AmCham Sri Lanka CEO Forum on ‘Accelerating Sri Lanka’s Rebuild’ next week

The American Chamber of Commerce in Sri Lanka (AmCham Sri Lanka) will host its flagship CEO Forum 2026 on Wednesday, 25 February 2026, from 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m., at the Oak Room, Cinnamon Grand Colombo.

It will bring together over 250 C-level executives, policymakers, development partners, and global thought leaders for a high-level dialogue on Sri Lanka’s economic recovery and future growth.

Held under the theme “Accelerating Sri Lanka’s Rebuild,” the Forum aims to serve as a critical platform for strategic conversations on reform, resilience, sustainability, and international engagement at a pivotal moment in the country’s recovery journey.

The Forum will feature a distinguished line-up of keynote speakers, including U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Jayne Howell, AmChams of Asia Pacific President April Palmerlee, U.S. Commercial Service, U.S. Consulate General Chennai Principal Commercial Officer Carey Arun and Senior Country Officer for IFC and the World Bank in Sri Lanka Victor Antonypillai.

Further confirmed speakers include Treasury Secretary Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma, and Deputy Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Minister Chathuranga Abeysinghe, and Western Province Governor Hanif Yusoof.

The CEO Forum 2026 will also feature a strong line-up of highly respected and prominent panelists from the private sector, public sector, and leading development agencies, with additional speakers to be announced in the coming weeks.

The Forum will address pressing economic and development priorities through five thematic panel discussions: A New Chapter for Sri Lanka – Restoring Economic Confidence Through Reform, Resilience & International Engagement; The Cost of Climate Change – Understanding Environmental Risks to Sri Lanka’s Economic Future; Unlocking Opportunity in Uncertainty – How SMEs Can Navigate Crises & Compete in a Changing Market; The Ripple Effect – Understanding How Global Economic Growth Influences Sri Lanka’s Development Path and Recovery Through Collaboration – The Role of Public–Private Partnerships in Rebuilding Sri Lanka.

Designed to offer targeted engagement with senior decision-makers, the CEO Forum 2026 positions itself as one of the country’s most influential leadership and policy platforms. In addition to thought leadership, the Forum will provide exclusive networking opportunities, enabling meaningful connections among business leaders shaping Sri Lanka’s economic future.

The CEO Forum 2026 is Title Partnered by Hatton National Bank (HNB), reflecting strong private-sector commitment to national recovery and long-term economic resilience.

AmCham Sri Lanka President Sandun Hapugoda said: “The AmCham Sri Lanka CEO Forum is designed to move beyond conversation to collaboration. By bringing together business leaders, policymakers, and international partners, we aim to foster practical ideas that rebuild confidence, accelerate reform, and position Sri Lanka as a competitive and trusted destination for investment and growth.”

US Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Jayne Howell said:  “The AmCham CEO Forum brings together business leaders in Sri Lanka at a critical moment to focus on reforms, resilience, and practical solutions that strengthen economic confidence. For the United States, this forum is also about advancing U.S. economic interests—ensuring American companies can compete on a level playing field, supporting stability in key markets, and reinforcing high standards that benefit U.S. businesses and exports while contributing to long-term growth.”

HNB PLC CEO Damitha Palewatte said: “At HNB, we believe progress is built through partnership, trust, and forward-looking leadership. As Sri Lanka navigates its path to recovery and renewed growth, platforms that bring together business, policy, and global perspectives are vital. We are proud to partner the AmCham Sri Lanka CEO Forum 2026 to support meaningful dialogue, strengthen confidence, and help unlock sustainable opportunities for the nation’s future.”

Through the CEO Forum 2026, AmCham Sri Lanka continues its mission to strengthen U.S.–Sri Lanka commercial ties, advocate for a conducive business environment, and foster collaboration between the private sector, government, and international partners to support sustainable and inclusive growth.