and a natural gateway to South Asia’s growth, while keeping you connected to the opportunities and strengths of the Gulf,” Minister Herath stated.
Ambassador Akio Isomata Highlights Priorities for Strengthening Sri Lanka–Japan Economic Relations at 47th SLJBC AGM
The Sri Lanka–Japan Business Council (SLJBC) of The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce recently convened its 47th Annual General Meeting (AGM), with Ambassador of Japan and Patron of the Council, H.E. Akio Isomata, attending as Chief Guest.
Addressing the gathering, Ambassador Isomata identified three key areas for strengthening bilateral economic ties: developing an effective and forward-looking trade and investment policy, advancing domestic industrial policy, and increasing investment in renewable energy.
He noted that Sri Lanka’s ongoing review of its Free Trade Agreement policy would play an important role in determining the country’s future approach to trade negotiations. Encouraging Sri Lanka to strengthen its economic engagement with Japan and Southeast Asia, the Ambassador proposed adopting a more export-oriented industrial model.
Ambassador Isomata also welcomed Sri Lanka’s National Export Development Plan 2026 and National Mineral Policy 2026, noting that these initiatives align with Japan’s vision of linking Sri Lanka’s export-oriented manufacturing sectors with India’s rapidly expanding manufacturing base.
In his address, SLJBC President Athulla R. F. Edirisinghe reflected on Japan’s nearly seven decades of humanitarian and development assistance to Sri Lanka. He also paid tribute to Yohei Sasakawa, Chairman of the Sasakawa Peace Foundation, for his contribution to establishing the Foundation.
Reflecting on the history of Japanese investment in the region since the 1970s, Edirisinghe noted that Sri Lanka had missed several opportunities to attract Japanese foreign direct investment.
Port City Colombo Deepens Gulf Investment Engagement at ‘Sri Lanka Beyond Your Dreams’ in Dubai
