Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Chathuranga Abeysinghe tells Osaka Business Forum Sri Lanka is on path of economic recovery and transformation
Assures corruption and inefficiencies in public services being eradicated with strong political will of President Disanayake
Says officially out of bankruptcy, Sri Lanka moving into rapid growth phase
Showcases high potential for Japanese companies in multiple sectors of Sri Lanka
By Nisthar Cassim in Osaka
Sri Lanka yesterday urged investors and businesses based on Osaka to seize mutually beneficial opportunities as the country is on a path of economic recovery and transformation under the Presidency of Anura Kumara Disanayake.
This strong message was conveyed by Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Chathuranga Abeysinghe during his keynote at the Sri Lanka Business Forum and Networking Session organised by the Export Development Board and the Sri Lanka Embassy in Japan, on the sidelines of the World Expo 2025, Osaka. The forum was supported by the Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO).
“The relationship between Sri Lanka and Japan spans over decades, built on mutual respect, development cooperation, and people-to-people ties. Japan has been a strong partner in Sri Lanka’s journey of growth—from infrastructure and technology transfer to education and humanitarian support. We are here to transform this friendship into stronger business partnerships—creating value for both our countries,” said Abeysinghe at the Forum.
Nearly 100 business persons based in Osaka attended the event along with representatives from 20 Sri Lankan companies currently in Japan buttressing the State visit by President Anura Kumara Disanayake.
“Despite global challenges, Sri Lanka is on a path of economic recovery and transformation. People of the country have spoken, corruption and inefficiencies in public services will be eradicated with a strong political will, and we are now officially out of bankruptcy, moving into a rapid growth phase. Our Government is committed to fostering a competitive, export-driven, and innovation-led economy,” emphasised Abeysinghe at the forum ahead of President Disanayake officiating at the Sri Lanka Day at World Expo 2025 in Osaka today.
High potential for Japanese companies in multiple sectors of Sri Lanka
The Deputy Minister also told Osaka based businesses that with strategic location in the Indian Ocean, modern port infrastructure, preferential trade agreements, and a skilled workforce, Sri Lanka is positioning itself as a gateway to West, East and Middle East. Key reforms in industry, entrepreneurship, and investment climate are paving the way for sustainable growth and private sector participation, he added.
The Forum showcased the high potential for Japanese companies in sectors such as Sri Lanka’s apparel, food and agriculture gems and jewellery, ICT and knowledge services, wellness and Ayurveda and hospitality; handicrafts, rubber, and industrial products and art and entertainment.
Specific mutually beneficial opportunities highlighted include expanding access for Sri Lankan goods into Japanese markets and vice versa; leveraging Sri Lanka as a hub for manufacturing, logistics, and technology; collaborating in renewable energy, digital industries, smart agriculture, and advanced manufacturing; partnering with SMEs and startups, fostering innovation ecosystems and promoting Sri Lanka as a unique destination for Japanese travellers seeking nature, heritage, and wellness.
Deputy Minister Abeysinghe reiterated President Disanayake Government’s unwavering commitment to supporting investors and exporters. “We are streamlining procedures, enhancing ease of doing business, and creating special programs to empower small and medium entrepreneurs. Public-private partnerships are at the core of our policy framework. We believe entrepreneurship is the engine of growth, and we invite Japanese companies to join us in nurturing entrepreneurship in Sri Lanka,” he emphasised.
He described the Forum as the beginning of many conversations, collaborations, and success stories and urged Japanese businesses to seize the opportunity to redefine Sri Lanka–Japan economic relations for the next generation.
Sri Lanka’s Ambassador in Japan Prof. Janak Kumarasinghe, and JETRO Osaka Director General Hideki Sho also spoke.
SLEDB Chairman and CEO Mangala Wijesinghe spoke about export potential of Sri Lanka for the benefit of Japanese buyers and investors; BOI Assistant Director, Japan Desk Arunya De Silva made a compelling case for Japanese companies to consider investing in Sri Lanka; and Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau Managing Director Sampath Nishshanka showcased the attractiveness of Sri Lanka as a leisure, cultural and wellness destination for Japanese.
The forum was followed by pre-arranged one-on-one meetings between Sri Lankan and Japanese companies keen to jointly explore business prospects.
The Friday’s forum kicked off a five-day joint private-public initiative to boost Japanese interests in Sri Lanka.
President Disanayake is scheduled to land in Osaka today from an overnight flight from New York following the participation at the United Nations General Assembly.
He will visit the Sri Lanka Pavilion at World Expo 2025 today and meet businesses and officials in Osaka.
On Monday he will further engage with businesses and officials based in Tokyo and also address an investment promotion seminar organised by the Board of Investment.
As part of the State visit, President Disanayake on Tuesday (30 September) is scheduled to meet senior leaders of the Japanese Government for bilateral talks.
The private sector delegation is led by the Sri Lanka—Japan Business Council (SLJBC) under the aegis of The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce. The delegation of over 20 personnel/companies has interests in manufacturing, exports, services, tourism, logistics and IT.
The delegation is led by Ceylon Chamber of Commerce and John Keells Holdings Chairperson Krishan Balendra, and comprises Sri Lanka—Japan Business Council (SLJBC) Vice President and Spear International Ltd. Chairman and Managing Director Shamil Mendis; SLJBC Treasurer and MendisOne Chairman Rohitha Mendis; SLJBC Immediate Past President and Andrew the Travel Company Managing Director Mahen Kariyawasan; BOV Capital Managing Partner Prajeeth Balasubramaniam; Celestia International CEO Chandana Silva; Connaissance De Ceylan CEO Chamin Wickramasinghe; Dentsu Grant Chairperson and Managing Director Neela Marikkar; E.W Information Systems Chairman Sanjeewa Wickramanayake; Hayleys PLC Director Sarath Ganegoda; hSenid Group Chairman Dinesh Saparamadu; Lanka Harness Executive President Rohan Pallewatta; MAC Holdings Chairman and President Otani San; MAC Holdings Managing Director Andre Fernando; MendisOne Managing Director Rishantha Mendis; Microsoft Sri Lanka and Maldives Country Manager Harsha Randeny; Tomo Wold Ceylon Chairman Nishantha Perera; Adamajee Lukmanjee and Sons Business Partner Exports Hashini Kalansuriya; Jayalanka Suppliers Managing Director Ganidhu Ishara; Transfood Lanka Director Sajahan Pasie and NCINGA Group Managing Director Vajira Wijesinghe.
Japan is Sri Lanka’s 15th largest export market at $ 170 million and Sri Lanka’s 16th biggest source for imports at $ 250 million as per 2024 data. Japan is also the 16th biggest source market for tourists at 25,000 in the first eight months of 2025.
AloJapan.com