Momentum intensified through high-level engagement with key stakeholders. A pivotal milestone was the meeting with the Consulate General of India in Jaffna, where Consul General of India Shri Sai Murali S., expressed strong and enthusiastic support for the summit. His active involvement was instrumental in securing the Thiruvalluvar Cultural Centre as the prestigious venue for NIS26—underscoring the depth of Indo-Sri Lankan collaboration and the confidence of regional partners in the summit’s vision.
A defining moment in the summit’s journey was a high-impact hybrid consultative meeting chaired by the Northern Province Governor N. Vethanayagan, which brought together an unprecedented cross-section of stakeholders committed to the region’s development. The session saw physical participation from over 40 institutions and private-sector organisations, alongside virtual engagement from 41 development partners, INGOs, overseas investors, and local private investors. This inclusive and future-focused dialogue enabled open exchange of ideas, alignment of priorities, and collective ownership of the Northern development agenda. The strong turnout and depth of engagement underscored growing confidence in the Northern Province as a credible, investment-ready destination and reaffirmed the shared resolve to convert strategy into action through the Northern Investment Summit 2026.
What began as a bold proposal quickly gained momentum. With strong backing from the Ministry of Industry, Ministry of Finance, Board of Investment (BOI), Export Development Board (EDB) and several other State institutions, NIS26 has evolved into a nationally endorsed public–private collaboration, where TMC acts as facilitator.
To ensure credibility and readiness, TMC undertook an extensive consultative process across all five districts of the Northern Province. With the support of the Governor, district secretaries, and institutions such as the Industrial Development Board (IDB) and National Enterprise Development Authority (NEDA), district-level data was captured using a standardised framework.
TMC’s knowledge partner KPMG is now consolidating this intelligence into five district-specific, investment-ready proposals, which will be unveiled to local, international, and expatriate investors. These proposals represent real, bankable opportunities—carefully vetted and aligned with national development priorities.
NIS26 focuses on four strategic pillars that define the future of the Northern Province:
- Agriculture and Fisheries – unlocking value through sustainable aquaculture, sea cucumber and seaweed farming, and Agri-innovation
- Education and IT – positioning the North as Sri Lanka’s next IT and knowledge hub
- Tourism – developing authentic, high-value tourism rooted in culture, heritage, and nature
- Energy – accelerating renewable and sustainable energy solutions
These are strengthened by SMEs and startup ecosystems, empowering local entrepreneurs and connecting them to global markets.
Infrastructure has emerged as the single most critical enabler. TMC has actively advocated for enhanced air, land, and rail connectivity, including expansion plans for Jaffna International Airport, a dedicated container rail line, and a central logistics hub. Resolving these bottlenecks is expected to unlock a surge of interest—particularly from India and the wider region.
Equally vital is policy innovation. Rajapaksa emphasised the need for a special incentive scheme for the Northern Province, supported by Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), to accelerate investment while easing fiscal pressures on the State.
NIS26 has already attracted strong institutional and private-sector support. HNB has come on board as the official banking partner, alongside key partners such as the International Distillers Ltd. (IDL), National Enterprise Development Authority (NEDA), Industrial Investment Board (IDB), National Chamber of Exporters (NCE), Staff and Education development Association (SEDA), and international business councils. Further strengthening community and social impact, an MoU has been signed with the Lions District 306 D12, reflecting broad-based support for inclusive development.
International outreach continues to build momentum, with MoUs signed with organisations such as the Australia Sri Lanka Business Council and growing engagement from global investor networks.
As envisaged by NCE Secretary General/CEO Shiham Marikar, the summit will serve as a vital economic bridge—integrating the Northern Province more closely with national and international value chains.
With the NIS26 website live (https://summit.mhstaging2.com/), registrations open, and investor inquiries already flowing in, the summit is poised to unlock a robust investment pipeline over the next three to five years
An invitation to invest, collaborate, and co-create the future of the Northern Province.
Local and international investors, regional industrialists, the Sri Lankan expatriate community, policymakers, and innovators are invited to join this landmark initiative and be part of a story where vision becomes opportunity, and opportunity becomes national progress.
