Sri Lanka is stepping up efforts to attract international investment by showcasing the country’s evolving capital market and improving economic outlook to investors in Australia.

The Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka (SEC) and the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE), in partnership with Port City Colombo and the Sri Lanka High Commission in Australia, hosted the “Invest Sri Lanka” Investor Forum on 17 August 2026 at the Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park. HNB Group served as the Platinum Partner, with the Australia Sri Lanka Business Council, Nalanda College Old Boys’ Association Australia and the CA Sri Lanka Australia Chapter supporting the event.

The forum focused on strengthening international investor confidence, highlighting opportunities within Sri Lanka’s capital market and encouraging greater participation from foreign fund managers and the Sri Lankan diaspora in Australia.

Highlighting Sri Lanka’s Investment Potential

Addressing the forum, Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to Australia, H.E. Yasoja Gunasekera, highlighted the opportunities emerging from the country’s improving economic environment. She noted that Sri Lanka’s strategic location, strengthening fundamentals and supportive policy environment position the country for its next phase of economic growth.

Ray Abeywardena, Director of the Colombo Stock Exchange, emphasised the importance of political stability and monetary discipline in attracting international investors. He expressed confidence that Sri Lanka could benefit from a potential reallocation of funds towards frontier markets.

Senior Prof. D.B.P.H. Dissabandara, Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka, highlighted the critical role of the capital market in mobilising investment and supporting sustainable economic growth. He also called on international investors and the Sri Lankan diaspora to participate in the country’s growth journey.

Sri Lanka’s Improving Economic Outlook

The forum also examined Sri Lanka’s economic recovery and its emerging investment case.

Charles Blake, Executive Director of ACP Corum Pty Ltd, pointed to easing economic pressures, improving policy conditions, recovering corporate earnings and returning liquidity as factors strengthening Sri Lanka’s appeal to investors. He also described the country as an “India Plus One” opportunity, offering complementary strengths in logistics, services and manufacturing while providing access to the wider South Asian market.

Central Bank of Sri Lanka Governor Dr. P. Nandalal Weerasinghe highlighted the country’s improving credit profile. He noted that all three major international rating agencies currently rate Sri Lanka at CCC, while a pathway towards a B- rating could emerge as economic conditions and investor confidence continue to improve.

New Opportunities Through Economic Reforms

Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe outlined the Government’s ongoing economic reforms and investment priorities.

These include restructuring state-owned enterprises, strengthening institutions, reforming investment and trade policies, introducing a new tariff framework and accelerating infrastructure development and digital transformation.

He also encouraged investors to explore opportunities beyond traditional passive investments, including brownfield projects and venture capital. According to the Deputy Minister, stronger governance, fiscal discipline and the Government’s commitment to economic revival are contributing to renewed investor confidence.

Port City Colombo Offers Greater Investment Flexibility

Port City Colombo was also presented as an important platform for international investors seeking greater flexibility in accessing regional and global markets.

Thulci Aluwihare, Deputy Managing Director of CHEC Port City Colombo, highlighted the potential benefits available to overseas investors, including greater flexibility in bringing business capital into the country and operating businesses connected to international markets.

The development is positioned as an opportunity for investors seeking a strategic base that connects Sri Lanka with wider regional and global commercial networks.

Simplified Access to the Colombo Stock Exchange

The forum also provided practical guidance for Australian-based investors and members of the Sri Lankan diaspora interested in entering Sri Lanka’s capital market.

Damith Pallewatte, Managing Director and CEO of Hatton National Bank PLC, explained the process of establishing an Inward Investment Account (IIA), which enables overseas and expatriate investors to access the Colombo Stock Exchange.

He noted that, with the necessary documentation—including a passport, proof of overseas address and source-of-funds declaration—the account-opening process can typically be completed within two to three working days.

Positioning Sri Lanka Within South Asia’s Growth Story

The forum also explored Sri Lanka’s potential as part of the broader South Asian economic growth story.

Dr. Naveen Gunawardane, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Lynear Wealth Management, stressed that investment in Sri Lanka should not be viewed solely as exposure to a single national market. Instead, he highlighted the country’s potential to benefit from South Asia’s anticipated growth over the next five to ten years.

The event concluded with a panel discussion involving leading policymakers, regulators and investment professionals. The session, moderated by Colombo Stock Exchange CEO Rajeeva Bandaranaike, addressed Sri Lanka’s economic outlook, capital market developments, investment opportunities and the country’s role within the wider South Asian economy.

Continuing the “Invest Sri Lanka” Initiative

The Sydney event marked the beginning of a series of “Invest Sri Lanka” Investor Forums held across Australia from 17 to 20 August 2026.

The initiative brings together policymakers, regulators, market professionals and representatives from the investment industry to present Sri Lanka’s evolving investment landscape and engage directly with international investors and the Sri Lankan diaspora.

Through these engagements, Sri Lanka is seeking to strengthen its international investment profile, expand participation in its capital markets and position itself as an increasingly attractive destination within the broader South Asian economic landscape.