Sweden-Sri Lanka Business Council maps members’ priorities

Wednesday, 17 June 2026 07:13 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Secretary General Anndala Ehrstedt

Simplified visa procedures, predictable tax rules, smoother capital flows and measures against brain drain are key priorities identified by members of the Sweden-Sri Lanka Business Council.

The findings come from a dialogue study initiated by the Board after its appointment in March 2026.

Sweden-Sri Lanka Business Council Secretary General Anndala Ehrstedt said: “Our membership has grown from 75 to nearly 100 members over the past three years. This is a clear sign of the increasing interest in Sri Lanka among Swedish businesses.”

The study deepens SSLBC’s 2025 Membership Survey and will guide the Board’s priorities. In total, 20 members answered open questions about their most important issues in relation to Sri Lanka and topics for future SSLBC webinars.

The responses show strong engagement, but also practical challenges. Members want a better understanding of Sri Lanka’s macroeconomic and political development, investment structures, direct investment opportunities and projects such as Port City Colombo.

Legal and regulatory issues are central. Members highlight the need for a predictable tax system, smoother compliant capital flows, clearer conditions for repatriation of profits and reliable banking relations. The absence of an adequacy decision under the GDPR was raised as a challenge, creating extra costs and administration.

Visa regulations remain a recurring concern, both for Swedish companies bringing Sri Lankan employees to Sweden and for Swedish entrepreneurs renewing residence visas in Sri Lanka. SSLBC is in dialogue with the Swedish Embassy in Delhi and the Sri Lankan Embassy in Stockholm.

Members also ask for practical support when establishing or developing operations in Sri Lanka, including guidance on regulations, local partners and advisers.

Tourism is another important area. Members want to understand how the sector is developing and want to learn how to contribute to promoting Sri Lanka. Air connectivity, security, sustainable tourism and accessibility were also highlighted.

Among members in tech and ICT, brain drain is described as a threat to long-term development.

“The dialogue study is an important working tool for the Board. We will use it in meetings in Sri Lanka and Sweden and act as messengers to those able to address the challenges,” added Ehrstedt.