The Sri Lanka Business Forum 2026, held on January 30 in Paris, helped renew momentum in investment ties between France and Sri Lanka. The event was organised by MEDEF International in collaboration with the Embassy of Sri Lanka in France and attracted participation from several leading French companies, highlighting growing interest in expanding bilateral economic cooperation.
Delivering the keynote address, Sri Lanka’s Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Chathuranga Abeysinghe outlined the government’s policy framework and reform agenda aimed at improving investor confidence, enhancing ease of doing business and promoting export-led growth. He also highlighted upcoming legislative reforms, including amendments to the Minerals Act, the Colombo Port City framework, the implementation of an Investment Single Window and broader digitisation efforts to increase transparency and business efficiency.
Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to France and Permanent Delegate to UNESCO, Manisha Gunasekera, welcomed the forum as an important step toward strengthening economic ties, while the Executive Director of the Board of Investment (BOI), Priyanka Samaraweera, presented investment opportunities, fiscal incentives and upcoming industrial zones. French companies were also invited to participate in the upcoming Investors’ Forum scheduled for March 30, 2026, in Colombo.
The forum featured presentations from leading companies, including Orange Marine, which highlighted its successful collaboration with Colombo Dockyard PLC on the construction of cable vessels. The Embassy also promoted “Sri Lanka Expo 2026,” set to take place in Colombo from June 18–21, encouraging French investors and buyers to participate.
Major French companies such as SNCF, Bureau Veritas, Carrefour, Michelin and others attended the event, reaffirming their interest in exploring business opportunities in Sri Lanka. Senior officials from Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development and the Export Development Board also participated, underscoring the strong commitment of both countries to deepen investment partnerships and economic collaboration.
