Sri Lanka Connect 2026 positions Sri Lanka as a strategic partner for Indonesian investment

• Sri Lanka–Indonesia Business and Investment Forum in Jakarta brings policymakers, investment promotion agencies and business leaders together under the theme “Bridging Markets, Unlocking Growth”

The Board of Investment of Sri Lanka (BOI) participated in Sri Lanka Connect 2026, the Sri Lanka–Indonesia Business and Investment Forum organised by the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Jakarta on 16 October 2026 at the JW Marriott Hotel, Jakarta.

Convened under the theme “Bridging Markets, Unlocking Growth”, the forum was designed to strengthen economic cooperation between the two nations by fostering two-way investment, commercial and strategic partnerships, and policy dialogue. It offered policymakers, investment promotion agencies, business leaders, and investors from both countries a platform to exchange perspectives, showcase investment opportunities, and identify new avenues for collaboration.

The forum featured a keynote address by Indonesia›s Minister of Investment and Downstream Industry Rosan Roeslani and a video message from Sri Lanka›s Deputy Minister of Economic Development Nishantha Jayaweera.

Sri Lanka: the best business destination in Asia to grow your business

The opening panel presented Sri Lanka as a strategic investment destination in South Asia, highlighting its access to regional markets, advantageous geographical location and business-friendly investment environment.

Panelists at Connect 2026 Jakarta examined why Sri Lanka is an ideal destination for foreign direct investment, including government incentives and policy support, ease of doing business, opportunities within landmark national development projects, and Public-Private Partnership opportunities. Priority sectors showcased included: Real Estate Development; Logistics and Supply Chain; Maritime and Port-related Industries; Textile and Apparel and Pharmaceuticals and Healthcare Manufacturing.

The panel featured BOI Executive Director (Promotion) Ganga Palalkatiya, Colombo Port City Economic Commission Head of Branding and Communications Dhanya Gunawardana, Kalbe International Ltd., Director Rudy Santosa Irawan, and CBL Global Foods Chairperson/Group Managing Director and the Indonesia–Sri Lanka Business Council President Sheamalee Wickramasingha,. The session was moderated by Ceylon Chamber of Commerce Secretary General/CEO Shiran Fernando.

Sri Lanka as an investor in Indonesia

The second panel turned to Indonesia as one of Asia’s fastest-growing investment destinations, supported by strong economic fundamentals, a large consumer market, progressive investment reforms and significant downstream industrial development. Discussion covered the current status of Sri Lankan investment in Indonesia, the country’s evolving investment landscape, priority sectors for foreign investors, and institutional cooperation to further strengthen bilateral investment relations.

Panellists included Danantara Chief Economist/Managing Director Reza Siregar, Hayleys Aventura Managing Director Dr Wasaba Jayasekara, MAS Holdings’ Silueta Ltd., CEO Ruwan Keragala, and KADIN (Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry). The session was moderated by CIMA Global Learning Partner Akalangka De Zoysa.

The forum drew representatives of Indonesian conglomerates, chambers and business associations, Indonesian Government officials, Honorary Consuls of Sri Lanka and their delegations, representatives of Sri Lankan companies operating in Indonesia, media and social media influencers, and a Sri Lankan delegation including members of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce.   The BOI will continue to engage with Indonesian investors who expressed interest during the forum, in collaboration with the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Jakarta.