Saturday Oct 24, 2026
Saturday Oct 24, 2026
Saturday, 24 October 2026 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Deputy Minister Chathuranga Abeysinghe
The Government plans to establish 18 new industrial zones as it seeks to attract investment, expand manufacturing capacity and position itself as a regional hub for trade, technology and industry, Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Deputy Minister Chathuranga Abeysinghe said.
Speaking at the NDTV World Summit 2026 in New Delhi, India, during a discussion on “Sri Lanka’s Economic Reset: Recovery, Resilience and the Road Ahead”, Abeysinghe said the country was shifting from economic stabilisation towards sustainable growth and called on international investors to participate in its next phase of development.
Of the proposed industrial zones, 11 are to be established through the Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Ministry, while the remaining seven will be developed through the Board of Investment of Sri Lanka (BOI).
Abeysinghe said Sri Lanka had the potential to become a regional centre for trade, research and development, technology and skilled talent. He called on the international businesses to move beyond supporting the country’s recovery and become partners in its long-term growth.
“Don’t just support Sri Lanka’s recovery, be part of its growth,” he said.
He also encouraged foreign companies to work with established Sri Lankan enterprises through investments, technology transfers and greater access to international markets.
Identifying opportunities for stronger economic cooperation between Sri Lanka and India, the Deputy Minister highlighted manufacturing, agricultural value addition, logistics, renewable energy, marine industries and technology as sectors with potential for mutually beneficial partnerships.
He said the Government was also working to simplify investment procedures, digitise public services and improve regulatory clarity to create a more investor-friendly business environment.
Abeysinghe stressed that sustained economic reforms, stronger governance, digital transformation and industrial development would be critical to strengthening Sri Lanka’s long-term resilience and competitiveness.
