Sajith calls for stronger SL-India business ties to drive regional growth

Tuesday, 9 June 2026 02:46 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Says South Asia’s economic future will be shaped by entrepreneurs and investors
Highlights opportunities from growing Sri Lanka-India economic integration

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa yesterday called for deeper economic engagement between Sri Lanka and India, arguing that businesses and entrepreneurs will play a decisive role in driving South Asia’s future growth and regional integration.

Addressing the Vestige Investor and Dealer Conference at Cinnamon Life, Colombo, Premadasa said the region’s economic resurgence would depend not only on Government policy but also on the efforts of business leaders, manufacturers, distributors, and investors who generate employment, investment, and economic activity.

He pointed to the longstanding economic and cultural ties between Sri Lanka and India, noting that initiatives such as Unified Payments Interface (UPI) integration and proposed energy connectivity projects were creating new opportunities for trade, investment, and cross-border collaboration.

Reflecting on Sri Lanka’s recent economic crisis, Premadasa said the country should pursue a social market economy that combines market-based growth with social justice, transparency, and equal opportunity.

“We believe in shared prosperity and inclusive growth. Economic progress must benefit all segments of society,” he said.

Premadasa also acknowledged the role played by dealers, distributors, manufacturers, and entrepreneurs in creating jobs, generating wealth, and supporting communities across the country.

He said businesses would need to adapt to a rapidly changing economic landscape shaped by automation and artificial intelligence (AI), arguing that customer trust, service quality, and long-term relationships would remain key competitive advantages.

Highlighting growing economic linkages between Sri Lanka and India, Premadasa said deeper regional integration was opening new avenues for trade and investment and encouraged businesses to pursue expansion and innovation.

“The success of South Asia’s economic resurgence will ultimately be driven by business leaders and entrepreneurs. You are the architects of our shared prosperity,” he said.

Premadasa also invited investors and business leaders to explore opportunities in Sri Lanka and contribute to the country’s long-term economic development.