Global Sri Lankans unite to power investment drive

Monday, 28 July 2025 04:47 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

GFSLBC Secretary General Sajeev Rajaputhra - Pic by Shehan Gunasekara

Global Federation of Sri Lankan Business Councils holds inaugural AGM to mobilise diaspora investment, support economic revival
GFSLBC Secretary General Sajeev Rajaputhra outlines core agenda focusing on boosting bilateral ties, attracting diaspora-led investment, serving as bridge between Govt. and global Sri Lankan diaspora
Calls on Govt. to engage diaspora as active partners in country’s recovery and development efforts

By Charumini de Silva

The Global Federation of Sri Lankan Business Councils (GFSLBC) last Friday unveiled a collaborative initiative to boost foreign investment, knowledge exchange, and technological advancement in the country by linking business councils representing Sri Lankan professionals and entrepreneurs across the world.

Speaking at the inaugural Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the GFSLBC in Colombo, its Secretary General Sajeev Rajaputhra said the Federation brings together Sri Lankan business councils from across the world for the first time under a unified platform with the goal of boosting bilateral economic ties, drawing investment, and becoming a bridge between the Government and the global Sri Lankan

diaspora.

“This is not just a gathering, it is a historic moment. What began two years ago as an ambitious idea has now become a reality thanks to the passionate Sri Lankan entrepreneurs living abroad,” he said, adding that the platform seeks to mobilise the global Sri Lankan diaspora to play an active role in driving the country’s economic, social, and technological progress.

Representatives from over 15 countries, including Japan, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the Middle East, and nations across Europe, were in attendance, reflecting the wide geographic spread and influence of the Sri Lankan business diaspora.

Rajaputhra shared that the Federation was built on the belief that when the global Sri Lankan business community comes together, it can meaningfully contribute to the country’s future.

“The individuals in this room represent decades of entrepreneurial success and international networks and, above all, a profound love for their motherland—Sri Lanka,” he stressed.

Noting that the GFSBC agenda focuses on three key goals, he listed out boosting bilateral ties between Sri Lanka and diaspora-host countries, attracting much-needed investment for economic recovery, and acting as a dynamic liaison between Government and private sector stakeholders abroad.

“We believe Sri Lanka is not lacking in potential, only in the right structure to unlock it—and that’s where we aim to play our part,” he added.

Calling for partnership, recognition and access, Rajaputhra urged the Government to work closely with the diaspora as active stakeholders in the country’s development.

“Let us be remembered for this moment when the global Sri Lankan business community stood together and said: ‘We are here and ready. Let’s join hands to take Sri Lanka into the first world, together,’” he said.

The two-day summit saw collaborative sessions focused on investment facilitation, trade partnerships, diaspora engagement strategies, and institutional reforms to enable smoother business-to-Government coordination.

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