News

Colombo, Sri Lanka – 8 September 2025 – The Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council (CWEIC) hosted an exclusive networking lunch in Colombo, convening Strategic Partners, senior government officials, and private-sector leaders to strengthen collaboration and unlock new opportunities for investment and trade in Sri Lanka.

Held under the auspices of CWEIC’s Sri Lanka Hub, chaired by Board Member Niro Cooke, with , Board Member Pamela O’Leary, Strategic Adviser for Southeast Asia Tulsi Wallooppillai, and Sri Lanka Country Director Deshan Gonawela also present, the event highlighted Sri Lanka’s unique position as a gateway between South Asia and the wider Commonwealth.

Following a period of economic adjustment, Sri Lanka’s economy is showing renewed momentum, with GDP growth projected at around 3% for 2025, improving fiscal stability under IMF-supported reforms, and rising exports across textiles, IT services, and tourism. With its strategic location on key Indian Ocean shipping routes and a highly skilled workforce, Sri Lanka offers growing opportunities for investors seeking long-term partnerships in the region.

The guests was honoured to welcome Hon. Sunil Handunnetti, Minister of Industries and Entrepreneurship Development, who emphasised the importance of public-private collaboration to drive industrial diversification, SME growth, and sustainable development.

Attendees included representatives from CWEIC Strategic Partners and leading businesses:

• George Steuart & Co.

• Port City Colombo

• Rank Holdings

• ShoreTree Holdings

• Ventra Group

• eWis

• Standard Chartered Sri Lanka

• LOLC Holdings

The lunch was also joined by British High Commissioner Andrew Patrick and other distinguished guests.

Pamela O’Leary, attending on behalf of the CWEIC Board, underlined the optimism surrounding Sri Lanka’s recovery and the value of Commonwealth connectivity, noting that the gathering demonstrated how strategic relationships can translate into tangible investment and innovation.

This event reinforces CWEIC’s mission to advance trade and investment across its 56-member family, positioning Sri Lanka as a dynamic regional hub and a key player in the Commonwealth Advantage, where trade between members is, on average, 21% cheaper and investment flows 27% higher. CWEIC will continue to build on this momentum through further delegations, roundtables, and investor engagements in Colombo and across the region.

More pictures are available here.