Sri Lanka seeks to boost Thai investment through Bangkok Business Forum

Sri Lanka has stepped up efforts to attract Thai investment and expand bilateral trade by hosting a business forum in Bangkok, where government ministers outlined policy reforms aimed at improving the ease of doing business and supporting export-oriented industries.

The forum, organised by the Embassy and Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka in Thailand together with the Thai-Sri Lanka Chamber of Commerce (TSLCC), brought together Sri Lankan and Thai business leaders, investors and government representatives. Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Chathuranga Abeysinghe delivered the keynote address, highlighting the government’s strategy to accelerate industrial growth, promote entrepreneurship and create a more investor-friendly business environment.

He said policy priorities included encouraging innovation, supporting private sector-led growth, attracting foreign direct investment and expanding export-oriented industries. 

He also invited Thai businesses to explore emerging opportunities in Sri Lanka and become partners in the country’s economic transformation.

Environment Deputy Minister Anton Jayakody also attended the forum during a visit to Bangkok for the UNDP Youth Co Summit 2026 and the Ninth Session of the UNESCAP Committee on Environment and Development.

Prior to the public session, the ministers held closed-door discussions with the Executive Committee of the Thai-Sri Lanka Chamber of Commerce and embassy officials on Sri Lanka’s economic outlook, recent policy reforms and strategies to strengthen trade and commercial partnerships between the two countries.

Sri Lankan Ambassador to Thailand E.A.S. Wijayanthi Edirisinghe said the embassy would continue to facilitate stronger trade, investment and business linkages while encouraging greater private sector collaboration to maximise opportunities under the Sri Lanka–Thailand Free Trade Agreement.

TSLCC President Dilan Samarakoon said the chamber was working to expand bilateral trade and investment flows and strengthen economic cooperation between the two countries.

The forum concluded with a networking reception where business leaders explored potential partnerships and future collaboration opportunities, reflecting growing interest from both Sri Lankan and Thai companies in deepening commercial engagement. 

(CPS)